Tuckaleechee Caverns – 12 Interesting Facts You Need To Know

If you are wondering if Tuckaleechee Caverns is worth a stop, let me help you out… IT IS! Our family has visited the Caverns multiple times, and each time we have learned something new. Here are 12 interesting facts you need to know about the Tuckaleechee Caverns.

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Tuckaleechee Caverns History

When most people think of the Smoky Mountains they usually envision the beauty they can see above ground. But there is a whole other wondrous world under the mountains! One that is filled with stalagmites and stalactites, ice cold, crystal clear spring water streams, and even a double waterfall.

1) The Tuckaleechee Caverns were discovered by 6 year olds.

As young boys in the 1930’s, W.E. “Bill” Vananda and Harry Myers of Townsend, first discovered the opening while playing near a sink hole. They frequently ventured into the main passage to play Tom Sawyer. The only light they had came from homemade lamps which were basically just pop bottles with kerosene inside and only provided enough light to see a few feet in front of them.

The two men grew up and managed to work whatever jobs they could to raise money to purchase the necessary materials and equipment to make the Caverns a tourist attraction. After carrying in tons of cement and gravel to build steps and passageways, the Tuckaleechee Caverns opened in 1953.

2) The Tuckaleechee Caverns Are Estimated to be 20-30 Million Years Old.

Tuckaleechee means “peaceful valley” in Cherokee. It is carved deep inside the earth’s oldest mountain chain and estimated to be 20-30 million years old! The Caverns are only one of the 10,000 known caves in Tennessee.

On your tour you will walk past incredible stalagmites and stalactites of all shapes and sizes. To help you have a better understanding of the age of Tuckaleechee Caverns, the average growth of formations is about one cubic inch per 100 years! YES! ONE CUBIC INCH PER 100 YEARS! That’s a lot of dripping water!

3) The Average Temperature Underground Is 58 Degrees.

While that may seem chilly to some, it really isn’t that bad because you are moving while you are down there. Most of the people in our group just had on hoodies.

You will also want to make sure that you are wearing proper shoes. I would suggest a pair that is non slip, like hiking boots or tennis shoes, and a pair that you don’t mind possibly getting dirty. After all, you will be underground where there is dirt and water, and that makes mud!

If you are looking for some wonderful books to go along with your Smoky Mountains vacation, make sure you check out our complete list HERE.

4) Yes, It Is Safe

The tours at Tuckaleechee Caverns start about every 10-15 minutes and the 1.25 miles round trip takes about 90 minutes. At the beginning of each tour you will get a safety briefing. Make sure you pay attention as they go over somethings you should keep in mind during your visit.

• You are going underground so there are quite a few stairs. I think the first section that takes you down into the Caverns has about 80 steps. The only way in and out of the Cavern is the stairs.
• When you are walking up or down the stairs, use the handrails! They are there for a reason. The stairways consist of metal and natural stairs, and in some areas they are narrow and uneven. As long as you take your time, and pay attention to what you are doing, you will be fine!
• Since you will be underground, and there is flowing water and moisture, that can mean that in some areas the floors might be a little slick. This is when having good shoes comes in handy!
• And lastly, WATCH YOUR HEAD! There are a couple sections of the caverns where you have to duck your head to walk through. But if you don’t duck, you might leave with a souvenir bump on your head.

5) The Big Room is Taller Than Mammoth Caves

Inside the Tuckaleechee Caverns, there is a room that was discovered in 1954 that they named the “Big Room.” And for good reason! The Big Room is more than 400 feet long, 300 feet across, and 150 feet deep. That is almost large enough to fit a football field in it! Mammoth Cave in Kentucky has maximum ceiling heights of only about 120 feet.

While looks can be deceiving in the Big Room due to the v-shaped floor and domed ceiling, the stalagmites in the picture above, are 24 feet tall! Inside the Big Room is also where…

6) You Will Experience Total Darkness

During your tour of the Big Room, your guide will turn off all of the lights for a minute so you can experience total darkness. And let me tell you, it’s DARK! During that time, you realize how brave Bill and Harry were when they first crawled into the cave opening.

7) You Can Make A Wish At The Wishing Well

Make sure you bring some change so all of your wishes come true! The best thing about the wishing well is that every year the money is removed and donated to a local school.

8) There Is A Double Waterfall In The Tuckaleechee Caverns

Towards the end of he tour, you will make your way to Silverfalls; the tallest subterranean waterfall in the Eastern U.S.. It stretches 210 feet tall from top to bottom. And let me tell you, it is breathtaking! I’ve always had a love of waterfalls but being able to see one underground, in a Cavern that basically water created, is an incredible feeling.

Thankfully, due to the recently installed lighting you can now see the upper section of the falls.

9) You Can Drink The Spring Water

Yes, you read that right! The water is so crystal clean, and untouched from the modern world, that you can drink it right from the source. Trust me, the spring water tastes nothing like any water you will find above ground! It is so refreshing and cold! Make sure you bring an empty refillable water bottle so you can fill it up in the spring water streams.

10) There Is A Bear In The Caverns

WAIT! Whaaaaa?!

I know what you’re thinking, “I’m not going in a cave with a bear!?” Don’t worry, it’s not a real bear. Just a rock that is shaped like one.

Hahaha! You almost believed me there for a second!

11) The Most Sensitive Seismic Station on Earth Is At Tuckaleechee Caverns

The Seismic station inside the Caves is monitored 24-7 and can pick up waves crashing on the coast 500 miles away, nuclear bomb tests, and earthquakes from across the globe. The information they receive is sent around the world via satellite and is monitored by the United States Department of Defense at the Pentagon and the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

12) Tuckaleechee Caverns Are Called “The Greatest Sight Under The Smokies”

And boy, they weren’t kidding! Our family has been to the Caverns multiple times, and every time we discover something new. Their tour guides are some of the best that we have ever had. They were very knowledgeable about the history and science of the caverns, but they also made it fun even for the smallest children.

If you are ever in the Smoky Mountain area, make sure you book a tour at Tuckaleechee Caverns. But keep an eye out for the bear! (Hahaha!)

Have you ever visited a cavern? If so, let us know where in the comments below!

Know Before You Go

• Website: https://tuckaleecheecaverns.com/
• Address: 825 Cavern Road, Townsend, TN 37882
• Email: TuckaleecheeCaverns@gmail.com
• Hours: Open 7 Days a week; March 1st– March 31 10am – 5pm, April 1 – October 31 10am – 6pm, and November 1 – November 30th 10am – 5pm.
• Admission: Adults – $18, Children (5-11) – $8, and Children (4 and under) – FREE. (Check website for up to date pricing and hours.)
• Social Media: Facebook, and Instagram.

Check out our other Tennessee adventures:

• Wonderful Children’s Books About Tennessee and the Smoky Mountains
• Horse Back Riding Through The Foothills Of The Smoky Mountains – Townsend
• Soar High Through the Treetop World of Anakeesta – Gatlinburg
• Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies – Gatlinburg
• Smoky Mountains Farm Stay – Pioneer Cabins – Townsend
• What to Expect At Dollywood – Pigeon Forge