Howe Caverns
Howes Cave, NY, 52°F inside, from $29.50
A New York cave with hourly guided tours down 103 steps to an underground waterfall that drops 100 feet.
The story
According to the local discovery story, two cows fell into a hidden opening on a Schoharie County farm in 1928. Civil engineer Roger Mallery acquired the site that year and had it explored, revealing an underground waterfall, and the cave opened for tours in 1929, close to Howe Caverns. It became known for its hand-painted roadside signs and cave-themed artwork.
- Found
- 1928
- Open to visitors since
- 1929
History source: Times Union and showcaves.com.
What you'll see
- Petrified Escalator
- 100 Foot Underground Waterfall
Tickets and timing
- Adults
- $20 ($2 extra per adult paying by card)
- Kids
- $10 (ages 6–12), free for 5 and under
- Hours
- Mon–Fri 11am–3pm, Sat–Sun 10am–4pm in season; tours every hour on the hour.
- Booking
- No reservations needed; groups of 10+ call 518-296-8558.
Getting around underground
- The walk
- 103 rock and concrete steps down and back up, and a quarter-mile walkway with tight squeezes and low ceilings.
- Wheelchairs
- Not accessible.
- Strollers
- Not accessible.
Getting there
Secret Caverns is in New York.
- Albanyabout 33 miles
- New York Cityabout 139 miles
- Buffaloabout 228 miles
Distances are straight-line from each city center.
Before you go
- Sturdy footwear is required.
- The cave is lit, so you don't need a flashlight.
Questions people ask
Can you visit Secret Caverns in a wheelchair?
Not accessible.
Do you need to book Secret Caverns in advance?
No reservations needed; groups of 10+ call 518-296-8558.
When was Secret Caverns discovered?
1928, according to the cave's own history.
Checked on 2026-10-22 against secretcaverns.com (official site). Prices and hours change, so confirm on the official site before you drive out.