Townsend, a small, quiet town nestled in the valley of the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, contains streams, wildlife, and hidden caverns within the majestic mountains surrounding the town. More than a century ago, Cherokee Indians discovered and hid in these caverns. While they were just boys, Bill Vananda and Harry Myers played in and around the Smoky Mountains and its caves, and as they became adults, they talked about the caverns and decided that these awesome and wonderful sights should be opened to the public. The pair had concrete walkways built and lit up the incredible underground rooms and tunnels for all to enjoy; the area is known today as the Tuckaleechee Caverns. Noted for their onyx formations, these caverns feature high waterfalls, amazing formations, grottos and a 'Big Room'. With ceilings as high as 150 feet, some rooms as long as 400 feet long, and stalagmites and stalactites growing from ceilings and floors, the Tuckaleechee Caverns have a constant natural temperature of 58 degrees. Estimated to be between 20 and 30 million years old, the caverns are rich in history and lore in recent years as well. Tours are conducted every 30 minutes by a knowledgeable guide and last about an hour. This will be an hour well spent for visitors of any age.