Walk Into A Mountain At Linville Caverns In Marion North Carolina

You can’t possibly believe you’ve seen and done it all in North Carolina until you’ve walked through Humpback Mountain by way of an ancient cavern with wondrous secrets waiting to be explored. That very cavern also happens to be the only open-to-the-public cavern in the Tar Heel State. And as a bonus, it’s located very near to the Blue Ridge Parkway and a number of other attractions like Linville Falls and Grandfather Mountain’s Mile High Swinging Bridge so you can make a day trip of visiting more than one must-see spot in North Carolina.

Those who’ve already visited Linville Caverns know it’s an experience worth having more than once in a lifetime.

TripAdvisor/Kathy E So many travelers to North Carolina make it a point to return again and again to explore this underground wonder.

First time inside a cavern? You’re sure to love the lesson your tour guide will give about stalactites and stalacmites.

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These are mineral formations that appear inside of caverns as moisture seeps from the earth and slowly drips from the ceiling creating beautiful structures that hang from the ceilings or rise up from the floor.

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On the 40-minute tour through Humpback Mountain at Linville Caverns, you’ll get a close-up look at some very large formations that have formed over thousands of years in the cave.

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The year 2022 will mark 100 years since this cavern in North Carolina was discovered. Oddly enough, it was found because it has an underground stream running right through the mountain and out the other side.

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In the early 1920s, fishermen noticed fish in a small stream that appeared to be swimming right out of the side of Humpback Mountain. Curious, they decided to explore.

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And that’s precisely when they found the cavern!

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Linville Caverns opened in the early 1930s and has been the delight of locals and visitors alike ever since.

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It’s open year-round. When you visit, be sure to dress appropriately. The temperature inside the cavern remains a constant 52 degrees all year long.

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The caverns conduct 30 tours per day with a maximum of 14 people on each tour. Face masks are required, so be sure to bring one. Tours depart every 15 minutes. Tickets are only sold on-site for the day of your tour. Linville Caverns has seasonal hours, but remains open all year. The hours from March through November are Thursday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Monday and Tuesday). From December to February, it’s open only on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Learn more from the attraction’s official website.

TripAdvisor/Kathy E

So many travelers to North Carolina make it a point to return again and again to explore this underground wonder.