Lost World Caverns offers an underground adventure just outside of Lewisburg, West Virginia. Descend into a hidden world of massive chambers, rare rock formations, and prehistoric discoveries—some as deep as 245 feet below the surface. Whether you're up for a gentle walking tour or an adrenaline-pumping crawl through tight passages, this National Natural Landmark delivers 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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