Historic Cherokee Caverns is located one mile east of the Pellessippi Pkwy junction (Hwy 162 & 62E) or 2 1/2 miles west of Karns Community on Hwy 62E (Oak Ridge Hwy)
Cherokee Caverns Haunted Cave first began in October 1989 and operated six nights and was very successful.
Jim Whidby of Knoxville, a member and Fellow of the National Speleological Society developed the idea to help provide additional income for Scott and Janet Dixon who were attempting to redevelop the former tourist attraction.
Cherokee Caverns is the most beautiful and historical cavern in Knox County, Tennessee. The caverns had been closed for the past eight years following a fire which had destroyed a restaurant built over the entrance to the caverns.
Jim's concern was with the preservation of the cavern and the vandalism which had occurred there following the fire. He knew as long as someone was living at the property, access to the cavern was controlled and the cave was protected.
The success of the first event provided the Dixon's with the income they needed during the off tourist season.
The Halloween event continued for the next three years. In January 1992 the Dixon's moved away from Cherokee Caverns.
Jim decided to continue the Halloween event with the help of local cave explorers and other interested individuals. With all volunteer help Cherokee Caverns has continued to be protected for two decades.
The caverns are open to the public during the annual Halloween event and occasional open houses. During the remainder of the year free tours are available, by appointment only, to groups of twelve or more. Donations are requested. For more information go to www.cherokeecaverns.net
The Twentieth and Final Haunted Cave event will operate five nights from 7 PM to 10 PM. October 17th, 18th, 24th, 25th, 30th and 31st 2008.
Admission is $12. A $2 discount is available with the donation of a non-perishable food item to the Hawks Helping Others Service-Learning Academy at Clinton Middle School. Donations must be made at the cave prior to or at the time of on site ticket purchases. Group rates are available, see the main page for details.
During the event, the cavern is dimly lit and is very dark in many areas. Numerous Halloween scenes are operated. Groups are guided through 1,000 feet of the cavern by a trained guide. The tour takes approximately 25 minutes.
Official Website: http://thehauntedcave.net/site2008/mainframe.html