Did you know that the second largest commercial cave on the East Coast is right here in West Virginia? It’s called Organ Cave, located near Ronceverte, and it boasts a remarkable history, from magnificent ancient fossils to modern-day adventure opportunities!
This amazing limestone cave formation includes 45 miles of mapped passages and 200 unmapped leads.
It has been named a National Natural Landmark and a National Landmark of Historic Places and is on the West Virginia Civil War Trails list.
Organ Cave is a privately owned attraction known for excellent customer service that you can visit and tour year-round, although hours vary by season and winter tours are available by reservation only.
Discounts are offered for first responders, military personnel, families of 5+, and groups.
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To add to its interest, Organ Cave was a saltpeter mine used during Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the Civil War for production of gunpowder. Confederates used it as a mine and factory that may have furnished as much as 90% of Confederate gunpowder.
The cave is packed with beautiful and unique rock formations, including the famed rock organ from which the community got its name, a vast sanctuary room called the Chapel Room, and a 90-foot waterfall!
Countless fossils can be found inside, including the bed of an ancient tropical lagoon containing many plant and animal fossils. In 1796, the first giant ground three-toed sloth was discovered here by John Stuart, Revolutionary commander and pioneer settler. He had it sent to then-Vice-President Thomas Jefferson, and the sloth ended up being named Jefferson's Ground Sloth.
Standard historical and formation tours, spelunking tours, fossil hunts, and overnight trips are all available, with all gear provided.
There is also a gift shop and museum in the lobby area.
You can learn more about this cave and all it has to offer at the Organ Cave website. Don’t forget to bring a jacket, as the cave stays cool year round; you may also enjoy having your own flashlight along on the tour.
