Delve into a world of natural wonders that can only be seen when you go underground. Cave tours make for an especially cool day trip. (So cool, in fact, you might want to bring a jacket – underground temperatures can dip into the low 50s!). A visit to these awesome geological formations makes for a fun and educational adventure for all ages.
If you’re ready to head underground, here are our favorite cave tours in the Northeast.
Need a ride? Rent a car.
The Coolest Caves in New England
Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves
North Woodstock, N.H.
Lost River stuns with enchanting natural beauty both above and below ground. Follow the scenic one-mile wooden boardwalk trail and wind past tumbling waterfalls and nearly a dozen glacial boulder caves with whimsical names like Lemon Squeezer and Bear Crawl. Two-hour guided lantern tours at dusk offer unique perspectives on the hidden depths of the caves. As a bonus, tours end with s’mores and a cozy campfire. The littlest explorers can even participate in a fun scavenger hunt as part of a Junior Gorge Guide program.
Rumney, N.H.
At Polar Caves Park, you can explore nine granite caves from the last ice age. Why the name Polar Caves? They say it’s because even on the hottest days, you can feel the chill of the caves’ icy cold “breath.” This is a self-guided adventure, so plan to wander in and out of caves at your own pace. Above ground, children will delight in the small animal park with European fallow deer and ducks. You can purchase animal feed, as well as souvenirs and snacks at the park’s main lodge.
5 Iconic American Road Trips
Hit the road on one of these amazing routes to get a real feel for all America has to offer.
Download Now!New York Cave Tours
Howes Cave, N.Y.
At Howe Caverns, you’ll be amazed by cave formations, underground streams and expansive chambers. A 90-minute guided tour traces the cave’s exhilarating discovery story. Wander through enormous rooms and under super-sized boulders on a 1.25-mile walk and 0.25-mile boat ride, all while 150 feet below the Earth’s surface. Specialty tours, including a two-hour lantern tour and a two-hour family flashlight tour, help bring to life the thrill of Lester Howe’s discovery of the caves in 1842. Uniquely, Howe Caverns hosts yoga and Zumba classes during summer months.
Howes Cave, N.Y.
Just two miles from Howe Caverns is the quirky yet captivating Secret Caverns, a roadside attraction that proudly claims to be the “Speleological Center of the Universe.” Speleology, of course, being the scientific study of caves. Bundle up since the caves maintain a refreshing 50 degrees year-round. Sign up for a guided 45- to 60-minute tour to get up close and personal with stalagmites, stalactites and flowstone. You’ll also spy a breathtaking 100-foot-tall underground waterfall. Make note, only cash is accepted here.
Pennsylvania Cave Adventures
Kutztown, Pa.
Crystal Cave offers a fascinating underground adventure. With a constant 54-degree temperature inside the cave, you’ll want a jacket or light sweater for the one-hour guided tour. Prepare to be awed by stunning stalactites, stalagmites and intricate formations with names like Totem Pole, Ear of Corn and Bacon. The tour starts with a short film on cave geology. Once back in the sunshine, pan for gems, get in a round of mini golf or treat yourself to a scoop at the on-site ice cream parlor.
Hummelstown, Pa.
At Indian Echo Caverns, explorers go underground for a 45-minute adventure through awe-inspiring caverns that first opened to the public in 1929. Knowledgeable guides educate on the spectacular limestone formations, crystal-clear pools and mysterious passages within the 52-degree caverns. Above ground, the fun continues thanks to picnic areas, a playground, gem mining and a small petting zoo with goats, alpacas and chickens.
Farmington, Pa.
Laurel Caverns boasts the largest cave system in Pennsylvania, featuring more than four miles of curious and narrow passages. Marvel at the expansive chambers and striking formations on a 30-minute guided or self-guided tour through illuminated sections of the caves. For the truly adventurous, weekend caving programs allow you to navigate tight, unlit spaces with hard hats and lights. Kids ages 4 to 9 will love The Grottos, a simulated cave experience that’s a fun and safe learning activity.
Centre Hall, Pa.
Embark on a 45-minute guided tour aboard a flat-bottom motorboat through an underground waterway called Lake Nitanee at Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park. This unique cave exploration wows with stunning views of limestone formations and chambers with names like The Statue of Liberty and Garden of the Gods. Afterward, explore the wildlife park on a 90-minute guided bus tour across 1,600 acres. Keep your eyes open for free-roaming bison, elk, bighorn sheep and red foxes.
Have you been on any of these cave tours? Tell us in the comments.
Featured image: Courtesy of Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park
Related Articles
Trending Articles
NEWEST ARTICLES
One Thought on “The Coolest Cave Tours in the Northeast”
Leave A Comment
Comments are subject to moderation and may or may not be published at the editor’s discretion. Only comments that are relevant to the article and add value to the Your AAA community will be considered. Comments may be edited for clarity and length.
Howe Caverns is the cream of the crop – definitely recommend! Crystal Caves in PA is a great day trip, some very cool formations to see. If you want a weekend trip I would recommend heading a bit south to Luray Caverns in VA, It’s amazing!