West Virginia is a great place for caving, and state parks in the state that have caves can make for an exciting vacation or weekend getaway. Check with the park rangers' office before you begin exploring so they know you're in the park in case of accident. Carry supplies such as water, a flashlight and other needed equipment, and wear proper shoes and clothing. Caving is a lot of fun when you're prepared and safety conscious.
Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park is located near Lewisburg, West Virginia, in the Greenbrier River Valley where the last Civil War battle in West Virginia was fought. Overlook Trail, which starts beside the pump house and travels about 1/2 mile to the park office, is a moderate grade trail that takes about 30 minutes to hike and will take visitors through a series of rock cliffs with several small caves, an abandoned bear den, trenches left from the Civil War and beautiful mountain overlooks.
Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park
HC 64 Box 189
Hillsboro, WV 24946
304-653-4254 or 800-225-5932
StateParks.com/droop_mountain_battlefield.html
[email protected]
Little Beaver State Park, situated in the southern region of the state, provides 10 trails for hiking where you can find small caves scattered throughout. A popular park with the locals, Little Beaver also provides enjoyment for the visitors of other West Virginia state parks and nearby resorts. While the park's caves are not listed on the website, park rangers can provide direction and a map of the many trails ranging from easy trails less than a half-mile in length to more challenging trails nearly two miles long.
Little Beaver State Park
1402 Grandview Rd
Beaver, WV 25813
304-763-2494 or 800-225-5932
Stateparks.com/little_beaver.html
Situated along the Middle Fork River in Barbour and Upshur counties, Audra State Park is a comparatively small state park, by West Virginia standards, resting on only 355 acres of the natural wonders that attract visitors to this beautiful land. The park offers cavers a visit to Alum Cave, which features a boardwalk along the cave's outer ledge allowing visitors to oversee the natural beauty of this scenic region. A variety of other outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, kayaking, picnicking and camping are available.
Audra State Park
Rt. 4 Box 564
Buckhannon, WV 26201
304-457-1162 or 800-225-5932
Stateparks.com/audra.html
[email protected]
