Learn more about Pennsylvania’s first underground state park, Laurel Caverns!
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On April 6 2026, Laurel Caverns officially became Pennsylvania’s 125th state park and its first underground state park. This gives the Laurel Highlands region their ninth state park.
Read on for more information about Laurel Caverns, how to visit, and the cave’s role in conservation!
As always, follow the principles of leave no trace when you're out exploring! Pack out all trash, leave wildlife alone, and generally leave it better than you found it - for more information visit the Leave No Trace Center.
Overview
Laurel Caverns is one of the largest caves in the country and the largest in Pennsylvania.
History of the Caverns
The cave was first owned by a farmer named John Delaney, whose hunting dogs led him to the discovery. He named it Delaney’s Cave. After his death, the cave had a series of owners before it was purchased by Norman and Roy Cale in 1933. The Cales began buying up surrounding land to ensure that the entire area was protected on one deed and that nothing could put the cave’s unique features at risk of destruction.
In 1964, Norman’s grandson, David Cale, gave the first guided tour of the cave and renamed it Laurel Caverns. Cale recently handed the site over to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) so that Laurel Caverns could become Pennsylvania’s 125th state park.
Laurel Caverns, Education, & Bat Conservation
The Laurel Caverns Conservancy works to protect the caverns from commercialization and is committed to education. On the property is a man made area called the Grottoes of Learning. It is the largest simulated cave in the world. This 10,000-square-foot space provides opportunities for students to learn about archeology, paleontology, and geology.
The caverns are closed from November to April every year to protect hibernating bats. It is the largest bat hibernaculum in the northeastern United States. With a deadly disease called white nose syndrome on the rise in Pennsylvania’s bat population, ensuring that bats have a safe place to hibernate is vital for their conservation and well-being.
Cave Tours
Tours of the caverns have two parts— the traditional guided tour and an optional self-guided addition.
The guided tour takes visitors along the route that Cale gave on the first public trip inside. View the giant Pillar of Hercules, a free-standing cave pillar. Laurel Caverns’ has an amazing music and light show that was designed specifically for them (no recordings allowed). This part of the tour is relatively easy, only covering 600 feet.
The self-guided tour is an additional 30 minutes of exploring a longer portion of the cave. This part is entirely on your own, so make sure to grab a map or travel with a group. (I was solo when I went and attached myself to a family that was nice enough to let me walk with them). I really enjoyed this part because you can go at your own pace. However, this section isn’t for everyone. For the self guided tour, folks must be able to hike up and down steep surfaces, because the route descends and ascends 15 stories.
Frequently Asked Questions about Laurel Caverns
Where is Laurel Caverns located?
Laurel Caverns is located at 1065 Skyline Drive, Farmington, PA 15437.
How much does it cost to visit Laurel Caverns?
Prices for tours in 2026 are the following:
- Adults (16 -64): $18
- Seniors (over 65) $16
- Youth (10 – 15): $14
- Child (5 – 9) $12
- Pre-school (3 – 4) $4
- Infants (0-2) $0
For more information and to check the price yourself, please visit the Caverns website.
What should I pack for a cave tour?
The cave is a constant 52 degrees all year, so pack a jacket and/or wear pants in the summer time. Wear close toed shoes with good tread all year, especially if you are going on the longer self guided tour.
When is Laurel Caverns open?
Laurel Caverns opens for the season on April 22, 2026 (aka Earth Day!). Their hours are 9a to 4p, every day of the week.
What other state parks are in the Laurel Highlands?
The Laurel Highlands area now has nine state parks, including the Caverns. They are:
- Laurel Ridge
- Laurel Hill
- Ohiopyle
- Kooser
- Linn Run
- Keystone
- Laurel Summit
- Laurel Mountain
How many caves are there in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has seven public show caves, including Laurel Caverns. The other six caves are the following:
- Crystal Cave
- Indian Echo Caverns near Harrisburg
- Lincoln Caverns near Huntingdon
- Lost River Caverns
- Penn’s Cave in Centre County
- Woodward Cave in Centre County
For more information about each of these caves, check out my book, Scenic Natural Wonders of Pennsylvania!
Are you planning a visit to Laurel Caverns now that it’s a state park? Let me know in the comments!
Updated April 29, 2025