Smoke Hole Caverns

Smoke Hole Caverns is a limestone cave system near Petersburg with multiple chambers carved by flowing water over millions of years. The passages are filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and mineral formations that hang and rise from the cave floor and ceiling.

Native American tribes used these caves for shelter and ceremonial purposes long before European contact reached the Appalachian region. Later, during the Civil War, the caverns served as a storage place for supplies and materials kept hidden away.

The cavern holds a special place in local memory through the stories passed down about Civil War activity and earlier inhabitants. Visitors can observe how people over time have marked their presence in these chambers, creating a human thread connecting past and present.

The cave maintains a cool temperature year-round, so bringing a jacket is a good idea. Wear sturdy shoes with good grip, as the stone passages can be slippery in places.

The cave contains rare helictite formations that seem to defy gravity by growing in directions other than straight down. These unusual crystals develop through special water pressure conditions that are found in only a few cave systems.

Location: West Virginia

GPS coordinates: 38.98580,-79.26670

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:04