The Deep Depths Caving Program

10:00 am        $60 per participant – ages 14 & up

Minimum age requirement: 14 years old   

This five-hour program is done in three Parts. Part One consists of the Introduction to Caving Program, which concludes at noon. New rules require that even experienced cavers must take the Introduction to Caving program. By meeting the requirements of the Introduction Program, participants also meet the requirements for the Deep Depths Program.

Part Two consists of a return to the Visitors’ Center for a one-hour rest and lunch break. Participants need to bring their own lunches since Laurel Caverns does not have food service. 

 Part three involves a forty-five-story descent into the more dangerous depths of Laurel Caverns, one of the steepest and deepest caves in the United States. Removing an injured person from those depths can take up to six hours and require as many as thirty EMS and Fire Department personal. Further, while twisted or broken ankles are, historically, the primary cause for injury in the very challenging terrain of those lowest depths, recent years have seen an increase in the rescue of adults who, overwhelmed by the unexpected physical challenges that attend deep-cave bouldering, believed they were having a heart attack. All individuals having a recent bone injury, recent medical operation, or history of back problems, knee problems, hip problems, or heart problems, should only do the Introduction to Caving Program. 

For those with the physical ability to endure a forty-five-story descent into a mountain, have the proper footwear, and who have reached their 14^th birthday, this learning activity is available, every Saturday and Sunday for walk-ins without reservations, between April 22^nd and the last Sunday in October, at 9:30 am. For groups, of ten or more, excursions are available seven-days a week with a pre-paid deposit by calling 724-438-3003. A release form must be signed by all participants and lawfully co-signed for minors, then presented at the time one’s program begins. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Additional rules, not covered here, are found in the Laurel Caverns Caving release form.  

Distance Covered: about two miles – 3.22 kilometers        Deepest point: 452 feet