The Lost World Caverns are located on the outskirts of Lewisburg, WV. The caverns consist of one mile of interconnected passages at depths of up to 245 feet below ground. Walking tours of the caves take guests into the main 1,000-foot long chamber.
At 300-feet wide and 120-feet high, the chamber offers a wealth of geological formations and waterfalls, including stalactite and stalagmite formations, many of which are named.
Famous formations include the Bridal Veil, a sparkling column of white calcite. The Snowy Chandelier is presumed to be largest stalactite in the United States at over 30 tons. The War Club is a 28-foot tall stalagmite made famous in 1971 when Bob Addis sat on top of it for close to 16 days, garnering himself a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Wild Cave Tours take guests on an adventure beyond the Walking Tour to the more undeveloped parts of the cavern. The 4-hour tours offer over 1-mile of climbs and squeezes through tight passageways with names such as The Birth Canal, the Drain and the Squeeze Box. All equipment such as headlamps, kneepads, helmets and gloves are provided, including a light snack. Showers and hot lunches are available for those who complete the Wild Cave Tours, as they end with a muddy surprise.
A 3,000 square foot museum and gift shop is located on site. The museum is home to West Virginia’s largest collection of fossils and dinosaur replicas. Replica fossils, geodes and minerals are available for purchase.
History: The Lost World Caverns were discovered in 1942 by the Virginia Polytechnic Institute. Originally known as the Grapevine Cave, they had been known for years to farmers in the region who used the cave’s single vertical entrance to dispose of deceased cattle and trash.
907 Lost World Rd, Lewisburg, WV 24901, Phone: 304-645-6677
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