Pennsylvania ’ s Caves & Caverns Provide a Wonderous Underground Adventure
Under Pennsylvania ’ s earth lies the magical beauty of many caves and caverns formed from its rich limestone .
Caves are cavities in the ground that do not receive direct sunlight . They formed as the rock was solidifying , while caverns form naturally in soluble rock and grow formations from mineral desposits . These formations are stalagmites , which grow up from the ground and stalactites , which hang from the cave ceiling .
Caves and caverns are a perfect destination any time during the year , but especially on hot , summer days since the temperatures inside range between 50 to 60 degrees . Many caves are damp and have uneven terrain , so good shoes and a light jacket are recommended as you tour them . Most of the caves and caverns do not have wheelchair access due to the terrain and narrow passages .
Walking through the cave , expect to get splashed with a drip of water on your head . The guides say it ’ s good luck , but the luck may be in the breathtaking beauty you get to witness as you make your way through these natural wonders .
Make plans to visit some of Pennsylvania ’ s beautiful caves and caverns .
Crystal Cave
963 Crystal Cave Road , Kutztown , PA 19530 P : 610-683-6765 ; W :
crystalcavepa . com Open : March – November Admission : $ 17 ages 12 & up ; $ 13 ages 4-11 ; Free for ages 3 and under
Crystal Cave , discovered in 1871 by William Merkel and John Gehret , is one of the first caves to open for tours . Near Kutztown , Pa ., the cave features milky white crystal formations . The cave offers a one-hour tour featuring a movie on the history and a guided tour leading you 125 feet underground . The property encompasses 150 acres and offers a historic inn and gift shop , museum and trading post , rock and mineral shop / gemstone panning , ice cream parlor , hiking trail , miniature golf and a restaurant / café .
Crystal Cave , Kutztown , PA
Laurel Caverns Farmington , PA
Coral Caverns
116 Cavern Street , Manns Choice , PA 15550 P : 814-977-9570 Open : May – Sept .; Saturday – Sunday , 10 a . m . to 3 p . m . Admission : $ 15
Coral Caverns , located near Bedford , Pa ., was discovered during limestone mining operations and has been open to visitors for more than 80 years . The attraction has a small museum with many fossils and rocks from the caverns . A guide leads visitors into the cavern , which outfitted with colored lights to light up its interior . One large rock formation inside contains many pieces of coral fossils , providing the cavern ’ s name , and fossils from the sea creatures that inhabited the area more than 400 million years ago . The tours last 30 to 45 minutes . Information on the caverns is difficult to find , since the attraction does not have a website .
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