North Carolina's Unique Underground Show Cave Lets You Explore Inside A Mountain

If you have ever wondered what it's like to step inside a mountain, Linville Caverns is a must-visit. This show cave is hidden deep in Humpback Mountain near Marion in North Carolina, inviting you to experience the beauty of limestone tunnels, flowing streams, and rock formations. As the state's only publicly accessible underground cavern, it gives you a rare chance to experience the mysterious beauty of the subterranean world and discover why it is among the most beautiful caves in the world. Linville Caverns are located off Highway 221, about 3.5 miles from Linville Falls and about 30 minutes from Marion, North Carolina.

If you are flying in, the nearest airport is Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), which is about one and a half hours from the caverns. There is clear signage along Highway 221, making the caverns easy to find. Discovered by fishermen in the early 1800s who noticed fish disappearing into the mountainside, Linville Caverns has become a must-see destination for adventurers. The discovery led to curiosity about what was in the rock, only to find passageways formed over millennia by acidic groundwater on dolomite. The caverns weren't accessible to the public until 1937.

If you are new to the world of caves and underground exploration, Linville is a great starting point. While spelunking usually involves ropes, a helmet, wild caves, and navigating the dark, Linville Caverns is like a beginner's guide to spelunking and cave camping. It gives you the experience of cave environments without the risks of wild caving. When you walk into the caves, you get a chance to marvel at the intricate rock formations, passageways, and stalagmites. You'll hear the underground stream flowing below.

You can only access the Caverns through guided tours that last about 30 to 40 minutes. The temperatures inside the cave remain at 52°F (11°C) year-round, making the caverns a great place to visit during the hot North Carolina summers. The lighting inside the caverns is soft but illuminating to highlight dramatic cave features like the bottomless pool and the defector's firepit. You can also listen to the legend stories about the caves. Watch out for the bats that live in the cavern. After your guided tour, you can check out educational materials or souvenirs at the gift shop to remind you of the beauty of the caves. Although cave camping isn't allowed inside Linville Caverns, you can set up camp in the surrounding area or stay in the cabins.

While Linville Caverns is one of the best caves in the world to visit for its accessibility and natural beauty, your adventure doesn't stop when you are at the cavern. There are many things to enjoy nearby. The nearest attraction to the Caverns is Linville Falls, which is about 6 miles north of the Caverns. Marvel at the waterfalls as they drop down the gorge. Want something more adventurous? Follow one of the hiking trails with views of the waterfalls from different angles. For instance, the 1.6-mile Erwins View Trail will reward you with multiple angle views of the falls and Linville Gorge.

The nearby Pisgah National Forest, about 30 miles west of the cavern, is also awash with trails through the woodlands, picnic spots, and viewpoints. This is a great place to unwind or discover more about the Blue Ridge Mountains on foot. After you are done with hiking and other energy-draining activities, you can refuel at the nearby towns of Linville or Newland. For a hearty southern treat, pause by the Famous Louise's Rock House Restaurant, where comfort food gives an amazing end to your mountain adventure.