General Information
Explore Bristol Caverns
One of Tennessee’s oldest and most stunning attractions is waiting—deep below the surface. With towering formations, hidden chambers, and a river flowing 180 feet underground, Bristol Caverns is the kind of place you won’t forget.
One of Tennessee’s oldest and most stunning attractions is waiting—deep below the surface. With towering formations, hidden chambers, and a river flowing 180 feet underground, Bristol Caverns is the kind of place you won’t forget.
Our guided walking tours take you through all three levels of the cave, where you’ll encounter breathtaking sights like:
Lover’s Leap, perched high above the cavern floor
The shimmering Bridal Veil Formation
Massive rock walls in the Entrance Hall
Reflections dancing across the Underground River
Bring your camera. Bring your curiosity. You’re about to experience nature’s architecture up close.
Where to Find Us
Bristol Caverns
We’re just minutes from the Tennessee–Virginia line, right at the edge of the Great Smoky Mountain region.
Directions
From Virginia:
I-81 Exit 3 → 6 traffic lights → Left on Anderson St (421 South) → Follow until it turns into a 4-lane → Left on State Route 435 → 2.5 miles to the entrance.
From I-81 Northbound:
Exit 69 → Right on 394E → Pass Bristol Motor Speedway → Straight through light onto Highway 435N → 2.5 miles to go.
From Abingdon/I-81 Southbound:
At Exit 17 → take VA 75-S towards South Holston Dam → Continue on TN 44-S → Turn Right onto US 421-N → Right onto TN 435-S/Bristol Caverns Hwy
From 11E:
Exit at Bluff City / Blountville → Right on 394 East → Cross 421S → Continue on 435 → You’re almost there.
Still not sure? Give us a call at (423) 878-2011 or search “Bristol Caverns” in Google Maps.
Tour Hours
We’re open year-round!
(Closed Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve & Day)
Spring–Fall
(March 15 – Oct 31)
Mon–Sat: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Winter
(Nov 1 – March 14)
Gemstone Panning
Let the kids—or your inner kid—dig for treasure. Our Gemstone Panning experience is a hands-on favorite. Sift through mining ore to uncover real stones like:
Ruby
Emerald
Obsidian
Everything you find is yours to keep!
Our outdoor sluice is where the fun happens! Pour your mining rough into a sifter, let the water wash over it, and watch as gemstones and fossils are revealed before your eyes.
Choose your mining rough! Each bag is themed — Large Gemstones, Gemstones, Minerals, or Fossils — so you decide the kind of treasure you want to uncover.
Collecting gemstones and fossils is exciting for all ages! Every rock or fossil has its own history and story to tell, making each bag a unique discovery. What will you uncover in yours?
Wash away the sand in the sluice, reveal your finds, and use our Gemstone & Fossil Guide to identify them. Everything you discover is yours to keep!
Gift Shop & Visitor Comforts
Before or after your tour, stop by our cozy gift shop. You’ll find:
Group Tours & Events
Planning a visit with your school, scout troop, church group, or team? We’d love to help make your day special. We offer:
Call us at (423) 878-2011 or contact us online to get started.
Let’s Make It Happen!
Whether you’re planning a family outing or just want to explore something epic, Bristol Caverns is more than a destination—it’s a journey below the surface.
Call (423) 878-2011 to reserve your spot or click the button below to schedule your adventure online!