Cumberland Caverns
Cumberland Caverns
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
About
Tennessee's Largest Show Cave and a U.S. National Natural Landmark. We are open 7 days a week all year round! We have 12 different tour options ranging from easy hikes to extreme adventure tours. Check our website for tour times and availability.
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- Maureen WZion, Illinois55 contributionsLarge open caveNice tour. We went on the 90 minute tour which included a light show. Beware, this tour does have stairs, so if you have limitations, you might want to do the 60 minute tour. Suprised by the size of the cave, it is a good cave for those who have some claustrophobia like me. I beleive they do offer some tours when crawling is involved but not on the 90 minute tour.Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 12 September 2023
- michaelmE8573AYHoover, Alabama8 contributionsGreat place to visit and tour.We have a wonderful guided tour through the caverns. As my wife and I were the only ones on this tour, it became a very detailed tour. We were able to ask numerous questions of our knowledgeable guide without interruption. He was also able to give us some behind the scenes exploits of the original explorers, without having the make it G rated. We highly recommend visiting and taking the expenned Caverns tour.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 November 2023
- Kenneth S54 contributionsGreat cave trip, great cave guideI went on a wonderful wild cave trip starting at the original entrance. Our guide was Markie Mullins. I had already been through this part of the cave on past trips. Markie already knew this but she was still a true professional. Answering our questions, alerting us to hazarded areas and allowing us enough time to take photos of interesting sections of the route. Cumberland Caverns has a good cave guide in Markie.Visited December 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 19 December 2023
- Ethan Hunter P1 contributionAwesome trip!Our guides, Justin & Zoey, were so cool and knowledgable! We had a small intimate group which made for a very personal trip together. Justin & Zoey led us in full confidence, had jokes, and lots of info on the cave as we navigated our way through. They accommodated any needs we had, helped us through the tricky parts, and made us feel safe the whole way. Highly recommend this cave as it’s just an awesome feature of the planet we live on and for the wonderful staff here!Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 8 February 2024
- Katie PWotton-under-Edge, United Kingdom24 contributionsBrilliant tour of a fascinating cave systemBrilliant tour with knowledgeable guide. It was fascinating to learn about the history of the tunnels being discovered - we were fortunate to bump into one of the explorers in the lobby. Brilliant to see. We really enjoyed the grande finale.Visited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 May 2024
- PoppyTravelsMemphis, Tennessee6 contributionsCumberland Caverns is a WONDERFUL experience!We absolutely LOVED it and will go back again! This is an amazing natural wonder, undiscovered by any humans until the 1800's and taken such good care of, and with excellent features for tourists. The guides are knowledgeable and sincere. They love the caverns and are entertaining while sharing facts. It's so beautiful!Visited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten 10 May 2024
- Sam C5 contributionsLoved it!I was not expecting much when I road in. I took what I think was the cheapest and shortest tour into the caves. The guide was knowledgable and super nice. Being in the caves was fun. I enjoyed seeing the concert venue, the temperature and atmosphere of the caves, and the different formations. I could see coming back to do some of the longer cave options if I am in the area again with some time. Its not cheap but nothing is these days felt I got my moneys worth. Thanks Cumberland Caverns!Visited October 2023Travelled soloWritten 3 August 2024
- Maher K1 contributionExciting Tour of the Cumberland Caves with RissaOne of the best places to visit in TN. We took an hour and a half tour in the Caves, and it was really exciting. Our tour guide Rissa was very welcoming and informative, she explained the history and all the details about the Caves. She made our trip very memorable.Visited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten 20 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
503 reviews
Excellent
342
Very good
108
Average
32
Poor
8
Terrible
13
Emma
Dunlap, TN1 contribution
Jun 2020 • Friends
We had so much fun! I did the Higenbothem adventure cave. It was very fun! We had an amazing tour guide named Colin. He was very sweet and funny. He did his best to help us through more difficult parts and joked and talked on easier parts. He was super prepared. He had extra waters and at one point my shoe broke and he pulled out paracord and put new laces on my shoes. It was a life saver! Will be going again! Thanks Colin. :)
Written 29 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We're thrilled that you had such an amazing adventure with us! Colin is most definitely always prepared and excellent at what he does! We can't wait to see you next time!
Written 6 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
dlwinger
Fernandina Beach, FL3,855 contributions
Oct 2021
We made the decision to visit Cumberland Caverns on our way back from Nashville. Once we got off I-24 the drive was very scenic through several small towns and more plant nurseries than one could count. When planning your trip be aware that the general cave tours leave at the top of the hour. We arrived at 20 minutes after the hour so we just sat around and browsed the shop for 40 minutes. Victoria was our tour guide and did an amazing job in telling the history and some of the stories of the tour. We had to pass on the optional light show loop as we didn't think our knees would make it up and down the 300+ steps, but while we waited for the group to return we could hear the band that was going to be performing later that evening practice so that was some free entertainment. Reminder this is a cave and not a Disney attraction so the walkways were uneven with inclines. There were handrails to assist in some of the more severe ramped walkways.
Written 1 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
StephanieB
1 contribution
Jan 2021
Great caverns! Had such an enjoyable experience. We called ahead to make sure we could arrive in our RV and that there would be parking available. We spoke to Berlyn, who was so polite and informative. As it turned out, Berlyn was our tour guide. She was extremely knowledgeable, presented herself well beyond her years, was enthusiastic and made the tour entertaining for all:) We will be returning to do more of what the caverns have to offer, and will definitely be requesting Berlyn as our guide!
Written 8 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the wonderful review! We are glad you had fun at Cumberland Caverns and look forward to your visit in the future.
Written 9 February 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Carolyne W
Murfreesboro, TN1 contribution
Mar 2021 • Friends
We went on the Higginbotham's revenge tour and it was amazing! Our guide Colin did a great job, and made us feel comfortable and competent while squeezing through some narrow spaces and seeing new caverns. This was totally worth the time and money. You might get a little muddy, but the adventure was awesome!
Written 23 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for leaving such a wonderful review of your experience at Cumberland Caverns. We are glad you had fun on the Higgenbotham's Revenge Tour and will pass your praise on to your guide, Colin.
Written 25 March 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
J.R.P.
1 contribution
Jun 2021
Our first visit to the Cumberland Caverns was yesterday 6/26/2021.
My wife and I were given the tour by Victoria and Jacob and
had great time touring the caverns and leaning the history that came along with it. The Volcano Room was the highlight of the tour for us with the Austrian Chandilier lighting the area. We will be attending the upcoming Diamond Rio Concert there in September and look forward to the amazing acoustics that fill that room.
Victoria and Jacob were very personable and were very easy to talk to about the Cavern and fun subjects as we made the tour.
GREAT JOB to both of these guides.
J.R. & Edee from Murfressboro TN
My wife and I were given the tour by Victoria and Jacob and
had great time touring the caverns and leaning the history that came along with it. The Volcano Room was the highlight of the tour for us with the Austrian Chandilier lighting the area. We will be attending the upcoming Diamond Rio Concert there in September and look forward to the amazing acoustics that fill that room.
Victoria and Jacob were very personable and were very easy to talk to about the Cavern and fun subjects as we made the tour.
GREAT JOB to both of these guides.
J.R. & Edee from Murfressboro TN
Written 27 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are glad you stopped by to visit us for the first time J.R. and Edee! We will pass your praise on to Victoria and Jacob. They will be thrilled to read about your experience and how much you enjoyed their tour. We are looking forward to seeing you again for the Diamond Rio concert in September. See you again soon!
Written 8 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Owner
McMinnville, TN5 contributions
Mar 2020 • Family
This cave is a must see! Take time out of your everyday hustle and bustle to enjoy this wonderful place of nature. I’m sure glad we decided to check this place out. We have a 14 year old and a 5 year old and they both love this place! Their hopes for every visit is to see a bat flying around or find a salamander along the way. We love Cumberland Caverns so much it has made us want to explore caves all over the world.
It is a living cave so there is water and it is 56 degrees year round. Bring a jacket if you get chilly. Hopefully you will be one of the lucky ones and receive a “cave kiss” from the little drips of water! The formations are beautiful and so many to see. The tour guides are fun and full of information! The management and staff have gone great measures to make sure the natural beauty of the cave are not disrupted. Also, the gift shop has an amazing collection of cool things that you don’t want to miss out on.
The scenery is unforgettable tucked away in a beautiful mountain. The nature hike is refreshing and helps you connect with living the simple life.
It is fun for all ages! Especially, if you are the adventurous type - they offer overnight adventures and group adventures.
Oh yeah, who doesn’t want to experience a concert in a cave?!?! Cumberland Caverns Live is one of the coolest concert venues around, so many talented artists are scheduled to play in the cave. Check out the website and Facebook page to get your tickets for the next concert.
Definitely add Cumberland Caverns to your bucket list. You will not want to miss this cave! They also have a Facebook page, look them up and like them!
It is a living cave so there is water and it is 56 degrees year round. Bring a jacket if you get chilly. Hopefully you will be one of the lucky ones and receive a “cave kiss” from the little drips of water! The formations are beautiful and so many to see. The tour guides are fun and full of information! The management and staff have gone great measures to make sure the natural beauty of the cave are not disrupted. Also, the gift shop has an amazing collection of cool things that you don’t want to miss out on.
The scenery is unforgettable tucked away in a beautiful mountain. The nature hike is refreshing and helps you connect with living the simple life.
It is fun for all ages! Especially, if you are the adventurous type - they offer overnight adventures and group adventures.
Oh yeah, who doesn’t want to experience a concert in a cave?!?! Cumberland Caverns Live is one of the coolest concert venues around, so many talented artists are scheduled to play in the cave. Check out the website and Facebook page to get your tickets for the next concert.
Definitely add Cumberland Caverns to your bucket list. You will not want to miss this cave! They also have a Facebook page, look them up and like them!
Written 6 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for this wonderful review!! We are so glad to know that your family cherishes the cave as much as we do! We can't wait to see you guys again soon!
Written 10 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Christine S
Fort Worth, TX47 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
We took a group of 14 middle schoolers to the caves. We came from Texas, driving, so after the previous day of 13 hours to get to Nashville going another 1 1/2 from Nashville was not super appealing. But let me tell you, IT WAS WORTH IT! Nick was our tour guide, didn’t make us feel rushed, was incredibly knowledgeable and answered with enthusiasm every one of my 6 year old son’s millions of questions. The kids had a blast, kept talking about it the entire trip. To make it even more amazing, we saw Don’s feet. If you don’t know this story it’s pretty incredible we got to experience this. Don’t pass this up, you won’t regret it.
Written 1 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sylvia D
5 contributions
Dec 2020
Briana gave us an excellent tour of these caves. They are well worth a visit we have been touring caves in Kentucky and Tennessee and found this to be the best tour.
Would recommend these caves to anyone visiting Nashville the drive is interesting and easily a day trip or less.
We did the walking tour and would like to go back and try another tour
Would recommend these caves to anyone visiting Nashville the drive is interesting and easily a day trip or less.
We did the walking tour and would like to go back and try another tour
Written 14 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for making Cumberland Caverns one of your stops while exploring nearby caves. Briana and all of us at C.C. are happy to read that you enjoyed your tour of the cave and found it to be the best. We appreciate you taking the time to leave us such a kind review and look forward to seeing you again in the future for another tour.
Written 15 December 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kurt
Nashville, TN1 contribution
Oct 2020 • Solo
I showed up for the 5pm tour and ended up getting Colin as my guide. It was the last tour of the day and I was the only person that signed up so I ended up getting a personal tour for the walking tour. Colin was extremely knowledgeable of the cave and everything in it as well as being very personable. I’d highly recommend visiting this site if you have the chance and I’d also recommend asking for Colin if possible because his passion for what he does really shows in his tours. I’ll be going back for one of the adventure tours soon!
Written 4 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for visiting and taking the time to leave us a wonderful review of your experience! We are glad you had fun and enjoyed Colin's tour. We look forward to an adventure with you in the future!
Written 5 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Skotty
1 contribution
Feb 2022 • Friends
I believe it was 1979 when we did this cave tour stayed in here with our Boy Scout troop. Uncle Chet was our leader very awesome experience. I wish there was pictures like that 1978 one that was close that almost looks like me in that picture but I would’ve been five not six maybe some pics from the early 80s that would be cool but I recommend this place to anyone do the full tour
Written 26 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What time do the concerts normally end since they start so early in the day?
Written 17 June 2022
Hola, me gustaría saber cómo llegar a las cavernas sin auto, qué transporte debo tomar? Alguien puede orientarme??
Muchas gracias
Written 31 December 2020
How do overnight sleeping bags and sleeping clothes arrive to the sleeping destination without getting them muddy? Also, do all tours include the light show? I'm looking at the "What waits below overnight"
Written 7 August 2020
Cumberland Caverns
McMinnville, Tennessee
Advance reservations are required for all overnight packages. The group leader will check-in their group at the gift shop after everyone in their party has arrived. After everyone has been checked-in and got everything they'll need for the night (extra clothes, sleeping bags, flashlight, etc.), a guide will walk the group down through the commercial portion of the cave, to their campsite. Campers carry their belongings roughly 600-yards from the gift shop where you check-in to the room where you'll be staying (pack light). You will leave your camping gear in your campsite, then prepare for the tours included in your overnight package.
Specifically, the "What Waits Below" overnight package is for ages 6 and up and includes 2 tours - Rocky Topper Adventure tour and the Walking Tour. The walking tour is included in all of the overnight packages, and is the only tour with a light show. The other overnight packages have different age requirements and include different adventure tours.
Feel free to call us at 931-668-4396 between 9am-5pm central time with any additional questions you may have. We will be happy to answer them.
Written 7 August 2020
It was great! It was an easy walk and our guide was very knowledgeable. It was definitely worth it.
Written 13 August 2019
What is the climate like late October to early November? Do the concerts sell out or are tickets available closer to then? Any country acts perform?
Written 4 August 2019
Cumberland Caverns
McMinnville, Tennessee
Thank you for your question. Inside the cave, it is a consistent 56 degrees year-round. The climate outside is anyone's guess though, as Tennessee weather tends to be a little unpredictable. Most of the concerts do sell out, so if you see a lineup posted you are interested in, it is best to go ahead and secure your tickets.
Yes, we do have country acts that perform. Mac McAnally is coming up on August 17, and we have hosted such names as Kip Moore and High Valley. There will be a few more concerts announced soon. Please keep an eye on the website and social media to learn of new artists coming to Cumberland Caverns. Thank you!
Written 5 August 2019
Please can you give me an approximate number of steps on this Cavern Tour? Is there any crawling on hands and knees? Is there much crouching down? I would love to visit but am of limited mobility. I am trying to work out whether I will manage it. Many thanks.
Written 28 July 2018
Cumberland Caverns
McMinnville, Tennessee
Thank you for your question and everyone who answered. There are 350 stone cut steps over to the light show (Optional-there is a bench to wait for your group to return) and another set of steps (maybe 25) going down Lamon's Loop. There are handrails anywhere there are steps as well as on the Volcano Room hill. The tour is approximately 1.5 miles of uneven terrain that takes approximately an hour and a half to complete and is considered of moderate intensity. No crawling is involved on the Daily Walking Tour. Please note: We are not handicap accessible.
Written 31 July 2018
We are currently watching Buddy Davis' Extreme Caving video, which features Cumberland Caverns, so now my family is considering visiting in early September. We have a child carrier backpack for our one year old to ride in while we hike. Is that type of backpack allowed in the cave for the 1.5 mile daily walking tour?
Written 4 July 2018
Cumberland Caverns
McMinnville, Tennessee
Thank you for your question. Yes, you can use a child carrier backpack on the Daily Walking Tour. We look forward to seeing you in September.
Written 22 July 2018
My hubby and I are trying to figure out if we want general admission or one of the packages offering the T-shirt,hats, and dining. We are planning on one of your November events. Can you tell me more about the dining such as what kind of food is served and if you dine before,during, or after the show.
We are so excited to have this adventure!
Written 12 April 2018
Cumberland Caverns
McMinnville, Tennessee
Thank you for your question. Cumberland Caverns Live currently offers either early admission or general admission with the option to purchase an add-on cave tour or overnight adventure to your concert ticket. We have a snackbar located inside the cave that features homemade chili, bbq, brauts, wraps, and various other refreshments and treats. We hope to see you 333' below soon!
Written 1 May 2018
Cumberland Caverns
McMinnville, Tennessee
Sorry, you cannot swim in any of our underground pools. You probably wouldn't want to because it is 56 degrees below the surface all year long. Thank you for your question and we hope you will visit us soon.
Written 30 March 2018
Cumberland Caverns
McMinnville, Tennessee
Thank you for your question. Concerts are announced through the Bluegrass Underground website. I am unable to post a link in the Q&A forum, but if you Google "Bluegrass Underground" you will be directed to their page.
Written 11 April 2017
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