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linville caverns

19929 Us 221 N, Marion, North Carolina 28752 | 828-756-4171
5 Reviews
Type: Guided Tours, Nature & Gardens, and Hiking & Walking
Ages: Ages 5 — adult
Cost: $$
Hours of operation: Vary by month; visit schedule on website


5 Reviews for linville caverns

jksigmon
jksigmon
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January 12 2011
1 family found this helpful
Violetwhite_word
"One of a kind in NC!"

If you go to Linville for the falls you must take the kids to the Linville Caverns.  You get to go down into the caverns and see the stalagmites and stalactites and how these caverns have formed over the years.  There are also some blind fish that swim in the underground water that the kids will love too.  Its kind of a tight fit in some places so if you are claustrophobic then  I wouldn't really recommend going all the way to the end where the "bottomless pit" is.  But this is probably one of the coolest things I've seen in NC and I will always remember when I went when I was a kid.

January 11 2011
0 families found this helpful
Violetwhite_word
"Awesome"

I have been to visit the caverns a few times, the limestone deposits are beautiful!! It is such a cool experiance and it's definately something new that your probably have never seen before. It is a bit chilly inside since its underground so dress accordingly. They turn the lights out during the tour at one point and you are in complete and total darkness, so cool.

December 23 2010
0 families found this helpful
Violetwhite_word
"One amazing cavern!"

It’s impossible to ignore the signs urging you to visit Linville Caverns, where the fiftytwo-degree year-round temperature is more than welcome during a humid North Carolina summer.

The caverns, the only ones in the state that are open to the public, are located on US 221 near its intersection with the Blue Ridge Parkway. At the caverns you’ll get a lesson on stalagmites, stalactites, and other natural formations.

In addition, you’ll see unusual blind fish in the underground stream and experience total darkness. Guided tours on the marked trail are held about every half hour.

One caution: The part of the tour that includes total darkness may frighten younger children.

December 23 2010
1 family found this helpful
Violetwhite_word
"Bring a jacket!"

And be prepared to be dripped on. Our 2 year old wasn't impressed with the caverns. Our fault though. Should have known she wouldn't stand still long enough to listen and look. You can't bring strollers or child-carrying backpacks in the caverns. There are a few passages that are quite narrow and low. One part they do warn you so that if you're claustrophobic you can wait for them at one spot. They do a bit in total darkness which is neat. You'll also want good shoes as a wet walkway is not the time to try out your new heels. But who tours caverns with kids wearing heels? It seems to be a bit crowded in the summer but not long of a wait at all. When we've gone in the winter it's not usually as crowded. Some guides are better than others, but they're all knowledgeable. If you can manage to stay up near the guide you'll learn more.

wnc_mom
wnc_mom
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December 23 2010
1 family found this helpful
Violetwhite_word
"cave girl"

I live about 5 miles from the caverns,and even when its90 degrees outside, it is 40's inside the caverns, so I'd recommend that one should bring a coat or sweater when visiting. Also, if you're claustrophobic or have a fear of darkness, there will be times of closed in hallways and dark areas along the tour, though it is part of the fun.