Let Your Curiosity Run Deep at Cumberland Caverns

The privately owned Cumberland Caverns opened to the public in 1956 for guided tours 333 feet below the ground’s surface, and in 1973, the National Park Service recognized this geological wonderland as a National Natural Landmark.

Today, cave excursions range from walkable tours suitable for all ages to strenuous climbs designated for older teens and adults. Even if you’ve visited previously, Cumberland Caverns offers a new experience with recently updated tour options and an exciting cinematic showcase featured on select excursions.

No matter how you choose to explore, every trip features the majestic splendor found only underground.

Visitors on the Discovery Walking Tour have the unique experience of learning of Cumberland Caverns’ exciting history in an immersive and truly unique cinematic experience. It’s a little bit country, a little bit rock and a whole lot of fun. If you’ve been before, it’s time to go again.
 

Today, guests can experience the cave in ways that range from four family friendly Walking Tours to four demanding Adventure Tours designed to challenge the most adventurous. Even returning visitors will find something new, with recently updated tour options and a cinematic showcase featured on select excursions.

No matter which path you choose, each step reveals a world that can only be experienced below the surface – 333 feet below, to be exact.

Choose from four guided walking tours, each designed to highlight a different story of the cave.

• Discovery Tour – The flagship 90-minute experience, featuring a new immersive video, a sound-and-light show in the Hall of the Mountain King, and more than 350 natural stone steps along the route.
• Cardwell Mountain History – The most accessible tour, perfect for families, with stories of early explorers and a stop in the spectacular Volcano Room – home to a crystal chandelier suspended 60 feet above the cave floor.
• Lanterns & Legends – A low-light, story-driven journey into the myths and mysteries of the cave, best suited for ages 8 and up.
• Hidden Gems – A private VIP excursion with extended access and exclusive experiences.

For those who crave more than walking paths, adventure tours push the boundaries of exploration with climbing, crawling and squeezing through rarely seen passages.

• Hall Crawl (ages 6+) – A muddy, crawl-through adventure that reveals glowing gypsum crystals.
• Higgenbotham’s Hollow (ages 11+) – Trace the steps of the cave’s first explorer.
• The Crucible and Guts and Glory (ages 16+) – The most strenuous challenges, featuring ladder climbs, canyon scaling and the dramatic crossing of Devil’s Quarry.

Groups of 10 or more can extend their adventure into the night. Overnight excursions include options such as Muddy Mayhem, Skylight Sleepover, Into the Dark and Lights Out, each increasing in difficulty.

Reservations are required, and age minimums vary by experience.
 

Historic Cumberland Caverns’ story started millions of years ago, and the cave remains the home of fascinating creatures. Privately opened to the public in 1956, the caverns quickly earned recognition as a geological wonder. In 1973, the National Park Service named it a National Natural Landmark. The Cave’s staff and the community work in partnership to maintain the formation’s natural significance while providing amazing experiences for all.

First documented in 1810 by Aaron Higgenbotham, the cave seemed to stretch endlessly underground. Nearly 150 years later, explorers from the National Speleological Society discovered a passage that linked Higgenbotham Cave with another nearby system. The result became known as Historic Cumberland Caverns.

Tennessee is home to more than 11,000 documented caves, but fewer than 10 are open to the public. Historic Cumberland Caverns has welcomed explorers for nearly 70 years while protecting its fragile environment.

Only about 10% of the system is accessible through the 12 offered tours. The rest remains untouched, preserving delicate formations and ecosystems for future generations. Every tour serves as both an adventure and a reminder of why conservation matters.
 

Advance reservations are required for adventure, overnight and private tours, and are highly recommended for all visits due to limited capacity. Walk-ups are accepted on a space-available basis for the Cardwell Mountain History and Discovery tours.

Please note: as a natural environment, Historic Cumberland Caverns is not ADA accessible. All tours involve uneven terrain, steps and varied walking conditions.

Curiosity has been leading explorers here for more than 200 years. Plan your visit now at cumberlandcaverns.com and discover what lies beneath Tennessee.