7 Jaw-Dropping Caverns & Caves You Won’t Believe Are Near NYC
New York isn’t all just skyscrapers and concrete jungle, but the city’s outskirts are actually home to some of the most glorious natural marvels you’ve ever seen. From overflowing waterfalls to gorgeous blue lakes you can swim in, there’s so much to be explored…especially if you’re looking for a unique day trip idea.
From mesmerizing stalactites and stalagmites to glowing minerals, this particular guide shows off some of the most insane caves and caverns that are just a short drive from NYC. Offering a glimpse of our world throughout natural history, these fascinating spots let you enter the hidden depths waiting to be explored.
1. Howe Caverns
One of Upstate New York’s most popular caves is Howe Caverns, a massive cave system that’s been a tourist attraction in Cobleskill, NY basically since its founding in the late 19th century. Its collection of limestone and other minerals date back to The Cretaceous Period some 6 million years ago and have formed over the years from erosion and natural decay. Today it welcomes visitors from all corners of NYS and the country, thanks to its one-of-a-kind guided tours that are 90 minutes of underground chambers and passageways, boat rides on the underground Lake of Venus, and so much more.
Plus, there’s so many other experiences too, like a freaky escape room as well as adventure tours, cave yoga, and more. Learn more about Howe Caverns here!
Distance from NYC: 3 hours
2. Natural Stone Bridge and Caves
Natural Stone Bridge and Caves Park in the Adirondacks is a bit of a haul from NYC, but totally worth a visit. This natural marvel is actually the largest marble cave entrance in the Eastern U.S. and is still being carved by the Trout River as we speak. The crown gem here is the massive Stone Bridge which visitors can walk over during a self-guided tour of stone-step and gravel trails before descending into lighted caves and grottos.
The park is open year round with various seasonal activities making for loads of fun and exploration. During the summer, guests can tour the cave (either self-guided or guided) and also partake in gemstone mining, disc golf, bouldering walls. During the winter you can go snowshoeing through the caves. It’s a great spot for kids and adults alike to explore. Learn more about Natural Stone Bridge and Caves Park here!
Distance from NYC: 4 hours
3. Sterling Hill Mining Museum
A mere 60 miles from NYC in Ogdensburg, NJ, Sterling Hill Mining Museum is one of the country’s oldest mines and was one of the world’s richest zinc ore deposits for several centuries. Now, the museum and former mine operation is an earth science mecca, showcasing some of the Tri-State Area’s most gorgeous collection of minerals and geology. The museum is best explored through a guided-tour experience, where visitors can go underground through the tunnels and shafts of the former zinc mine and see the mining equipment, ore veins, and learn about the day-to-day operations of the mine.
Plus, due to the specific type of mine, Sterling Hill is most famous for its fluorescent minerals and more specifically the “The Rainbow Tunnel” where the exposed zinc ore creates an incredible range of fluorescent colors. Above ground, their equally entertaining museum showcases rare geology exhibits, mining artifacts, and even a replica mine rescue station. Learn more about Sterling Hill Mining Museum here!
Distance from NYC: 1 hour, 30 minutes
4. Lost River Caverns
Venture out to Hellertown, PA where you’ll find Lost River Caverns, one of the state’s most unique caves you have to see to believe. It’s home to 5 different chambers, each with its own unique features and stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, and crystal deposits. The underground wonderland is open for guided walking tours, which take you on 30 – 45 minutes journeys through nearly 1200 feet of paved cave walkways.
Lost River Caverns though is most notable for its eery and mysterious subterranean river that ripples through the caverns, providing some intrigue as you explore the natural phenomenon. There’s also a lovely jewelry, mineral and lapidary supply house on the property too called Gilman’s at the Cave, making for all your collecting, stone cutting, and jewelry making needs! Learn more about Lost River Caverns here.
Distance from NYC: 2 hours
5. Crystal Cave
Step into Pennsylvania’s first and oldest show cave that still stands today, dating all the way back to its discovery in 1871. Crystal Cave in Kutztown, PA is most well known for its “milky white formations” of crystalline formations that have wow-ed visitors for 145 years. Particularly the Crystal Ballroom, a large chamber filled with sparkling formations that give the cave its name.
Visitors nowadays can take 1 hour-long tours of the cave, which includes a pre-adventure movie in the Crystal Cave Theater before descending into the natural phenomenon with a personal tour guide. After your exploration you can also take in their whopping 150 acres of property, which includes gemstone mining, mini golf, a historic restaurant, and more. Learn more about Historical Crystal Cave here!
Distance from NYC: 2 hours, 30 minutes
6. Secret Caverns
Right down the road from Howe Caverns is Secret Caverns, a smaller yet equally fascinating cave system founded back in 1928. The Upstate New York spot is a little less touristy and quirky than its counterpart nearby, but it’s equally awesome thanks to a mind-blowing 100-foot underground waterfall, unique stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone formations, and retro signs and feel of the caves.
Secret Caverns feels a little bit more natural than the polished Howe Caverns, and you can really tell the true character of the rocks and minerals that formed millions of years ago. Visitors can take guided tours of the caves at the top of every hour for just $20 cash per person! Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for their famous hand-painted billboards along the highway. Learn more about Secret Caverns here!
Distance from NYC: 3 hours
7. Dover Stone Church Cave
The Dover Stone Church Cave is dare-we-say, one of our hidden gemsm and its mysterious yet captivating cave makes you just want to explore it. It resembles a gothic stone cathedral which is how it got its name, and has been a point of interest for centuries…with lore dating back to the Native American and Revolutionary War eras.
The cavernous space is more off-the-beaten-path than some of these caves which have turned more touristy, so you’ll have to hike to this one before being greeted to the breathtaking high ceilings and inside cascading waterfall. With the element of the waterfall here and the natural light creeping through into the cave, it’s one of the more serene caves you’ll find on this list.
Distance from NYC: 2 hours
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