Organ Cave, Natural cave system in Greenbrier County, United States
Organ Cave is a natural cave system in West Virginia containing approximately 45 miles of mapped passages and numerous limestone formations. It ranks as the third-longest known cave in the state and features diverse geological structures throughout its chambers.
During the Civil War, Confederate soldiers extracted saltpeter from the cave for gunpowder production, leaving behind the largest known collection of period extraction equipment. This mining operation represents a significant industrial use of the cave during the conflict.
The cave tours interpret geological features through biblical narratives from Genesis, offering visitors an educational connection between natural formations and religious storytelling. This approach gives the experience a distinctive spiritual dimension alongside scientific understanding.
Access to the cave from November through April requires advance reservations for guided walking tours of the main chambers and geological formations. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and bring a jacket, as conditions inside remain cool throughout the year.
Fossils of prehistoric animals including giant ground sloths, grizzly bears, and Ice Age porcupines have been discovered within the cave chambers. These paleontological finds offer glimpses into animal life during earlier geological periods.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
