Laurel Caverns, PA

A wide angle shot of Laurel Caverns by Shaun M Richey Freelance copyright 2024

A Native Discovery

Nestled in the Chestnut Ridge region of Pennsylvania, lies the state’s largest discovered cave. It is unknown exactly when it was discovered by local Native Americans, but historians believe the first non-natives’ to enter the cave was likely before 1776. The first deed was drawn in 1794, and first explored on September 11, 1816, and named “Laurel Hill Cave”, inspiring the name it goes by today. During that time there was a lot of back and forth, as local landowners scoured their documents to find who officially owned the entrance, to lay claim to the deed. Over the years the land was purchased by Norman Cale, who converted it into a tourist attraction and had its caverns and passages cleared of sand and debris. Its first date as a Show Cave was July 1, 1964, under the name of “Cavern in the Clouds”.  It briefly changed hands again at this time and was further improved, before returning to Cale family ownership.

The Laurel Caverns

Over the years the cave network had approximately 25 miles of electrical cables installed to support a theatrical lighting system to increase its entertainment value. Now it boasts colorful lighting throughout, as well as a music-led light show to enchant visitors. Further expansions led to a mini-golf course, gift shop, fossil study activities, gemstone panning area, and simulated cave exploration for the kids, as well as a nearby wildlife viewing area. All of which has made it a very popular locale for school field trips.

The “Cool-est” Environment

Outside the cavern, you are greeted by a log cabin-inspired exterior structure, which shelters the entrance and houses the gift and snack shop. I was informed, for a second time, that the self-guided passage is more difficult compared to the more beginner-friendly history-narrated tour. As we arrived at noon, but were 30 minutes away from any such business, I visited the gift shop. Maintaining my energy and glucose levels during such a moderate “hike” was vital to an enjoyable experience. Luckily, they keep snacks stocked and reasonably priced for such occasions. This is a boon for tourists who are a bit heavier or need to monitor their metabolic conditions during strenuous activity.

My family and I visited on the 4th of July as an escape from the heat wave sweeping the state this year. Where the cavern maintains a cool and damp environment year-round, a comfortable 52 degrees in the guided tour passages, some of the deeper passages are closer to 48 in some places. So a light coat was highly recommended. It was around 45$ for my group of 2 adults and one 6-year-old to take the Guided Tour. If you pay for the Guided, you can take the Self Guided, more difficult path free for the visit.

The Path Less Travelled

There are also two other experiences to choose from at Laurel Caverns. For the visitors who have dreamed of a spelunking venture delving into the unknown depths of caves; hard hat, ropes and all. An Introduction to the Cave Exploring Program; mostly educational in nature. As well as the Half-Day Cave Exploring Program itself. Both have more stricter requirements, for the safety of all attending. Age limitations, safety release forms, pants, long sleeves, proper boots, and safety equipment are required. The equipment itself is provided to each guest. I witnessed this group myself, as my group was temporarily halted to allow them to pass ahead. These adventurous souls crossed the safety line and passed warning signs that lined the room we stood in. Bravely delving into a small crevasse to disappear beyond.

The Guided tour is ranked as the easy path and is 600 feet in distance. It doesn’t involve any stairs, aside from the slightly sloped ramps leading down into the passage at its start. Throughout the passage are a few sections of lower ceilings, and shoulder-width narrower sections. “Low Ceilings” and “narrow” to me, that is; with my broad shoulders and over 6ft height. So it may be easier and less tight, to shorter visitors. During the Guided Tour, there is a short section involving complete darkness, as a demonstration only. As well as an intermission while a light show plays, before continuing.

As I mentioned before, the Self-Guided Tour is included in your visit, if you paid for the Guided Tour first. On the return trip to the surface, they stopped and instructed us where the next path started before leading the rest of the group to the exit. It is at this fork that we broke away to take the Self Guided Path.

The Journey to the Center of The Earth

The site recommends this Tour for those short on time, and in excellent health. I am not in peak physical condition. myself. I did have to stop for a rest to prevent overheating from the strenuousness of the activity. But I can say it is possible with less than perfect health.

What came next though was probably one of the most interesting experiences I’ve personally ever had. It includes 100 steps, over 800 ft of walking; but over moderate difficulty paths. The guide said that it covers a depth of more than a dozen stories. Navigating through this passage had various obstacles. It starts with a slow descent into the much cooler depths. More than one section involved low ceilings that required all but the youngest children, to lean over completely. As the ceiling was maybe only 4ft to 4 1/2 ft tall.

Next, there was a tight crack in the rock wall that visitors were meant to squeeze through to continue. Most people ahead of us were able to just shimmy through sideways, with ease. My stock chest and wide shoulders made this impossible and I got stuck halfway through. The lower half of this crevice widens, so I had to squat to fit through the rest of the way. After navigating a few more low ceilings and a few more narrow crevices it starts to open up. Eventually, you will come to a small cave waterfall and a winding section. Before ending at a large incline leading back up to the surface.

This is a very simplified description of the difficulty of the path. But not of the beauty. Every room and tunnel is filled with history and stories as you can see through the textures and shapes cut into the rockfaces. Emphasized by LED lighting, this experience is truly one of a kind. As a Photographer, I found myself stopping often to photograph every little detail. The photos online of this trip are amazing, as the photographer had private access to set up tripods and all the gear needed to capture this fascinating location. My photos, while still great, were not as breathtaking as it was all shot as I crawled, squeezed, and climbed my way through the caverns. I can’t even imagine the sights that await someone who takes the cave exploration program path. Delving deeper than most visitors ever get to go. Truly an experience of a lifetime.

For any further information, and pricing please visit their site directly at Laurel Caverns.