1. Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
Mammoth Cave National Park is home to the world's longest known cave system, with over 400 miles of explored passages. The caves are formed in limestone and are decorated with a variety of cave formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone. Visitors can take guided tours of the caves, which range from easy to strenuous.
2. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is home to over 100 caves, including the world's largest single-chamber cave, Carlsbad Cavern. The caves are formed in Capitan Reef limestone and are decorated with a variety of cave formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and gypsum flowers. Visitors can take guided tours of the caves, which range from easy to strenuous.
3. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is home to over 80 caves, including the famous Lechuguilla Cave. Lechuguilla Cave is the deepest cave in the United States, with a depth of over 1,600 feet. The caves are formed in Capitan Reef limestone and are decorated with a variety of cave formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and gypsum flowers. Visitors can take guided tours of the caves, which are strenuous and require prior caving experience.
4. Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota
Wind Cave National Park is home to over 100 caves, including the famous Wind Cave. Wind Cave is known for its unique "boxwork" formations, which are caused by the dissolution of calcite crystals. Visitors can take guided tours of the caves, which range from easy to strenuous.
5. Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve, Oregon
Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve is home to over 100 caves, including the largest marble cave in the United States, Oregon Caves. The caves are formed in marble and are decorated with a variety of cave formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and helictites. Visitors can take guided tours of the caves, which range from easy to strenuous.
