And he used to work for the Federal Emergency Management Agency as a disaster "expert" - he hates that label - which makes him a good guy to be with if something bad happens in a cave. He has a killer tan for someone who runs an underground attraction. He lives at the cave, which might explain why its entrance building and gift shop are so immaculate. (With the exception of the guys at Secret Caverns, of course.)īut Steve Silverberg is not your typical cave owner. These are notably open-minded gestures, considering that cave people are generally conservative about their attractions. And he's thumbtacked a yellowed clipping of the original Bat Boy article to a bulletin board in the gift shop. He sent the off-Broadway production of "Bat Boy: The Musical" the helmets, caribiners, and equipment that were used in its opening number. What the owners of Lost World Caverns thought of that honor is lost to time, but its current owner, Steve Silverberg, embraces the notoriety. Bat Boy's shrieking face burned itself into the brains of a generation of rabid tabloid readers. In 1992, The Weekly World News claimed that Lost World Caverns was the home of "Bat Boy" - a large-eyed, fanged human child raised in complete darkness by bats. Such information is subject to change."The War Club" stalagmite, where spelunker Bob Addis perched for two weeks. Extra tipsįor further details, such as hours of operation and prices, refer to the caverns and caves directly (check "External Resources" below).
Gemstone mining experience is also on offer. The visitors are welcome to guided tours year-round to learn more about the fascinating past of the Smoke Hole and marvel at the stalactites, helictites, columns, and draperies. Once Seneca Indians used these caverns to smoke wild game, and other settlers made corn whiskey inside these natural formations. After the caverns, be sure to take your time and explore the iconic Seneca Rocks.Īt last, discover the depth of Smoke Hole Caverns, just north of Seneca Caverns, likewise steeped in rich history. Also, you can try gemstone mining and return home with a souvenir. For about an hour, a guide will lead you along a well-lit pathway 165 ft (50 m) below the entrance. You can join a family-friendly cave tour Wednesday through Sunday. The caverns are 4.5 million years old and once used to be home to the Seneca Indians and other tribes. In northern West Virginia, the top choice is Seneca Caverns, located amidst the Potomac Highlands on a Native American trading route. In addition to its role in the American Civil War, fascinating rock formations, and prehistoric fossils, the cave is also renowned for bats! Walking tours operate year-round, from November to April-by reservation only. Stretching for 45 mi (72 km), Organ Cave is the second-longest commercial cave found on the east coast. The historic Organ Cave, located in the very heart of Greenbrier County, is another gem of southern West Virginia. So in total, you'll spend 6 hours at the location. A safety talk and a lunch break will take an extra 2 hours. You'll need hiking shoes, warm long-sleeves, and pants, as well as a complete change of clothing, including undergarments, a towel for the shower, and possibly some medicine. Remember to stay on the trail and wear good shoes along with a light jacket, as the caverns always have a temperature of 54☏ (12☌), no matter the season.įor a true caving experience, choose the 4-hour guided Wild Cave Tour that will take you to the deepest and darkest corners of the underground maze. Around 45 minutes is enough to walk through a half-mile loop.
One of the options is the Cave Tour, a self-guided tour 120 ft (37 m) under the ground. The tours operate daily year-round, in January and February-on weekends only. The wonderland of stalactites and stalagmites reaches the depth of 235 ft (72 m).
The most popular destination in southern West Virginia is Lost World Caverns, located just north of Lewisburg.
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