bristol caverns

this is a perfect rainy, cold day, or beautiful day... side trip from Abingdon or Damascus VA. We went already this winter, it felt nice and warm down below. 1.) It's a quiet location, but easy to get to. It's never been crowded, but always has a steady flow of patrons. 2.) The staff and owners are very friendly and very knowledgeable (everytime).3.) the gift shop is good for the kids and adults4.) the caverns, the main attraction, are the best on the east coast. The entry and walk are all easy access with amazing sites to see. Ask the staff questions, because they will usually have interesting answers. 5.) there's a river going through the entire bottom portion of the caverns. It's named the sinking river and really get's your imagination going.6) there's a lot of history as well, it was used by Native Americans, used by local government for meetings on hot days, etc. Just ask questions!7.) Picinic tables are available and birthday party packages are also available. And I just found out on my last trip that the current owners used to work there as young adults! Nothing better, for me, than having a great day out while supporting hard working local business folks.

We had reservations at another local cavern but decided to go to Bristol instead. So glad we did. The building was in good repair and the gift shop was warm and inviting as were the gentlemen working there. On the tour, I realized that the walk through may be challenging due to my knee problems but the guide was patient and encouraging and allowed me to go at my own pace. There were handrails all along the inclines so I felt better. The guide was knowledgeable and fun!

When we first pulled up to the entrance we were not impressed and contemplated whether to continue our adventure. Since we were trying to kill some time before the Bristol Race we took a chance, boy are we glad that we did. What a terrific and interesting experience. The guide was very knowledgeable about the area and the caverns, very happy we ended up taking the tour. The caverns are quite spectacular and very affordable.

I was a bit surprised when I drove up to the entrance having recently been to Luray Caverns of how unassuming it was. Then you walk into the gift shop entrance and are warmly greeted and the quaint charm of the place takes hold. My personal guide Jess was so very knowledgeable having grown up in the area he answered every question with an elaborate and informative reply. The caverns are quite large and deep and have many nuances particle to the region.They are truly wonderful and worth the visit.it is a short drive from the airport and week worth it.

This area of Tennessee/Virginia has many caverns which, in itself, is a geological wonder. We chose to visit this one and it was not a disappointment. Very nice cavern with many beautiful formations. Kinda' like a "Little Carlsbad". The walk to the cave can be strenuous, as can the paths inside. However, there are hand rails and steps in the steepest places. An informed guide takes you on the tour and explains the formations. There is also a nice gift shop with many choices, which the grandkids enjoyed. But they liked the cavern, too! Worthwhile trip!

I first went to the Bristol Caverns back in 1978 with my elementary school class. This was my first visit since that time and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The caverns are a beautiful work of natural art. You descend into the earth and it feels good coming out of the summer heat. There is a lot of walking up and down stairs so be prepared to exert yourself to explore the cavern. There are some places you cannot use a flash because of the heavy moisture in the air. Just take your time and use your camera's settings to get the best shots without the use of the flash. We arrived at the end of the day and went on the last tour with Jess. He was patient in answering our questions about the cavern. He didn't rush us allowing my wife time to recover after climbing each set of stairs. It was a very positive experience.

The group was led by a very knowledgeable tour guide who made this visit well worth it. The tour took close to an hour but they start about every 20 minutes. There are a lot of steps and walking so may not be good for anyone having trouble walking. The temperature inside the caverns stays around 60 degrees. There is a nice-sized covered waiting area with benches for anyone not able to do the tour. Payment is made where souvenirs are sold. There are bathrooms in this building. This was a very interesting experience. Would recommend it for those interested in caverns.

Not to be missed! Beautiful, cool air, stalactites, stalagmites, running spring, sparkly formations.

Went to Caverns and they were great. the tour guide we had was funny and informative. The price was a good value. From the outside it doesn't look like much but once you get into the Caverns it is impressive. The tour was about an hour long.

First up; There is a lot of walking on steps at times that are steep. That said, the cave is well lighted and is interesting to see. An informative story on why the cave and its part in history in this region of TN. The guide ALEX was well informed about the cave, its formation, the history and about anything you want to ask. The tour is at a relaxed pace and there are places to wait if the steps give you out. It is not so huge that you get lost but you can definitely have time to enjoy your visit. We did. Take you camera.Sorry, no wheelchair access.

Had a great time mid August on a Saturday - have lived in the area for 4 years and always seen signs but never gone. Place was great! Nice relaxing walk to the cavern entrance and once inside - great splendor. Makes you wonder what else lies beneath terra firma! Was a nice hour long trek and our guide was great! Very professional and funny!

To see this place from the outside, one might think twice. I must say to all, "Please go inside, it's awesome!" The staff is well trained and they have a wonderful gift shop to pick up little extras. My nephew had a birthday party here. The kids had a blast. One would never imagine we had caverns like this here in TN. They are amazing and a thrill to learn about. Remember your camera. We will be going back!

I have been in over 80 caves, mostly show caves but some impressive wild caves seen while caving. This is one of my favorite caves and I have visited it twice. I am a member of the National Speleological Society and they offer a very nice discount to members. Bristol Caverns is a beautiful cave that has many impressive formations. Everything you would want in a cave is here - a rare shield formation, a stream that you walk along, close up formations that are well lit to study, long passages, high ceilings in some parts, small rooms, large rooms, dripping water, beautiful ceilings. The tour guides I have had are very friendly, knowledgeable and accommodating. Both times I have been there I had a tripod and a couple cameras. I was able to take many photos and the guides offered extra time. I never felt rushed along. This is a small business and it has a very nice vibe to it. Luray Caverns is wonderful as well but their gift shop would cover the size of Bristol Caverns' gift shop and parking lot. This place does not look like much from the outside but the cave will impress you. It is underappreciated.

My wife and I have been to approximately 6 caverns in the TN area on vacations in the past and as always we went to see Bristol caverns on our visit. The tour was OK, nothing we haven't seen before. The only part that wasn't fun was the people on our tour, we had a family with two young children that were extremely loud and the parents did not have any respect for the others in the tour and allowed the children to continue to be loud and talk over the tour guide. It was raining the day we went and you have to walk about 200yards to entrance so my wife and I had our umbrella, when we came out the umbrella had been stolen, no fault of the staff at the cavern. Please do not take what is not yours.

This was a great stop during our summer vacation. The caverns were impressive and it was interesting to learn the history. Once inside it is very cool (temperature-wise) which was refreshing on a warm day. Just a warning...there are some steps/stairs inside which were a bit steep in one area. My mom had to wait for us during that leg of the tour.