Bristol Caverns, Bristol, TN

Paved, well lit walkways greet visitors when they take the Bristol Caverns tour. Bristol Caverns is in Bristol, Tennessee. The state is filled with amazing caves, with Bristol as just one of the many visitors might want to visit. Vaulted chambers where ancient underground rivers formed the various caverns inside the place can be dated to 200 to 400 million years ago. During the frontier days the Native Americans used the underground river to attack or escape when they had raids on the settlers. Visitors to the Bristol Caverns can follow these paths exploring the various rooms, arches, columns, and natural stone creations that exist. Many veins of minerals are displayed in the cavern walls that offer bright colors of blue, grey, brown, white, and red.

Stalactites and stalagmites that are larger than tree trunks or smaller than a coffee stir stick litter the caverns. Some of the formations have grown together with those from the ceiling reaching those growing from the floors. Each area will provide a view that is made up of natural artistry. Visitors will look upon the structures as tumbling cascades or billowing draperies even though the features are all solid stone.

As one of the oldest caverns in Tennessee thousands of visitors come to Bristol Caverns each year. A lighting system well concealed highlights the colors of the cavern walls to provide the ultimate experience. There are three levels to the caverns visitors can tour including the Mayor Preston's Chamber to the underground river 180 feet below. There is also a place called "lover's leap'' that looks like a bridal veil has been formed. It is one of the only cavern systems with tours that allow photographs to be taken.

Bristol Caverns is open year round. March 15th to October 31st operating hours are 9am to 5pm Monday through Saturday, and Sunday 12:30pm to 5pm. Winter hours are 10am to 4pm Monday- Saturday, and Sunday 12:30pm to 4:30pm. Bristol Caverns are closed on all major holidays. Guided tours begin about every twenty minutes, with the tour lasting for an hour. Pricing is subject to change without notice, so it is best to call ahead. Group rates are available for schools, churches, scouts, and organizations. There is special pricing for groups. It is important to make reservations for the groups.

While waiting for your Tennessee Bristol Caverns Tour, visitors can tour the gift shop. The shop has rocks, geodes, onyx, and other souvenirs for sale. For example if visitors forget their cameras or need a postcard the gift shop will have those items. Stuffed animals, tee shirts, coats, and hats are all available. Bristol Caverns has vending machines for drinks and snacks. They do not have a restaurant, but visitors are welcome to bring a picnic lunch to sit out in the picnic area and enjoy the views.

For the traveler accommodations are available near the caverns, as are other attractions like Nascar and the Historical Abingdon. Bristol is right on the border of Virginia, so traipsing across the border is an option.?