12 Amazing Caves and Rock Formations in West Virginia

West Virginia, appropriately nicknamed The Mountain State, is full of natural beauty. From its peaks and valleys to rolling farmland and suburbs, this is one pretty place with much to explore… especially if you’re into spelunking. The best caves and rock formations in West Virginia are coveted by locals and visitors alike, and they vary greatly in terms of size and layout. Put on a brave face and prepare to explore some amazing places, because these caves in West Virginia are calling your name:

Lost World Caverns/Google Images

Lost World Caverns are an incredible National Natural Landmark (try saying that ten times fast) that's well worth a visit. Discovered in 1942, this "terraced" cave contains more than a mile of passageways. Visit this fascinating spot at 907 Lost World Rd, Lewisburg, WV 24901.

Itinerant Wanderer Flickriver

Beautiful and full of secrets, Organ Cave has a seemingly ominous name. However, there's really nothing scary about the Organ–Hedricks Cave System it's a part of... unless you count fossils as scary. All sorts of prehistoric critters have been unearthed in this cave, including a ground sloth and sabre toothed cat. Unearth abundant beauty and history at 242 Organ Cave Drive, Ronceverte, WV 24970.

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Sonja Flickr

Seneca Caverns is a subterranean world that has long entertained human visitors. Indigenous peoples were said to use the caves for ceremonies, but the first written record of the cave's existence comes from 1781. Today, the landmark is a show cave that has entertained visitors since 1930. You, too, can visit it at 3328 Germany Valley Rd, Riverton, WV 26814.

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James Van Gundy Flickr

Ah, Smoke Hole Caverns. This destination gets its name from early area residents, as an indigenous culture wisely used a portion of the cave to smoke meats. Conveniently, a stream near the cave was perfect for making moonshine, so one can only imagine how boppin' this destination was a couple hundred years back. Today, these consistently cool caves (they're 56 degrees all year long) welcome visitors to their historic landscape. Find the caverns at 8290 N Fork Hwy, Cabins, WV 26855.

Carl Berger Flickr

What a stunning view! This state park has 12,747 acres worth exploring, but this landmark is truly the crown jewel of the area. Visit the park at 61 County Line Dr, Bruceton Mills, WV 26525.

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Monty VanderBilt Flickr

The aforementioned Seneca Rocks are a collection of landmarks in the Monongahela National Forest that are downright mesmerizing. Towering nearly 900 feet above the North Fork River, these incredible structures near the intersection of Route 33 and Route 55 in Seneca Rocks will knock your socks off.

J. Stephen Conn Flickr

Named for its castellated appearance, this rock near the local library towers some 200 feet above the landscape. It's imposing and impressive, and portions of the cementation are said to be more than 200 million years old. Look for it off of Park St, Pineville, WV 24874. 

Kevin Funk Photography

This odd natural formation on the southern end of Castle Mountain is certainly an attention grabber. It's nearly 1100 feet in height, and it almost looks like a home any good Disney villain would love. Find it near WV-127, Capon Bridge, WV 26711.

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Adam Fagen Flickr

The Champe Rocks over in Pendleton County are locate in the Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area, but they're the real draw here. Measuring at 2,257 feet above sea level, these monstrous formations can easily be spotted from WV-55, Cabins, WV 26855.

Dizzy Girl Flickr

The sandstone formation rises to 3,100 feet in elevation, and it's truly striking. Hiding in the Pinnacle Rock State Park area, this epic site is just one of many surprising waiting for you amidst the park's 374 acres. Find it near 6470 Coal Heritage Rd, Bramwell, WV 24715.

Iris Flickr

This epic overlook is arguably one of the best hikes in WV. This portion of Blue Ridge Mountain is scenic, taking about two to three hours to traverse from base to summit to base again. Find it near Kabletown, WV 20135.

These were just 12 of the MANY amazing caves and rock formations that our beautiful mountain state has to offer. What do you consider to be the best caves and rock formations in West Virginia? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Can’t get enough of West Virginia’s ethereal beauty? There’s much to see here. Check out another unique destination in The Mountain State at the Palace of Gold.