Looking for a groundbreaking summer experience? From the historically significant Hamilton Cave to the wild tours of Lost World Caverns, there is a top-tier selection of cave excavations in West Virginia.

With a nickname like the Mountain State, West Virginia is home to magnificent mountains and rock formations that you can explore. As a hub for mining and scenery preserved from the 19th century, a trip visiting the unique caverns in the state can transport you back in time. Whether you’re heading to Lewisburg, Riverton, or other areas with rocky terrain, there are plenty of stalagmites for you to discover.

To help steer you through a cavern itinerary in West Virginia is

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Hamilton Cave

Address: 6001 Pulaski Pike, Huntsville, AL 35810

Phone: (256) 852-1300

History buffs, we’re looking at you! If you want to take a deep plunge into American history, Hamilton Cave is a great spot for you to check out. As part of the

John Guilday Caves Nature Preserve

property, it’s a significant site with roots as a salt peter location in the 18th century. Findings there go beyond history books, though, since several prehistoric fossils have been unearthed near Hamilton Cave!

With 4.7 miles of interconnected passages, there are plenty of opportunities to crawl and hike through the tube to explore the cave’s interior—you might even run into the rare Indiana Myotis Bats and Long-Eared Bats while you’re there! This cavern is open for exploration 24 hours a day and you can even extend your visit with a look at the nearby New Trout Cave, which is open throughout the year.

Smokehole Caverns

Address: 8290 N Fork Hwy, Cabins, WV 26855

Phone: (304) 257-4442

To pay homage to Native Americans, you can explore

Smokehole Caverns

. The front portion of the cavern was a spot the Seneca Indians relied on for smoking wild game meats and burning firewood. Smokehole got its name thanks to the smoke that seeped out to nearby valleys as the Seneca Indians kept their people warm and fed.

Take advantage of the deep exploration you can get through a guided tour at $15 per adult and $10 per child. In a 45-minute adventure, you’ll be able to visit the shimmering Room of Million Stalactites—home of the second-highest cave ceiling on the East Coast. You can also marvel at mineral formations while you catch the trout swimming through the underground pool.

Smokehole is ideal for families with the

Smoke Hole Log Cabin Resort

just two miles away, offering accommodations and dining.

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Seneca Caverns

Address: 3328 Germany Valley Rd, Riverton, WV 26814

Phone: (304) 567-2691

Pack a light jacket and descend to the

Seneca Caverns

to witness limestone formations cultivated over 450 million years. While the rock formations there date back before humans walked the earth, the caverns got their name from the Seneca Indians, who called them home in the early 1400s. To feast your eyes on the majestic flowstone, stalagmite, and stalactite, you’ll need to hitch a guided tour.

At just $15 for adults and $10 for kids, you and the family can head down the one-mile trail that dips 165 feet below the ground level and soak in the prehistoric scenery. Even in the summer months, the cave sticks to a temperature around 54°F, so it’s ideal for a chill vacation day with the kiddos. Not only are there swings nearby the entrance to occupy the family, but there’s also an adjoining restaurant to grab some grub after a long day of excavation.

Organ Cave

Address: 242 Organ Cave Drive, Ronceverte, WV 24970

Phone: (304) 645-7600

If you’re a Jurassic Park fanatic, you’ll want to explore the second-longest commercial cave in the Eastern U.S.:

Organ Cave

. With ancient roots boasting prehistoric fossils and the discovery of the prehistoric three-toed sloth in the 1700s, there’s something around every corner to marvel at. Its 45 miles of passageways are open to exploring year-round with a guided tour.

With a trusty guide, you can discover all the nooks of the cave while learning about its ecology and historical impact. Looking to dive deeper? There’s an option to go spelunking with the help of a guide and descend to the cavern’s natural depths.

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Lost World Caverns

Address: 907 Lost World Rd, Lewisburg, WV 24901

Phone: (304) 645-6677

From Jurassic Park to Lost World—Caverns, that is—you can squeeze into narrow nooks to discover some of the most enchanting rock formations.

Lost World Caverns

was discovered in 1942, housing stalagmites and stalactites for the ages like the Bridal Veil, Snowy Chandelier, and War Club. To make the most of all the sites to behold, it’s best to opt for a 45-minute self-guided tour with just a $12 entry fee.

With detailed signs and information throughout the network of passages, you’ll be able to check off all the cavern’s rocky boxes. If you’re itching for a more in-depth look at the rock formations, there’s an option to take a four-hour Wild Cave Tour at $79. A guide will usher you through spots with climbing, crawling, and hiking—so make sure to dress for the occasion with long pants and hiking boots.

If you’re looking to stick around after your epic adventure, you can check out the Visitor Center and Natural History Museum to become an expert on prehistoric fossils and creatures like the cave bear.

Tips to stay safe while exploring caves

With rock formations dating back millions of years, you can imagine the floors of these caverns aren’t polished or buffed to impress visitors. Whether you’re taking a guided tour or descending into the caverns on your own, it’s crucial to keep these safety tips in mind:

Bring a jacket. Even in the heat of summer, caves maintain a temperature in the low to mid-50s, and you’ll want to explore without your teeth chattering along the way.

Pack the right gear. You can never be too prepared, so equipping yourself with headlamps, gloves, and knee or elbow pads can make a big difference.

Light the way. It’s a good idea to have at least two light sources aside from your phone with you for your adventure through West Virginia’s caverns.

Take breaks. Expeditions can be tiring, and it’s essential to bring along water, snacks, and first aid supplies for moments of rest between spelunking.

Drop your location. Phone service can be a little dicey below ground level, so let your loved ones know where you’ll be as a precaution.

How to help preserve subterranean habitats

Caverns can make for fun family trips, but they’re primarily the home of a delicate ecosystem. When wandering through a cavern, it’s crucial to proceed with caution, prioritizing the safety of the species that inhabit it.

Not only are bats prevalent in caves, but they can easily be disturbed by outside influences. Because of this, some caves aren’t even open to the public. Beyond a wealth of creatures specifically adapted to the cavern environment, more familiar animals like frogs, bears, and raccoons take refuge in caves during droughts and winter months.

If you’re gearing up to explore West Virginia’s caverns, here’s how you can keep their inhabitants safe:

Keep your shoes and other gear clean upon entering the cavern

Don’t disturb the bats in their natural habitats

Stick to visiting caves in the summer when bats aren’t hibernating

Comply with any signs or rules indicating cave closures

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