Carlsbad Caverns National Park is the mecca of caving and exploring cave systems in the United States. Taking up an area of approximately 73 square miles, it features over 100 underground caves that are hidden beneath the Chihuahuan Desert in southern New Mexico.
For people who’ve been able to visit Carlsbad Caverns, it’s not unusual for them to be so awed by the caves, that they want to find more places just like it. If you haven’t been there yet, but would love to check out some awesome caves and caverns, turns out there are lots of places around the country to explore, so we’ve got you covered too.
Here are five more places you’ll need to check out if you want to see more places like Carlsbad Caverns.
Mammoth Cave National Park
Did you know there are multiple National Parks that feature cave systems? Kentucky’s Mammoth Cave National Park is another very popular option. The cave system you’ll find in Mammoth Cave lives up to its name, it’s huge, with over 400 miles of trails that meander through the underground maze system. This is the longest known cave system in the entire world!
Sequoia National Park
Now, wait a minute, isn’t Sequoia National Park the one that has the gigantic trees? Yup, that’s correct, but a secret part of the park that never gets much attention is the hidden cave system that runs underneath those mammoth trees. The Crystal Cave has formed around an underground fresh water stream. You can see the Crystal Cave from May to November every year.
Meramec Cavern
Missouri is known for the number of caves hidden just beneath the surface all over the state. So it’s no surprise that the best cavern of them all would find a place on this list. Not only is Meramec Cavern the largest cave system in Missouri, but it’s also the coolest with huge rooms filled with stalactites. As you can tell from the photo above, you’ll learn a lot of interesting history about the Cavern. Whatever you do, make sure you stay for the light show!
Penn’s Cave
By Daderot (talk) 11:39, 21 August 2009 (UTC) – Own work, Public Domain
How would you like to fully explore a cave system, but do it without having to do any hiking at all? Sounds good, doesn’t it? That’s what makes Pennsylvania’s Penn’s Cave so cool. The cavern can be fully toured during a 45 minute boat ride! Check out the stalactite and stalagmite formations all while enjoying a lazy float.
Oregon Caves National Monument
The Oregon Caves National Monument is truly a special place. Combine the mountains of Oregon with the high amount of rain each year, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a pretty cool cavern system. What really makes this park extra special is that it’s completely formed out of marble, and is only one of three in the entire country like it.
These are some of the best cave systems that you can find all around the United States. If you’ve fallen in love with caves and caverns and cannot wait to explore more, you’ve got to check these out. Now, it’s your turn, what are some of your favorite caves to visit? Let us know in the comments!
