Top caves
CaveCraighead Caverns
CaveBell Witch Cave
CaveCumberland Caverns
CaveTuckaleechee Caverns
CaveSnail Shell Cave
CaveForbidden Caverns
CaveCherokee Caverns
CaveRaccoon Mountain Caverns
CaveBlue Spring Cave
CaveHubbard's Cave
CaveAlexander Cave
CaveJaybird Cave
All caves (14)
| Name | County | Elevation | Nearest town | Sky |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Craighead Caverns | Monroe County | — | Madisonville | 4 |
| Bell Witch Cave | Robertson County | — | Guthrie | 4 |
| Cumberland Caverns | Warren County | — | McMinnville | 4 |
| Tuckaleechee CavernsGreat Smoky Mountains | Blount County | — | Wildwood | 3 |
| Snail Shell Cave | Rutherford County | — | Christiana | 5 |
| Forbidden Caverns | Sevier County | — | Dandridge | 3 |
| Cherokee Caverns | Knox County | — | Oak Ridge | 4 |
| Raccoon Mountain Caverns | Hamilton County | — | Lookout Mountain | 5 |
| Blue Spring Cave | White County | — | Sparta | 3 |
| Hubbard's Cave | Warren County | — | McMinnville | 3 |
| Alexander Cave | Hickman County | — | Centerville | 3 |
| Jaybird Cave | Perry County | — | Centerville | 3 |
| First American Cave | Davidson County | — | Nashville | 7 |
| Alum Cave BluffsGreat Smoky Mountains | Sevier County | — | Gatlinburg | 3 |
Sky = estimated Bortle class (1 darkest – 9 brightest).
Map
How to photograph caves
Caves are lit artificially — show caves have fixed lighting, so a fast lens and high ISO beat flash, which flattens formations.
- Many show caves restrict tripods on tours; ask in advance or bring a small beanbag.
- Use manual focus with focus peaking in low light.
- Never touch formations — skin oils stop their growth.
- Follow White-nose Syndrome decontamination rules where posted to protect bats.
Season: Cave interiors stay at a constant temperature year-round; summer tours fill up, so book ahead.