After hiking to Linville Falls, we stopped off on our way home at Linville Caverns in Marion, NC. The boys absolutely loved our visit to Luray Caverns in VA the last summer, and they were excited to explore another cavern.
After purchasing tickets inside the store, we got on the line at the entrance to the cavern. Each tour allowed 15 people at a time and a new one left every 10-15 minutes. We waited about half an hour before entering.
The tour started outside the cavern entrance as the guide told us that the cavern was discovered in the early 1800s by fisherman Henry E. Cotton when he noticed fish swimming under what appeared to be solid rock in the mountainside. He found a small opening in the mountainside and crawled through to discover the immense cavern with the stream running through it. Today trout still swim in the stream that runs next to the entrance and into the cavern.
We continued inside the cavern where we learned about the different geological formations inside. I knew that Linville Caverns would in no way compare to Luray Caverns, but even so, I was surprised by how small and relatively undeveloped it was. It definitely was a more natural experience than Luray (which I felt was somewhat Disney-like) but the formations were nowhere near as impressive. Still, any kid who loves rocks and caves will enjoy it, and my husband, who had not visited Luray with us, thought it was really cool.
As with all caverns, it stays cool (52 degrees year round) and wet, particularly after a rainfall. We all caught a few drips on the head or shoulders as we explored. Our tour guide was well-versed in the history and geology of the cave and did a good job throughout. All in all it was a fun experience.
Prior to the tour, we were given information on White-Nose Syndrome, a disease affecting a handful of the hundreds of bats that call Linville Cavern home. The disease is not harmful to humans but the fungus can be spread to other bats outside of the cave on your shoes. In order prevent the spread of the fungus, after exiting the cave we all stepped on a special mat to decontaminate our shoes.
Linville Caverns was a fun add-on to our hike at Linville Falls. I don’t think it is big enough or exciting enough to warrant a trip on its own, but it is worth a stop if you are in the area. Also, if you have been to one of the big caverns in VA or elsewhere, you should level-set your expectations. This cavern is on a much smaller scale and while still interesting, it is nowhere near as impressive. As long as you manage your expectations, you will enjoy this tour.
(As a surprise bonus, there was a gorgeous butterfly bush outside the restrooms that proved irresistible to this butterfly and bee!)
