Caverns

If you’ve been craving a new experience, West Virginia is home to an array of one-of-a-kind adventures. Bring out your inner explorer and discover the incredible caves and caverns located underground in Almost Heaven. Follow trained guides as you explore the beautiful depths of West Virginia. From incredible formations to rich histories, amazing sights await.

Featured Itinerary

Local Destinations

Seneca Caverns

Located on a great American Indian trading route through the Appalachian Mountains, Seneca Caverns takes you 165 feet below ground on a wondrous guided tour. Witness history dating back over 460 million years ago, with rocks and minerals shaped by millions of years of water flow through majestic limestone that, at one time made up the sea floor.

Lost World Caverns

On a self-guided tour descend 120 feet underground at Lost World Caverns. Take in the wonderful rock formations on the half-mile loop. This journey only takes about 45 minutes to complete but the experience will last a lifetime. Witness the Snowy Chandelier, a 30-ton compound stalactite, presumed to be one of the nation's largest. Wild cave tours are also available.

Smoke Hole Caverns

Don’t let the name fool you. Smoke Hole Cavern is home to the second-highest cavern ceiling in the Eastern United States. Learn about the history of the people who used the cavern from the Seneca Indians to moonshiners. Spot either the different species of trout in the cavern’s pools or the many features like the Room of a Million Stalactites.

Organ Cave

Travel to the Greenbrier Valley to discover historic national wonders. Step back in time at this National Natural Landmark, National Landmark of Historic Places, and a destination on the West Virginia Civil War Trails. Explore the cave year-round either by walking tours or go deeper into the cave on a guided expedition into the second longest commercial cave on the east coast.

How to Start

The most common way to travel underground is on a guided tour. Guided tours can teach you all the different caving terms and rock formations. Tours can vary from walking on established paths or for the braver getting down and dirty through tight squeezes. Contact an outfitter for the best excursion for you.

What to Bring

Your gear list is always going to vary on the weather, time of year, and Almost Heaven destination. If you are traveling with friends or a local guide, it is always best to consult them on specific gear needs. However, if you’re just looking for the basics, here’s a helpful list that outlines the gear almost every adventurer needs.

Comfortable clothes that can get dirty
Gloves
Appropriate footwear to go on the unbeaten path
A water bottle with extra water
A light jacket
A small bag

Cave rock formation at Beartown State Park

Season

The majority of people travel underground between late Spring and early Fall. A unique feature about caverns is that regardless of the temperature outside, inside the temperature remains constant. In West Virginia caverns tend to be anywhere between 50-degree Fahrenheit and 60-degree Fahrenheit.