Summer is a great time to check out the stalactites and stalagmites of Linville Caverns, North Carolina’s only publicly accessible caverns which have been on official public view since the late 1930s.
Located 55 miles from West Jefferson and 32 miles from Boone, these natural wonders were discovered in 1822 by local fishermen. Since that time the caverns have been of interest to locals and travelers alike. Today visitors can go on guide-escorted tours through the caverns. These tours include information about cavern history, resident creatures, and the formations viewed along the way. Formed in a deposit of Shady Dolomite at the base of Humpback Mountain, Linville Caverns offer an environment for the public to explore the subterranean world of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Visitors hear the lore surrounding the caverns, including the tale of the Civil War deserters who used the caverns as a hideout, as well as the geology of rock formations found on the tour route.
Where: Linville Caverns; 19929 US 221 North; Marion, NC
When: Summer hours: 9:00am – 6:00pm
Cost: Adults, $8.50; Seniors, $7.50; Kids (5-12), $6.50; Children under 5 are FREE
For more information, visit: http://www.linvillecaverns.com/home.html
For driving directions, go here: http://www.linvillecaverns.com/information/drivingdirections.html
