30 min
on the main tour
Linville Caverns
Marion, NC
$15
adult ticket
A show cave in the North Carolina mountains with small-group guided tours leaving every 10 minutes, open year-round.
The story
Linville Caverns were discovered by Henry E. Colton in 1822 during a fishing trip near Humpback Mountain. Deserters often took refuge here during the Civil War. Due to the efforts of John Q. Gilkey, Linville Caverns opened to the general public in 1937. Since that time, many upgrades to the pathways and lighting system have enhanced the safe touring experience.
- Found
- 1822
- Open to visitors since
- 1937
History source: linvillecaverns.com.
Tickets and timing
- Adults
- $15 ($14 seniors 62+)
- Kids
- $13 (ages 4–12), free under 4
- How long it takes
- About 30 minutes (also stated as approximately 35-40 minutes).
- Hours
- Thu, Fri, Sat, Mon 9am–5pm · Sun 1–5pm · closed Tue–Wed. Open year-round (hours vary by season).
- Booking
- Online reservations or walk-in. Tours leave every 10 minutes, max 15 people.
Dogs, weather and what to wear
- Temperature
- About 50 degrees Fahrenheit all year long.
Good to know
- Best time to go
- Arrive early in the day to purchase tickets for the next available tour; tours are spaced closer together during peak season.
- Photos
- Photographs are allowed, but no flashes are to be used.
- Wildlife
- Trout can be found in the water; other wildlife includes salamanders, insects, and bats.
Getting there
19929 US 221 North, Marion, NC 28752
Directions in Google MapsDistances are straight-line from each city center.
Questions people ask
How long does a visit to Linville Caverns take?
About 30 minutes (also stated as approximately 35-40 minutes).
How cold is it inside Linville Caverns?
About 50 degrees Fahrenheit all year long..
Do you need to book Linville Caverns in advance?
Online reservations or walk-in. Tours leave every 10 minutes, max 15 people.
When was Linville Caverns discovered?
1822, according to the cave's own history.
Where is Linville Caverns?
19929 US 221 North, Marion, NC 28752
Checked on 2026-10-22 against linvillecaverns.com. Prices and hours change, so confirm on the official site before you drive out.