Looking for a way to make the best of New York’s hot summer days? Heading underground and exploring cool caves — both in temperature and novelty — could be the answer.
Howe Caverns, Natural Stone Bridge & Caves and Secret Caverns can all be found in upstate New York and offer a range of tours and activities for the whole family.
Here’s what to know if you’re planning a cave visit before the summer winds down.
Howe Caverns
This Schoharie County attraction takes you 156 feet below the Earth’s surface where temperatures are a nice 52 degrees. Once inside the cave, you’ll explore 1.25 miles of limestone corridors and cruise along a riverbed carved by nature on a quarter-mile boat ride over the course of 90 minutes. It isn’t wheelchair-accessible, though, as the walk consists of 139 stairs. Howe Caverns also offers a range of specialty tours as well as unique events like yoga and Zumba classes.
Where: 255 Discovery Drive, Howes Cave
Tickets: Reservations are required. The traditional 90-minute tour is $29.50 for adults, $26.50 for those 65 and older, $19.50 for ages 5-12 and kids four and under are free.
More information: howecaverns.com/
Natural Stone Bridge & Caves
Considered the largest marble cave entrance in the eastern United States, this attraction found in Warren County is still being carved by Trout Brook. Visitors can explore a self-guided, above-ground nature trail filled with waterfalls, a gorge and lighted caves and grottos. Once you’ve completed the trail, you can hike additional trails, play some disc golf, scale a climbing wall or two and mine for gems.
Where: 535 Stone Bridge Road, Pottersville
Tickets: Reservations made at least 24 hours in advance are required. The self-guided cave trail is $21.50 for adults, $11.98 for children.
More information: stonebridgeandcaves.com
Secret Caverns
A one-hour guided tour through this Schoharie Country attraction takes you down 103 rock and concrete steps to a quarter-mile path ending with a 100-foot underground waterfall. The cavern is not wheelchair-accessible and sturdy shoes are required for the tour.
Where: 671 Caverns Road, Howes Cave
Tickets: The one-hour guided tour is $20 for adults, $10 for ages 6-12 and kids five and under are free.
More information: secretcaverns.com/ and visitschohariecounty.com/listing/secret-caverns-inc
Emily Barnes reports on consumer-related issues for the USA TODAY Network’s New York Connect Team, focusing on scam and recall-related topics. Follow her on X and Instagram @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at ebarnes@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: 3 must-visit caves in upstate NY to beat the summer heat: See the list
Reporting by Emily Barnes, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
