Lost World Caverns
West Virginia
Lost World Caverns, located near Lewisburg, West Virginia, is a spectacular underground cave system renowned for its terraced pedestal-like stalagmites, flowstone, curtains, rimstone, domepits, and waterfalls. Discovered in 1942 by Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, the cave features over a mile of interconnected passages reaching depths of 245 feet below the surface. The main walking tour takes visitors through a vast chamber measuring 1000 feet long, 300 feet wide, and 120 feet high, showcasing formations such as the Bridal Veil, Goliath, Snowy Chandelier, Ice Cream Wall, Castle, and the famous War Club stalagmite. Beyond the accessible areas, guided "wild" tours offer adventurous exploration of remote sections including the Angel's Roost, Birth Canal, and Glitter Pits. The cave plays a significant environmental role within the Greenbrier River watershed, illustrating the karst topography and hydrological connections of the region. Visitors experience a constant 52-degree temperature year-round, making it a unique natural attraction. The site also includes a dinosaur museum section in the gift shop, enhancing its educational appeal. Lost World Caverns is a National Natural Landmark, recognized for its geological and ecological importance, combining natural beauty, scientific interest, and adventurous exploration opportunities.
ヒント: Visitors should wear sturdy shoes with good tread and a light jacket due to the constant 52°F temperature inside the cave. The best time to visit is during regular daily hours except major holidays. Self-guided tours allow visitors to explore at their own pace with informative signage, while guided wild tours offer a more challenging experience requiring advance reservations. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended during peak seasons. Visitors are also encouraged to follow conservation protocols to protect the cave's delicate ecosystem, including sterilization measures to prevent white nose syndrome in bats.
興味深い事実
- •Lost World Caverns was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1973 for its unique geological formations.
- •The cave contains a massive chamber measuring approximately 1000 feet by 300 feet and 120 feet high.
- •In 1971, Bob Addis set an unofficial world record by sitting atop the 28-foot War Club stalagmite for almost 16 days.
- •Prehistoric cave bear (Arctodus pristinus) remains were discovered in the cave in 1967.
- •The musical group Sloppy Jane recorded their entire 2021 album "Madison" inside the caverns.
歴史
Originally known as Grapevine Cave, the only entrance was a vertical drop used by farmers to dispose of livestock carcasses and trash.
The cave was discovered in 1942 and surveyed in 1946 and the 1960s, revealing extensive passages.
In 1967, prehistoric cave bear remains were found within.
The early 1970s saw the development of a walking entrance and removal of debris, opening the cave for tourism.
Renovations and conservation efforts have continued since, including lighting improvements and the addition of a dinosaur museum.
Notably, in 1971 Bob Addis set a world record by sitting atop the War Club stalagmite for nearly 16 days.
場所ガイド
Main Chamber
The central large chamber is about 1000 feet long, 300 feet wide, and 120 feet high, featuring spectacular formations such as Bridal Veil, Goliath, Snowy Chandelier, Ice Cream Wall, Castle, and the War Club stalagmite.
Wild Tour Sections
These remote cave areas include Angel's Roost, Birth Canal, Keyhole, Glitter Pits, and the Hall of the Mountain King, offering a challenging exploration of less accessible passages and formations.
連絡先
電話: (304) 645-6677