The Introduction to Caving Program

10:00 am        $40 per participant – ages 12 & up

Minimum age requirement: 14 years old   

This two-hour program (longer depending on group size) begins with an introductory class on cave safety and rescue. Participants next go through the discovery entrance of the cave into its largest lit passage. After entering a large lit room, their caving trip begins with a climb down a steep rocky passage that takes them into the two largest rooms in the unlit portions of Laurel Caverns. Two extensive side-passages, one involving some crawling, are also explored. Since this program exposes participants to some of the challenges associated with real caving, all must wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and hiking boots that have a quarter-inch tread and lace above the ankles. Laurel Caverns provides a hard hat with light. Participants are encouraged to bring hand-held lights as well as well as a change of clothing. The exit route takes them through passages in the lit part of Laurel Caverns not seen on the trip in.

For those with the physical ability to endure a twenty-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 10:00 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 one mile – 1.61 kilometers        Deepest point: 250 feet