Tuckaleechee Caverns

The Tuckaleechee Caverns have been a part of Townsend’s history for hundreds of years. A legend recalls that the Cherokee Indians would use these caverns to hide from the white settlers until around 1850. The Caverns were finally opened to the public in 1931, but this only lasted for one year because of the Great Depression. Bill Vananda and Harry Myers of Townsend opened up the Caverns to the public in 1953 and they have remained open ever since. The site has some of the best formations of any cave in East Tennessee. The Caverns have what they call, “The Big Room.” This room is more than 400 feet long, 300 feet across, and 150 feet deep, with stalagmites as tall as 24 feet. One of the newest sections open to the public is the “Silver Falls.” This is actually a 200-foot double waterfall. Only the lower section can be fully viewed, but visitors can look at to see the lighted upper falls. Call (865) 448-2274 to book your visit today!