Laurel Caverns facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Laurel Caverns |
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Stairs, lit with electric lights, lead into the cavern.
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| Location | Farmington, Pennsylvania |
| Length | 4,972 meters (16,312 ft) |
| Discovery | 1760s (first recorded exploration) |
| Geology | Karst cave Mississippian Loyalhanna limestone |
| Access | Adults: $14 USD Seniors (65+): $11 USD Children (12-18): $10 USD Children (6-11): $10 USD Children (0-5): free Upper Caving (9 and up): $20 USD Lower Caving (12 and up): $25 USD |
Laurel Caverns is the biggest cave in Pennsylvania! It's huge, both in how much space it takes up and how much area it covers. This amazing cave has two main parts. The upper part is like a maze with passages that connect in a grid pattern. The lower part is dark and has underground rivers that flow through passages like the branches of a tree.
The cave is known for its cool rock formations. Its average temperature is about 52°F (11°C), which is pretty cool even on a hot day! You can find Laurel Caverns in Farmington, Pennsylvania. It's located on Chestnut Ridge, not far from Uniontown. This is about 50 miles (80 km) southeast of Pittsburgh.
Exploring Laurel Caverns
Laurel Caverns is a privately owned cave that opened to the public in 1968. Before it became a "show cave" (a cave set up for visitors), it was a "wild cave." This meant it was not regulated and only known by local people.
Since it opened, the upper part of the cave has been made safer for tours. Sand was brought in to cover the rocky floor. Lights were also added to help visitors see where they are going.
What Makes it Special?
Some parts of the cave have steep slopes. These slopes create a cool trick called a gravity hill. It's an optical illusion where things seem to roll uphill! For example, on the one-hour guided family tour, you might see a ball appear to roll up a slope. This is a fun part of the tour.
The cave also has many different types of rock formations. These include speleological formations, which are natural cave features. There are also pseudokarst formations, which look like cave features but form in different ways.
Fun Tours and Activities
Laurel Caverns offers different ways to explore the cave. The standard family tour is about one hour long. It takes you through the lit upper cave.
For those who want more adventure, there's a special three-hour tour of the lower part of the cave. This area is not lit, so you need a helmet with a light. On this tour, you'll climb and crawl over rocks. You'll get to see some of the cave's biggest rooms and deepest passages.
Beyond the Cave
Laurel Caverns is surrounded by Pennsylvania gamelands. This means it's a great place to see wildlife. The business has a strict rule against firearms to keep everyone safe. It's a popular spot for school field trips.
Besides the cave tours, there are other fun things to do. You can visit the gift shop to find souvenirs. There's also a mini-golf course for some outdoor fun. You can even try panning for gemstones and fossils!
