If you’ve traveled on the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina between Blowing Rock and Little Switzerland, then you’ve undoubtedly driven along the length of Humpback Mountain, elevation 4,245 feet. On the other side of this long mountain with three rolling peaks is located North Carolina’s only caverns that are open to the public for tours.

Linville Caverns first opened for tours in 1937 and has been the object of fascination for amateur spelunkers of the tourist variety ever since.
TripAdvisor / floydangel71
In small groups of no more than 15 people, visitors meander (on guided tours) through this natural wonder unknowingly wandering ever so close to being directly under the beloved Parkway at approximately 2,500 feet below the peak of Humpback Mountain.
TripAdvisor / Marian B
Linville Caverns formed over millions of years as porous limestone within the mountain allowed water to seep slowly downward, forming the amazing and sometimes very colorful stalactites and stalagmites seen on today's tours.
TripAdvisor / MitchPruitt

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Often, the water drains so profusely, there are small rivers and pools found along the cave's floor. (Translation: if you take a tour after a heavy rain, then bring a raincoat; you will likely get dripped on.)
TripAdvisor / AnythingButIndoors
The cave is open year-round with regularly starting tours about every 15-20 minutes.
Wikimedia/Jon Kronsell
Touring the state's only public caverns is a must-do for any North Carolinian or visitor and is a perfect addition to any visit to the state's famed Linville Falls.
TripAdvisor / Arvid O

Ready to plan your visit? Linville Caverns is located at 19929 US-221, Marion, NC 28752. It’s open year-round, with hours varying by season. The current rates are listed on the website, and fall below $10 per adult for a tour. Learn more from the official website for Linville Caverns here.

Make a weekend of it and visit Linville Falls while you’re in this part of the state! Keep reading here for more!

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