Caving

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Virginia is home to some rather spectacular caving opportunities. There are lots of fascinating things to see underground that you won’t see anywhere else. Cave formations known as “pretties” cover the ceiling and floors in many colors and shades.

Generally speaking, there are two different types of cave experiences: commercial and wild. Commercial caves typically involve walking along lighted walkways while wild caves require participants to walk, crawl, and climb through the cave while wearing helmets with lights.

The Roanoke Region is full of karst land with dozens of caves. Caving is a sport with inherent risks and as such we have chosen to list outfitters that specialize in providing caving trips and not to list primitive caves. In addition to these outfitters, many parks and recreation departments will periodically offer cave trips. Check out our list of cave clubs if you would like to learn more.

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Caving

    Commercial Caving

    • Dixie Caverns Expand Collapse

      Located in Salem, Dixie Caverns is open throughout the year and offers daily, 45-minute tours of its caverns on lighted walkways.

      All sites at Dixie Caverns Campground have electric, water, cable TV & sewer; free Wi-Fi  is available. There is space available for tents and climate-controlled bath house open during any season.

    • Natural Bridge Caverns Expand Collapse

      Natural Bridge is one of the seven natural wonders of the world above ground but also includes caverns.

      The Natural Bridge Caverns were discovered just before the turn of the 20th century and opened to the public in 1977. Open seasonally March through November, the caverns tour descends more than 34 stories deep for a magnificent natural display.

      While underground, tourists can explore the Natural Bridge Caverns and view their many special features, including cavern structures such as the Colossal Dome room. This room is an enormous dome shaped natural feature that was created over thousands of years. Walking from the dome room, visitors can also see other places while on the 45 minute tour of the Natural Bridge Caverns; be sure to see things like Mirror Lake, the Well Room and the stalactites and stalagmites that grow from the Canyon Room.

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