Schroeder's Pants Cave

Schroeder's Pants Cave is a limestone cave system near Dolgeville, New York with vertical shafts and narrow passages connecting underground chambers. Several sections fill with water, creating a complex network that descends deep below ground level.

Teachers Herbert Schroeder and George Buck explored this cave system during the 1950s, conducting multiple expeditions into its underground passages. A fatal accident in 1965 led to the sealing of the entrance and prohibition of public access for safety reasons.

The National Speleological Society established the James G. Mitchell Award to recognize scientific contributions from young members in cave research.

The cave entrance remains sealed and is not open to visitors due to the dangerous vertical passages and narrow spaces that pose serious risks. Those interested in learning about the site can research its geological features from external sources.

Water flowing through the cave travels underground for about three kilometers before resurfacing at East Creek. Scientists confirmed this surprising connection through dye tracing experiments that revealed the hidden water pathways.

GPS coordinates: 43.10167,-74.82917

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:09