Laurel Caverns - Farmington, Pennsylvania - geological park and cave system in Western Pennsylvania

Located about 50 miles south of Pittsburgh, Laurel Caverns is a 435-acre geological park that showcases the largest cave system in the state of Pennsylvania. Laurel Caverns is a great tourist location for families, as they have a one-hour guided tour of some of the more accessible parts of the cave, while there are also spelunking options for adults more interested in an advanced cave experience. There is also a gift shop and scenic outlooks to take in the view of the wooded area surrounding the caves.

The family tour is by far the most popular part of Laurel Caverns. Tour guides lead groups into the cave every 20 minutes during operating hours, so guests never have to wait long to start exploring. Visitors don't have to make reservations, but can schedule larger tours for groups such as scouting troops or school classes. The cave is naturally sloped along the mountains, so guests with physical challenges may not be able to take the tour. Once down into Laurel Caverns, the temperature drops or raises to 52 degrees, no matter how warm or cold it is on the surface, and the walkway will likely be wet in some places, so the proper footwear and a jacket are important.

Currently, the spelunking programs at Laurel Caverns are suspended due to the dangers to the natural bat population, but they hope to reopen these features again soon. The lower caverns track shows visitors about two miles of the caves and lasts about three hours. This track is best for those over the age of 18, with children aged 12 - 17 allowed only under supervision of their parent or legal guardian. A less strenuous spelunking tour can be found with the upper caverns track, which takes visits through a number of passages showing two of the largest rooms in the developed area of the cave. This tour is available for those aged nine and older, and those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

One of the most popular activities at Laurel Caverns is Kavernputt. This is an 18-hole miniature golf course that is located inside a 10,000-square-foot simulated cave. This experience is both fun and education and costs just $5 per person or $4 per person for a group of 15 or more people. For those who want a more thrilling activity, the location offers rappelling into one part of the cave every summer. This feature is available for $29 at either 10:00 AM or 2:00 PM every day, and this price includes the one-hour guided family tour.

Laurel Caverns is open seven days per week from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM from May through October. They're also open during April and November (through Thanksgiving) on weekends during those same hours. The caves are closed from December through March. The family tour costs $7 to $10 per person, depending on age, and there are field trip programs and scout badge earning programs available for children of all ages.