Cumberland Caverns was one of those experiences that left a lasting impression. On Thursday, September 24, 2020, we traveled to McMinnville, Tennessee, to explore this fascinating underground world.

We purchased tickets for the Discovery Walking Tour, a 90-minute guided experience that took us deep into the cavern system. Our outstanding guide, Berlyn, made the tour even more enjoyable as we learned about the caverns’ fascinating history and geology. Tours were offered every hour on the hour, making it easy to fit a visit into our day. Cumberland Caverns also offers a variety of daytime and overnight adventures for those looking for a more immersive experience.

Our tour revealed a history that was just as fascinating as the formations surrounding us. We learned that the cave system was discovered by Aaron Higgenbotham in 1810 and later played a role in the production of saltpeter, an important ingredient used in making gunpowder. The caverns also have connections to the area’s moonshine history, including raids conducted in attempts to capture moonshine makers who used the extensive cave system to hide their operations.

Of course, the natural formations were the stars of the tour. We marveled at the incredible stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over thousands of years. Every turn seemed to reveal another unusual shape or formation, making the journey through the cavern feel like exploring an underground art gallery created entirely by nature.

One of the most memorable moments came when our guide turned off the lights, leaving us in complete darkness. I had never experienced total darkness like that before, and it was surprisingly eerie. Without even a hint of light, the cave suddenly felt much larger and more mysterious. We were then treated to a brief light show that illuminated the cavern in a completely different way.

Another surprise was learning that the caverns extend for more than 32 miles and reach approximately 333 feet below the surface. Even more unexpected was discovering that Cumberland Caverns’ Volcano Room hosts concerts. Experiencing live music deep underground is certainly not something you encounter every day!

Photographs really don’t do this place justice. The scale of the caverns, unusual formations, darkness, and atmosphere are things you need to experience in person. Our 90-minute tour gave us just a glimpse into this remarkable underground world, but it was enough to make Cumberland Caverns a memorable stop in Tennessee.

If you enjoy history, geology, photography, or unique adventures, Cumberland Caverns is definitely worth adding to your Tennessee travel itinerary.

If You Go

• Location: McMinnville, Tennessee
• Visited: September 24, 2020
• Tour: Discovery Walking Tour
• Tour length: Approximately 90 minutes
• Highlights: Stalactites, stalagmites, cave history, light show, and the Volcano Room
• History: The caverns were discovered by Aaron Higgenbotham in 1810 and were later associated with saltpeter production and moonshine activity.
• What to wear: Comfortable walking shoes and clothing suitable for cool, underground conditions.
• Tours: Cumberland Caverns offers several tour options, including daytime and overnight adventures.
• Tip: Check the current tour schedule and ticket availability before your visit, as tour offerings and times can change.
• Photography: Bring your camera, but don’t expect photographs to capture the full scale and atmosphere of the caverns.

Reference Cumberland Caverns

Cumberland Caverns Photos

Tennessee Hiking and Attraction Map

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• Cumberland Caverns
• Burgess Falls State Park
• South Cumberland State Park: Savage Falls
• South Cumberland State Park: Greeter Falls and Broadtree Falls
• Collins Gulf Trail to Suter Falls
• Sparta, Tennessee
• Cummins State Park
• City Lake Natural Area
• Sewanee Memorial Cross
• Bridal Veil Falls, TN
• Natural Bridge, TN
• Sewanee: The University of the South
• Backyard Terrors Dinosaur Park, TN