The Cave Guide
Sandstone passage inside Laurel Caverns, PennsylvaniaPhoto: Sir Joseph, CC BY-SA 4.0

Laurel Caverns

Farmington, PA
52°F
inside, all year
35 min
on the main tour
$18
adult ticket

Described by its operators as one of the world's steepest caves, near Farmington, Pennsylvania, at 52°F, with lighted tours and real caving programs.

The story

A portion of cave passage collapsed long before the pyramids were built, exposing the entrance, which was first found by Native Americans. The first non-native entry was likely in the decade before 1776, and the earliest newspaper account dates to 1798. In 1802 two men became lost for three days, after which the entrance was sealed for several years. The cave was known as Delaney's Cave and later Laurel Hill Cave. Development for guided tours began in May 1962, and the cave opened to the public on July 1, 1964.

Found
1798
Open to visitors since
1964

History source: laurelcaverns.com.

What you'll see

  • Sound & light show
  • 1794 discovery entrance
  • Chandelier passage
  • Calico Falls
  • Grand Canyon passage

Tickets and timing

Adults
$18 (ages 16-64)
Kids
$12 (ages 5-9)
How long it takes
35 minutes
Hours
9am–4pm daily in season (last tour 4pm). Closed in winter for bat hibernation; 2026 season ends October 25.
Booking
No reservations for individuals; tickets only at the cave, not online. Groups of 15+ must book (724-438-3003).

Getting around underground

The walk
800 feet (244 meters); no steps; steepest slope is the entrance ramp.
Wheelchairs
Not wheelchair accessible.

Dogs, weather and what to wear

When it rains
Rain doesn't matter: the cave stays the same temperature.
Temperature
52°F year-round

Good to know

Minimum age
9 years old
Best time to go
Open from April 22nd through the last Sunday in October; tours depart every 20 minutes, so no one need wait more than twenty minutes.
Wildlife
The cave is the largest natural bat hibernaculum in the north-eastern United States and is closed during winter months for hibernation; visitors will not likely see bats since the cave is open when bats have left.
On site
Souvenir Shop, Panning for Gemstones, Family Lookout

Getting there

PittsburghPhiladelphiaHarrisburg

1065 Skyline Drive, Farmington, PA 15437

Parking: Ample parking for cars and buses in a tiered parking lot.

Directions in Google Maps

Distances are straight-line from each city center.

Before you go

  • Five options: the Maze Tour, the Full Lighted Tour, a Tour and Crawl program, Introduction to Caving and Deep Depths caving.
  • You're unlikely to see bats during the open months.

Questions people ask

How long does a visit to Laurel Caverns take?

35 minutes

How cold is it inside Laurel Caverns?

52°F year-round.

Can you visit Laurel Caverns in a wheelchair?

Not wheelchair accessible.

Do you need to book Laurel Caverns in advance?

No reservations for individuals; tickets only at the cave, not online. Groups of 15+ must book (724-438-3003).

When was Laurel Caverns discovered?

1798, according to the cave's own history.

Is there a minimum age for Laurel Caverns?

9 years old

Where is Laurel Caverns?

1065 Skyline Drive, Farmington, PA 15437

Listed in: wild caving tours

Checked on 2026-10-22 against laurelcaverns.com (official site). Prices and hours change, so confirm on the official site before you drive out.

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