The United States has so many amazing natural landmarks and attractions that it is hard to choose a valuable top 10 list and even a top 100 list. Well, that is above the ground. But speaking of underground kingdoms of caves and caverns in the US, the dream of any speleologist, we dared to compose such a top ten list based on many criteria, such as truly unique formations, location, size, etc.
If you are into cave exploration or spelunking as part of your tourist adventure, here are some of the caves to visit in the United States.
From Mammoth Cave in Kentucky, which holds the title of the world’s largest cave system, to the Luray Caverns and the Halloween experience it offers all year round, we are going to learn about some of the best caves and caverns in the USA and help you decide which one you want to visit first.
These caverns contain some of the most beautiful landscapes and rock formations. These caves are a world of their own and are fascinating destinations for local and international tourists alike.
Below we present you with a top 10 list of the most amazing caves and caverns in the USA. Also, read articles and reviews about each of these unique places on our website.
1. Ohio Caverns, Ohio
Ohio Caverns is a natural wonder located in West Liberty, Ohio, USA. It is one of the largest cave systems in the state, covering more than two miles in length. The cave was discovered in 1897 and has since become a popular tourist attraction.
Visitors can explore a variety of underground chambers and passages, featuring stunning natural formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, and crystal-clear pools. One of the most popular features of the caverns is the Crystal King, a massive stalactite measuring over five feet in length.
Guided tours are available, led by experienced and knowledgeable guides who provide insight into the history and geology of the cave system. Visitors can choose from different tour options, including the traditional one-hour tour and an extended two-hour tour that explores additional sections of the cave.
2. Meramec Caverns, Missouri
Meramec Caverns is a popular tourist attraction located in Stanton, Missouri, USA. The cave system is the largest commercial cave in Missouri and has been open to visitors since 1935.
The cave was formed millions of years ago and features a wide range of natural formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone. One of the most iconic features of Meramec Caverns is the Wine Table, a large flowstone formation resembling a table with wine bottles and glasses.
Visitors to Meramec Caverns can take a guided tour of the cave, which covers more than a mile in length and takes approximately one hour to complete. The tours are led by experienced guides who share interesting facts and stories about the history and geology of the cave.
It has been recognized as a National Natural Landmark and has been featured in several movies and TV shows, including the classic film “Jesse James” and the popular TV show “Lassie.” It is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in nature and history.
3. Kartchner Caverns, Arizona
Kartchner Caverns is a stunning natural wonder located near Benson, Arizona, USA. The cave system was discovered in 1974 and has since become a popular tourist attraction due to its pristine condition and an impressive array of stalactites, stalagmites, and other formations.
The cave was formed over thousands of years and features several large rooms and passageways. One of the most impressive formations in Kartchner Caverns is the Kubla Khan, a massive column that stands over 58 feet tall and 21 feet wide.
Visitors to Kartchner Caverns can take guided tours of the cave, which cover a distance of about 0.8 miles and last approximately one hour and 15 minutes. The tours are led by experienced guides who provide insights into the history and geology of the cave.
Kartchner Caverns is also home to a variety of wildlife, including cave crickets, bats, and other species adapted to the cave environment. In order to preserve the delicate ecosystem, strict conservation measures are in place, including limits on the number of visitors and restrictions on photography and touching the formations.
4. Luray Caverns, Virginia
Luray Caverns is a magnificent underground wonder located in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, USA. Discovered in 1878, it is the largest cavern system in the eastern United States, covering more than 64 acres.
Visitors can explore a variety of chambers and passageways, featuring a diverse range of natural formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, and underground pools. The cave system also includes the Great Stalacpipe Organ, a unique instrument that uses stalactites to create musical notes.
Guided tours are available, led by knowledgeable guides who share interesting stories and facts about the history and geology of the cave system. The tours cover approximately one mile and last about an hour.
In addition to the cave tours, Luray Caverns offers a variety of other attractions such as the Car and Carriage Caravan Museum, a hedge maze, and a rope adventure course. There is also a gift shop and restaurant on-site.
Luray Caverns has been recognized as a National Natural Landmark and has been visited by millions of people from all over the world. It is a must-see destination for anyone interested in the wonders of the natural world
5. Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico
Carlsbad Caverns is a breathtaking natural wonder located in the Chihuahuan Desert of New Mexico, USA. The cave system is one of the largest in the world, featuring more than 119 known caves and caverns.
Visitors to Carlsbad Caverns can take guided tours of the cave, which covers approximately one and a half miles and takes about an hour and a half to complete. The tours are led by experienced rangers who provide insight into the history and geology of the cave system.
The cave features a variety of unique formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, and delicate gypsum crystals. One of the most impressive sights is the Big Room, a massive underground chamber that covers more than 8 acres and stands over 250 feet tall.
6. Mercer Caverns – Murphys
Mercer Caverns is a beautiful underground wonder located in Murphys, California, USA. Discovered in 1885, the cave system is a popular tourist destination that offers visitors a chance to explore the wonders of the underground world.
Visitors to Mercer Caverns can take guided tours of the cave, which last approximately 45 minutes and cover a distance of 0.3 miles. The tours are led by knowledgeable guides who share interesting stories and facts about the history and geology of the cave system.
The cave features a variety of unique formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone. One of the most impressive sights is the Angel’s Wings, a formation that resembles a pair of wings made of delicate white calcite crystals.
7. Lost Sea Caverns, Tennessee
Lost Sea Caverns is a fascinating underground wonder located in Sweetwater, Tennessee, USA. The cave system is famous for its large underground lake, which is one of the largest underground bodies of water in the United States.
Visitors to Lost Sea Caverns can take guided tours of the cave, which cover approximately three-quarters of a mile and last about an hour. The tours are led by experienced guides who provide insights into the history and geology of the cave system.
The highlight of the tour is a boat ride on the underground lake, where visitors can see the rare albino cave trout and other aquatic life. The cave also features a variety of unique formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, and columns.
Lost Sea Caverns is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the natural wonders of the earth and is one of the most unique caves in the United States.
8. Shenandoah Caverns, Virginia
Shenandoah Caverns is a spectacular underground wonder located in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, USA. Discovered in 1884, the cave system is one of the most well-preserved and decorated caverns in the region.
Visitors to Shenandoah Caverns can take guided tours of the cave, which covers approximately one mile and lasts about an hour. The tours are led by knowledgeable guides who share interesting stories and facts about the history and geology of the cave system.
The cave features a variety of unique formations such as columns, stalactites, stalagmites, and delicate flowstone. One of the most impressive sights is Rainbow Lake, an underground lake that reflects a variety of colors due to the minerals present in the water.
9. Natural Bridge Caverns, Texas
Natural Bridge Caverns is a breathtaking underground wonder located in the Texas Hill Country, USA. Discovered in 1960, the cave system is one of the largest and most well-preserved caves in Texas.
Visitors to can take guided tours of the cave, which cover approximately 75 minutes and include a walk down a 180-foot-deep, winding stairway. The tours are led by knowledgeable guides who share interesting stories and facts about the history and geology of the cave system.
The cave features a variety of unique formations such as massive columns, intricate draperies, and delicate soda straws. One of the most impressive sights is the Watchtower, a towering formation that stands over 50 feet tall.
10. Mammoth Cave, Kentucky
Mammoth Cave is an incredible underground wonder located in central Kentucky, USA. The cave system is the longest known cave system in the world, with more than 400 miles of explored passageways.
Visitors can take guided tours of the cave, which cover a variety of routes and last anywhere from one to six hours. The tours are led by experienced rangers who provide insight into the history and geology of the cave system.
The cave features a variety of unique formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone. One of the most impressive sights is the Frozen Niagara, a frozen waterfall formation that is over 50 feet tall.
FAQs
What Is the Biggest Cave in The Usa?
The biggest cave in the USA is the Mammoth Cave, located in central Kentucky. The cave system is the longest known cave system in the world, with more than 400 miles of explored passageways. It is a popular tourist destination and attracts millions of visitors each year.
The cave features a variety of unique formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone, and is home to a variety of wildlife species. Mammoth Cave National Park offers a variety of tours and outdoor activities for visitors to explore the cave and the surrounding area.
What Is the Prettiest Cave in The United States?
There are many beautiful caves in the United States, but one of the prettiest is often considered to be the Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico.
The cave system is known for its stunning formations such as the Hall of Giants, which features massive stalagmites and stalactites, and the Queen’s Chamber, which is home to delicate formations such as soda straws and helictites.
The cave also has a large bat population that provides a unique and fascinating spectacle during certain times of the year.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park offers a variety of tours and activities for visitors to explore the cave and the surrounding area.
What Are the Secret Caves in The Usa?
There are many secret caves in the United States that are not open to the public or are not well-known to the general public. Some of these secret caves are located on private property, while others are protected by government agencies for research and conservation purposes.
One example of a secret cave is the Lechuguilla Cave, located in New Mexico. This cave system is one of the most extensive and complex caves in the world, with over 140 miles of explored passageways. However, it is not open to the public and is only accessible to researchers and scientists who have received special permits.
Another secret cave is the Wind Cave in South Dakota. This cave system is one of the longest and most complex in the world, with over 150 miles of explored passageways. However, only a small portion of the cave is open to the public, and the majority of the cave is closed off for scientific research and conservation purposes.
How Many Caverns Are in The Us?
With an estimated 45,000 caves within the contiguous United States, there’s a whole world to explore beneath the surface, from the “Cave State” of Missouri to Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico.
What Is the Hardest Cave to Explore?
One of the hardest caves to explore in the world is the Krubera Cave, also known as the Voronya Cave, located in the Arabika Massif of the Western Caucasus in Georgia. The cave is the deepest in the world, with a depth of over 7,200 feet, and has only been explored by a handful of experienced cavers.
The cave system features extremely narrow passageways, vertical shafts, and underground rivers, making it a difficult and dangerous place to explore. The harsh and remote environment of the cave also poses significant challenges to cavers, including extreme temperatures, high humidity, and limited access to oxygen.
Despite these challenges, the Krubera Cave remains a popular destination for experienced cavers seeking to push the limits of exploration and adventure.
What Cave Has the Most Deaths?
The Nutty Putty Cave in Utah is known for having the most deaths of any cave in the United States. The cave is a popular destination for cavers, but it is also known for being dangerous due to its narrow passages and steep drops.
In 2009, a 26-year-old man named John Jones became stuck in a narrow passage of the cave, and despite rescue efforts, he was unable to be freed and died in the cave.
Following his death, the cave was permanently closed to the public, and efforts were made to block off the entrance to prevent others from entering.
Final Thoughts
Maybe you are already an aficionado of caves in the USA, or perhaps you are just now beginning your journey with this list, but either way, we have learned today about the best caves in America and the kinds of features that make them memorable, special, or just plain interesting.
With everything on offer, which one of these incredible locations will be the first stop on your trip?