Some of upstate New York’s coolest spots are underground. Yes, that’s three large caverns that also offer a respite from the oppressive summer heat.
Howe Caverns, Natural Stone Bridge & Caves and Secret Caverns each offer a range of tours and other activities.
Here’s what to know if you’re planning a cave visit. Be sure to bring a sweatshirt as it will feel chilly underground compared to the above-ground temperature.
Howe Caverns
This Schoharie County attraction takes you 156 feet below the Earth’s surface where temperatures average 52 degrees. A 90-minute guided tour inside the cave includes a 1.25-mile walk in limestone corridors and a quarter-mile boat ride along a riverbed carved by nature. It is not wheelchair-accessible, though, as the walk includes 139 stairs. Howe Caverns also offers a range of specialty tours – including a spelunking tour – and unique events like yoga classes. There’s also an above-ground adventure park here.
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 Warren County spot is still being carved by Trout Brook. Visitors can explore a self-guided, above-ground nature trail 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 and mine for gems.
Where: 535 Stone Bridge Road, Pottersville
Tickets: Reservations are encouraged but not required. The self-guided cave trail is $22 for adults, $12.50 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. Fun fact: Secret Caverns is less than 1.5 miles from Howe Caverns. Visitors say the tour at Secret Caverns has a more rustic flair.
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.
Reservations are not needed, however the attraction only accepts cash (and does not have an ATM on site.)
More information: secretcaverns.com/ and visitschohariecounty.com/listing/secret-caverns-inc
Contributing: USA Today network
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Beat the summer heat at these New York caves
Reporting by Victoria E. Freile, New York Connect Team / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
