Linville Caverns facts for kids
Linville Caverns are amazing underground caves in McDowell County, North Carolina. They are near the small village of Linville Falls. You can find them right off U.S. Highway 221.
These caverns are special because they are still "active." This means water is still slowly shaping them. They are also the only caves in North Carolina that are open for public tours. People have been visiting Linville Caverns since the late 1930s.
Contents
Exploring Linville Caverns
Linville Caverns were first discovered in 1822. Local fishermen found them, and ever since, people have been curious about these caves. Today, you can take a guided tour to explore them.
What You'll See on a Tour
The tours last about half an hour. A guide will lead you through the caverns. They will share interesting facts about the caves' history. You'll also learn about the creatures that live there. The guide will point out cool rock formations along the way.
How Caves Are Formed
Linville Caverns formed in a type of rock called Shady Dolomite. This rock is at the base of Humpback Mountain. As water slowly dripped and flowed over thousands of years, it carved out these underground spaces. You'll see amazing formations like stalactites and stalagmites. Stalactites hang down from the ceiling, like icicles. Stalagmites grow up from the cave floor.
Cavern Stories and History
During your tour, you'll hear fun stories about the caverns. One famous tale is about Civil War soldiers. They supposedly used the caves as a secret hideout. It's a cool way to imagine the past while exploring.
Amazing Animals of the Caverns
Linville Caverns are home to some special creatures. The most popular residents are bats! You might see tricolored bats and little brown bats.
Bat Hibernation
These bats eat insects and spend their winters in the caverns. They hibernate from late fall until early spring. This means they go into a deep sleep to save energy when food is scarce. The caves provide a safe, cool place for them to rest.
Protecting the Bats
Sometimes, bats can get sick from something called White-nose syndrome. This disease is caused by a fungus. It's harmless to humans and pets, but it can be very dangerous for bats.
Helping Stop the Spread
The people at Linville Caverns take steps to protect the bats. They ask visitors to walk through a special solution. This solution helps kill any fungus that might be on your shoes. It's a simple way everyone can help keep the bats healthy.
