Tuckaleechee Caverns: A Subterranean Wonderland
Explore Tuckaleechee Caverns in Townsend, Tennessee—an awe-inspiring subterranean adventure filled with stunning geological formations and rich natural history.
Nestled in the scenic landscape of Townsend, Tennessee, Tuckaleechee Caverns offers an enchanting journey through magnificent subterranean formations. Perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike, this natural wonder showcases stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and underground rivers, providing a glimpse into a hidden world beneath the earth's surface.
A brief summary to Tuckaleechee Caverns
- 825 Cavern Rd, Townsend, Tennessee, 37882, US
- +1865-448-2274
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-6 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
- Thursday 10 am-6 pm
- Friday 10 am-6 pm
- Saturday 10 am-6 pm
- Sunday 10 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Dress in layers; the temperature inside the caverns is cooler than outside.
- Wear comfortable shoes as the tour involves walking on uneven surfaces.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning formations, but be respectful of the cave environment.
- Plan your visit early in the day to avoid crowds, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Getting There
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Car
Starting from Knoxville, TN, get on I-40 W from Neyland Dr. Follow I-40 W to US-321 N/US-441 N in Lenoir City. Take exit 362A from I-40 W. Continue on US-321 N for about 22 miles, then turn left onto TN-73 W. Follow TN-73 W for approximately 12 miles. Turn right onto Cavern Rd, and Tuckaleechee Caverns will be on your left at 825 Cavern Rd, Townsend, TN 37882. Parking is free on-site.
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Public Transportation
Public transport options to Tuckaleechee Caverns are limited. First, take the Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) bus to the Knoxville Transit Center. From there, you would need to take a taxi or rideshare service (like Uber or Lyft) to Tuckaleechee Caverns. The distance from the downtown area to the caverns is about 25 miles, and the taxi fare could range from $40 to $60 depending on traffic.
Discover more about Tuckaleechee Caverns
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Little River Gorge
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Cades Cove Primitive Baptist Church
7.2 km
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Dan Lawson Cabin
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Henry Whitehead House
10.6 km
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Mayna Treanor Avent Studio
17.1 km
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Elkmont Historic District
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Sam Houston Historic Schoolhouse
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Tucker Springs
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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General Sam Houston Historical Marker
20.7 km
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Goats on the Roof of the Smoky Mountains
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The Goat Coaster at Goats on the Roof
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John Ownby Cabin
20.9 km
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Cataract Falls
21.5 km
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Smokies Life
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Unmissable attractions to see
Little River Railroad/Lumber Museum
2.9 km
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Cades Cove Heritage Tours
5.1 km
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Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center
5.1 km
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John Oliver Cabin
5.7 km
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Cades Cove Scenic Loop
5.7 km
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Cades Cove Picnic Area
5.8 km
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The Townsend Wye
6.0 km
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Cades Cove entrance
6.0 km
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Foothills Pkwy
6.3 km
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Cades Cove Missionary Baptist Church
7.3 km
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Tipton Place
8.5 km
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Spruce Flats Falls
8.7 km
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Meigs Falls
9.0 km
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Cades Cove
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Elijah Oliver Cabin
9.7 km
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Essential places to dine
Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro
2.2 km
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Good Vibes On the River
2.3 km
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Jim Bob's BBQ
3.0 km
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Trailhead Steak & Trout
3.3 km
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Pizza Hut
3.8 km
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The Riverstone Restaurant
5.4 km
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Burger Master Drive In
5.4 km
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The Barn
8.9 km
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Elvira's Cafe
10.6 km
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Boss Hogg's BBQ Shack
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The Peddler Steakhouse
23.3 km
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Bennett's Pit Bar-B-Que
23.4 km
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The Park Grill
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Crockett's Breakfast Camp
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Cumberland Jacks LeConte Kitchen
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Potter's Bench
1.0 km
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Apple Valley Mountain Village & Cafe
2.4 km
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The Dancing Bean
2.4 km
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Cades Cove Jeep Outpost
4.3 km
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Cades Cove Campground Store and Bike Rental
6.0 km
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Rocky Top Country Store
10.3 km
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Harper Bros. General Merchandise Store
10.5 km
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Mountain Brothers General Store
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Honeysuckle Rose Boutique
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Puzzled
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Antique Mall
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Lanier's General Store
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Giftville
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Gifts Unlimited
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Season's Best
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Little River Pub and Deli
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The Abbey at the Heartland Chapel
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Peaceful Side Social | Townsend
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Company Distilling
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Snoring Bear Diner
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Brackins Blues Club
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Two Doors Down
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Waterfront Bar & Grill
21.1 km
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Irish Pub & Sports Grill
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Par-T-Pub
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Salty Bear
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Dude's Daiquiris
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Shamrock Pub
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Hogg Shed
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Iron Boar Saloon
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