Potomac Highlands and the surrounding areas provide caving opportunities for all sorts of people.  The novice and experienced as well as the family can enjoy the unique natural features that caves provide.  The following list of links will help you get started.

There are commercial caves where the visitor pays for a guided tour and several of these provide guides for a "wild cave experience."  Then, there are the caves where the "cavers" go.  Many of these are closed because of environmental considerations, such as providing nesting sites for bats.  Others are deemed too sensitive or are on private land and the owner has closed them off.  The National Speleological Society publishes a list of members, as a membership service, in all states.  It includes addresses and phone numbers which may be called for recommendations for caving trips in their area.  You may also find copies of maps that will be helpful.

COMMERCIAL CAVES:

Seneca Caverns 

Smokehole Caverns

Organ Cave

Lost World Caverns

ORGANIZATIONS:

The National Speleological Society

GROSS GROTTO (Greater Randolph Organization for the Speleological Society

SELF-GUIDED CAVES:

Bowden Cave

Near the Bowden Fish Hatchery, Old rt.33 by way of Stuart Park.pg 58 of "1983 NSS Convention Guide"

Sinks of Gandy

On the road to Seneca Knob Lake, See " 1983 NSS Convention Guide"

Still House Cave

By Sinks Of Gandy Cave, 1/2 mile further on road.  Pg 91 of "1983 NSS Convention Guide"

Trout Rock Caves

In Franklin, WV. Owned by the NSS and open to the public.   Consists of three caves: Trout, New Trout and Hamilton Cave.  Inquire in Franklin.  See " 1983 NSS Convention Guide"

Alpena Cave (wet cave)

Across from the Alpine Lodge on rt.33 where stream comes out.   Must crawl through the water.  See "1983 NSS Convention Guide"

Dreen Cave

On the Dry Branch of the Elk River, off rt. 219 near Mingo WV.   See pg 85 of the " 1983 NSS Convention Guide"

Sharps Cave

Inquire at Sharps Store at the Snowshoe turnoff on rt. 219.   See " 1983 NSS Convention Guide"

GUIDING SERVICES:

Blackwater Outdoor Center

Located in Davis, WV.  Provide expeditions in Bowden Cave in Randolph County for a "wild caving experience".  From May1 through Labor Day.   1-800-328-4798

Mystic Springs Company

Located in Sinks Grove, WV.  Provide excursions in Scott Hollow Cave near Lewisburg.  Open 365 days a year. 1-800-814-5218

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