"Lost World Caverns offers an underground adventure just outside of Lewisburg, West Virginia."

Review:★★★★★ Descend into a hidden world of massive chambers, rare rock formations, and prehistoric discoveries. (Some are as deep as 245 feet below the surface.) I went on a gentle walking tour but more adventurous tours through tight passages are available. This National Natural Landmark is an unforgettable experience beneath the Appalachian Mountains.

Recommended for

Lost World Caverns is ideal for:

  • Adventure Seekers: Explore wild, undeveloped cave sections on a 4-hour guided tour.
  • Families & First-Time Explorers: Enjoy an easy, 45-minute self-guided or guided walking tour.
  • Geology Buffs: Discover rare formations like the Snowy Chandelier and War Club stalagmite.
  • Science & History Enthusiasts: Visit the fossil-rich museum or take an educational tour tied to West Virginia’s landscape and water systems.

Cave Highlights

The main 1,000-foot-long chamber—300 feet wide and 120 feet tall—features remarkable formations:

  • Bridal Veil: A glittering column of white calcite.
  • Snowy Chandelier: Believed to be the largest stalactite in the U.S., weighing over 30 tons.
  • War Club: A 28-foot-tall stalagmite made famous in 1971 when Bob Addis sat atop it for nearly 16 days—earning a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Tour Options

  • Self-Guided Tour: Explore the main chamber at your own pace with a detailed brochure (45 minutes).
  • Guided Walking Tour: Led by experts who explain cave features and history (45 minutes).
  • Wild Cave Tour: A 4-hour crawl into undeveloped sections, including The Birth Canal, The Drain, and The Squeeze Box. Includes gear, a snack, hot lunch options, and showers.

Note: All Wild Cave Tour participants follow strict sterilization procedures to prevent the spread of white-nose syndrome in bats.

History & Geology

  • Discovered in 1942 by the Virginia Polytechnic Institute.
  • Originally called Grapevine Cave, once used by farmers for disposal purposes.
  • Mapped in the 1960s; in 1967, cave bear remains were discovered.
  • Opened to the public in the 1970s and designated a National Natural Landmark in 1973.
  • Made national headlines in 1992 as the supposed home of tabloid legend Bat Boy, inspiring a Broadway musical.

Amenities & Education

  • Fossil & Dinosaur Museum: A 3,000-square-foot space with WV’s largest fossil collection and life-sized replicas.
  • Gift Shop: Browse replica fossils, geodes, and minerals (see on Instagram).
  • Educational Tours: 45-minute programs for school groups featuring hands-on learning about cave biology and hydrology. Supported by the Greenbrier River Watershed Association.

Why groundwater education matters: The surrounding farmland makes Lost World Caverns a key location to understand how agriculture affects groundwater and cave ecosystems.

Nearby Attractions

Combine your underground adventure with local exploration:

  • Lewisburg, WV: A charming historic town with a vibrant arts scene, award-winning restaurants, and boutique shopping—named one of America’s Top Ten Communities by National Geographic.
  • Outdoor Adventures: Try whitewater rafting on the Gauley River, or go canoeing, zip-lining, and horseback riding nearby.

Need-to-Know Info

  • Temperature: A consistent 52°F year-round—bring a light jacket!
  • Cave Drainage: Water from the caverns drains 10 miles away into the Greenbrier River.
  • Ownership: Privately owned by Steve Silverberg since 1999.

Address: 907 Lost World Rd, Lewisburg, WV 24901
Phone: 304-645-6677
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Tip: For Wild Cave Tours, reservations are highly recommended. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty!

Map:


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