What Makes It Guide-Worthy: Deep in the Tennessee woods, an enchanted cave beckons with an aural glow of delight. You’ve arrived at one of North America’s rarest natural spectacles, the bioluminescent Hazard Cave of Pickett CCC Memorial State Park, sparkling with the luminous larvae of glow worms. Home to one of the rarest glowing displays on Earth, this cave offers free entry and is open to the public year-round. No guide or tour is required to witness these cave stars, though there are many important things to know and be mindful of on your quest. Read on for a handy and helpful guide to experiencing the country’s most luminescent larvae.
When to Book: The typical season for the Tennessee glow worms is from late May through early July, with peak activity occurring in mid-June. Hotels in the area often have availability up to two months in advance, with weekends throughout peak season filling up first. No tour reservations are required to enter the luminous Hazard Cave of Pickett CCC Memorial State Park; however, guided tours led by Tennessee State Park rangers are available for an optimal experience. Plan ahead, as these guided tours book up quickly.
Must-See & Do: The perfect escape into nature, Pickett CCC Memorial State Park is a main draw on the Cumberland Plateau, situated within the vast forests of the Appalachian Mountains. Here are the top highlights of this region’s great outdoors.
Hike to the Cave-Dwelling Luminaries: Hike the 1.4-mile round-trip trail to Pickett’s Hazard Cave and step into a mystical scene filled with otherworldly creatures. For the best experience, wait until after sunset, typically after 8 p.m., when the sky is fully dark. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and stay on designated trails to protect the fragile environment. Check the forecast in the days before your visit. If it rains within 24 hours, expect the paths to be slick and difficult to navigate. Because the trails are unlit, bring a flashlight or a red-light headlamp to safely guide your way while preserving the low-light conditions and protecting the delicate glowworms
Explore the Park’s Extensive Trails: Beyond Hazard Cave, Pickett CCC Memorial State Park is home to a sprawling network of more than 58 miles of hiking trails. Wind through the remote Appalachian trails and alight on scenic views of sandstone bluffs, naturally formed bridges and waterfalls.
Hit the Roads: Take it easy after exploring on foot and set off on a driving adventure throughout the region. Routes, including Highway 154 and the Cumberland Falls Scenic Byway, are picture-perfect byways that take you deep into the forests, offering numerous opportunities to pull over and enjoy stunning vistas.
Where to Stay: The hunt for the glow worms brings you to a remote region of the state with limited accommodation options. Prepare for what can be a late-night drive back to your hotel, as the glow worm activity doesn't begin until after dark. An important note: All these resorts are located approximately two-and-a-half hours away from the Hazard Cave of Pickett CCC Memorial State Park. Given the limited accommodations available in the region, the following are among the best options for an extended stay. Be especially mindful of driving through Tennessee’s roads at night as deer, elk and even rare black bears can surprise drivers on rural roads.
Premier: Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Waterpark, Westgate Resorts: A premium resort, the Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Waterpark is packed with family-friendly amenities that make it a top draw in the region. The highlight of any stay here is the massive Wild Bear Falls Water Park, a 60,000-square-foot indoor-outdoor water park with slides, a lazy river and a zero-entry pool.
Mid-Range: Hampton Inn Gatlinburg Historic Nature Trail, Hilton: The Hampton Inn Gatlinburg Historic Nature Trail is a modern, nature-inspired hotel set right at the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The hotel is a short walk to downtown Gatlinburg and a great launch pad for the area’s many family-friendly activities.
Budget-Friendly: Courtyard by Marriott Gatlinburg, Marriott: With its convenient location and inviting interiors, Courtyard by Marriott Gatlinburg is the area’s go-to for a value stay. The hotel’s indoor heated pool, outdoor hot tub and courtyard with a fire pit are great for unwinding after long days spent exploring the region’s natural riches.
SideQuest: For another self-guided quest in the area, consider visiting the Blue Heron Mining Community, a preserved coal-mining town dating back to the early 20th century. An hour-plus drive from Pickett, the abandoned ghost town has been repurposed into an open-air museum. Stop here for a fascinating glimpse into the history of coal mining in Appalachia, unpolished and uncommercialized.
Responsible Travel Tip: Once inside Hazard Cave, avoid touching the cave walls or the glow worms; the oil from your hands can harm them. Double-check that your camera’s flash is turned off, as it will potentially disturb the worms. Most importantly, always adhere to the “Leave No Trace” principle and be sure to pack out all your trash and waste to avoid disrupting the park's delicate ecosystem.
