Going Caving in Virginia
The Masonic Hall at Fountain Cave in Grottoes, Va. Photo by Thomas Carpenter
Fountain Cave
Where: Grottoes, Va., in Augusta and Rockingham counties, adjacent to the more accessible Grand Caverns
How to access: While this cave once had walkways, it is now a wild cave ideal for a more adventurous caving experience. Cavers must be 12 years or older, and the tour lasts roughly two hours. The cave is open year-round. Reservations are recommended. Prices, including discounts and group rates, are offered on the website.
Difficulty: Visitors have the option to make the tour more physically strenuous by selecting different routes.
Fun fact: No one knows the true reason that Fountain Cave was closed to the public more than a century ago. After access was restricted for more than 100 years, visitors can now once again enter and go spelunking. The only remaining evidence of the cave’s time as a show cave are signatures from 19th century visitors and the rugged remnants of a walkway.
Contact info: Call (888) 430-CAVE (2283) or visit grandcaverns.com/ticketing.html
Dixie Caverns
Where: Salem, Va., in Roanoke County
How to access: Dixie Caverns offers daily guided tours. Children under the age of 5 can access the cave for free. Other amenities include a campground and rock store.
Difficulty: While all caving can be physically strenuous, this location offers tours that are well-suited for young kids and beginners.
Fun fact: Dixie Caverns has been open to the public since 1923. It is known for its magnificent rooms with fun names, such as Fairyland, Wedding Bells and Carrot Patch. The first room is reached by climbing 48 steps called Jacob’s Ladder.
Contact info: Call 540-380-2085, or visit dixiecaverns.com
Related Articles
Latest News
More Stories
English Language Learning in Appalachia
Learning English is always difficult. But current aggressive approaches to immigration policy are creating more barriers for learners and the programs that serve them than ever before in Appalachia and beyond.
Pike County Rejects Mega Landfill
Many residents of Pike County, Kentucky, are breathing a sigh of relief since county commissioners finalized their decision to rescind a contract with an out-of-state waste management company.
Overdrive: Fossil Fuels in Appalachia
Electricity demand is on the rise. Here, we share snapshots of energy trends in the region and how methane gas, coal and data centers are affecting our communities — and how people are pushing back.
Less Support for Communities with Mine Problems
The Trump administration issued a regulation to weaken the Ten Day Notice process that helps community members call in federal enforcement when state regulators don’t do a good job policing environmental problems at coal mines
Chaos at the Tennessee Valley Authority, Cuts to Public Input
The past year has brought turmoil and uncertainty to the Tennessee Valley Authority, the nation’s largest public power provider, and its more than 10 million customers across the Tennessee Valley.
Landmark Coal Ash Protections Under Attack
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is planning to eviscerate important, hard-won regulations on coal ash, a toxic waste left after burning coal for energy.
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Leave a Comment