One of the best caves in North Carolina offers official tours in a wonderland of odd twists, turns, formations, and colorful spectacles – all found deep within the recesses of Humpback Mountain. Oddly enough, each year millions of people drive right over the top of Linville Caverns without realizing it because the Blue Ridge Parkway crosses the eastern slope of Humpback Mountain. Although you will be twisting and maneuvering around the cave the space is fairly open as far as the underground goes. So many people should seek this cavern and enjoy the amazing rock formations that await you inside.
As you traverse the beautiful mountains in Western North Carolina most likely little thought goes into what might be under your feet. It's reasonable to assume that the ground you stand on is a massive solid rock but hidden away in the Blue Ridge mountains is a geological wonderland that is well worth exploring.
Over on the Humpback Mountain's western slope, Linville Caverns offers visitors and locals a peek inside a limestone cavern worn down by acidic groundwater since long lost ancient years eroded the limestone away to slowly create the caverns.
The beauty of the caverns is the many subterranean features found along the 35-minute tour through the underground world.
Marvel at the glorious features found throughout the cave as the knowledgeable tour guide brings you through the cave. The tour is a one-way in and a one-way out so if you miss something on the first go around you are sure to catch it on the way back. The cave also features dripping water so chances are you may get a little wet along the way.
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Visitors even get to see an underground trout stream, which one could speculate is the only known underground trout stream in the Tar Heel State.
Back in the early 1800s, it was this underground trout stream that led a group on a fishing expedition to discover the caverns. They noticed trout emerging from what appeared to be solid rock, but after some exploration, it was soon discovered there was so much more than just a stream inside the mountain.
Even though the cave is open for tours all year long, be sure to check the website (Link below) before you take off for your journey. They will operate special seasonal hours during part of the year so you will just simply want to check before you go.
It's a privately owned, family business that takes pride in giving visitors a chance to visit one of North Carolina's best cave tours.
Here are a few quick tips for exploring the cave; the cave stays a consistent 52 degrees year round so it is recommended to bring a sweatshirt or possibly even a rain jacket because there is active dripping water. Stollers and back-facing infant carriers are not allowed, however, guests can use a front-facing baby carrier. Also if you have ever wanted to bring your small dog into a cave, this might be one of your only chances because if your furry friend is small enough to hold you can carry your doggie during the cave tour.
If you want to explore this cave then you will need to get your ticket for a cave tour. Tours leave every 10 minutes and are limited to 15 people per tour, which includes children. There is no internet access in the remote location of the cave so tickets are sold in person at the door. They are on a first-come first-serve basis but you can always purchase a ticket for a later tour and adventure in the mountains before your tour time comes.
Tickets are sold on-site only. Find more information, see the official website for Linville Caverns.
Have you toured one of the best caves in North Carolina before? We’d love to hear about your experience so feel free to join the discussion.
Even though the official address for Linville Caverns is in Marion, the caverns are found within a 15-minute drive from another bucket list wonder in North Carolina: Linville Falls. Linville Caverns make for a great stop on a road trip through the Blue Ridge Parkway. Speaking of the Blue Ridge Parkway have you ever wondered what makes those mountains blue? Check out this video to find out.
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