This program is also called: Upper Caving. Participants see both the upper area of Laurel Caverns (elevations: 2522’ down to 2342’) and its middle zone (elevations: 2341’ down to 2264’). It is a response to an increasing recognition by scout organizations, summer camps, schools, and first responders, that persons should be trained in safe caving practices before entering the lower areas of Laurel Caverns (elevations: 2263’ down to 2070’) where the physical challenges are great and responses to a health or injury event are unusually difficult. A minimum age of 12 years is strongly recommended for Caving in Laurel Caverns.
Advanced reservations are required for groups of 15 or more (phone: 724-438-3003). They are not required (Registration is open) for walk-ins and smaller groups prepared with proper footwear and lights in accord with the Upper Caving Release Form. Registration begins at 9:30 am and the program begins at 10:00 am. It concludes at 1:00 pm. The cost for Open Registration Upper Caving is $40 per person.
This program includes a classroom orientation, a guided tour in the maze with a crawl example to test endurance, and a caving trip that begins in the Dining Room and goes through the flue to the Ball Room, Bat Room, Petite Falls, and the Roland’s Dig passage. Shoes that lace above the ankle are required.
Participants must have attained their 12th birthday and arrive prepared with: (1) the Laurel Caverns Caving Release Form signed by a parent or legal guardian if they are under 18 years of age, (2) two sources of light, (3) clothing that covers their arms and legs, and (4) hiking shoes that lace ABOVE the ankle or boots that lace ABOVE the ankle. Helmets are provided by Laurel Caverns.
This caving activity is extremely strenuous, especially for adults who have physical challenges related to knee, heart, back, or shortness of breath issues. No one, with any of these issues, should participate in this program.
Open-Registration Availability
Saturdays and Sundays only beginning April 15, 2023 through Sunday, October 29, 2023.
Group-Registration Availability
All of the above apply, except that Upper Caving is available every day of the week for schools, scouts, summer camps, and churches, with a pre-paid reservation. For group rates and arrangements phone: 723-438-3003.