VAR Limited Access Cave List

Cave Name

1

2

3

4

Date

Comments

Maryland

Allegany County, MD

DEVILS HOLE

C

E

*

*

May87

Owner fears litigation

MURLEY

C

Z

Z

Z

Apr84

Water supply

Garrett County, MD

CRABTREE

C

D

G

R

Feb18

Owned by Nature Conservancy. Closed and gated. Open for bonafide scientific studies only. For information contact Deborah Landau PhD (240-630-7049).

JOHN FRIEND

C

D

G

R

Feb18

Owned by Nature Conservancy. Closed and gated. Open for bonafide scientific studies only. For information contact Deborah Landau PhD (240-630-7049).

Washington County, MD

HOGMAW

C

E

*

*

Sep93

Closed by new owner.

RUHRERVILLE COLUMN

C

E

*

*

Sep93

Closed by new owner.

North Carolina

Henderson County, NC

BAT CAVE SYSTEM

C

W

*

R

Mar89

Controlled by Nature Conservancy, some science trips may be allowed

Tennessee

Carter County, TN

BLUE SPRING

C

D

G

Z

Apr84

Gated, Holston Valley has key.

CARTER COUNTY CRYSTAL

L

X

G

R

Jan09

Very limited access allowed. Waiver required. 

ROCK HOUSE

Z

Z

Z

Z

Apr84

Water supply (is it closed???).

Claiborne County, TN

COONSIES CREEK

C

E

*

*

Feb99

Owner concerned about liability.

ENGLISH

C

T

*

*

Aug97

Known Indiana bat population.

JOHN LAIRD

C

E

*

*

Nov98

Water supply

WHITE BUIS

C

E

*

*

Feb99

Known bat population.

Johnson County, TN

JOSH HOLE

L

N

Z

Z

Apr84

Closed in winter for bats.

Sullivan County, TN

APPALACHIAN CAVERNS

O

A

G

*

Aug97

Commercial cave

MORRELS (WORLEYS)

L

A

G

V

Aug01

Gated, see on-site owner to sign waiver & pay parking fee.

Virginia

Alleghany County, VA

CARTERS

C

E

*

*

Apr08

Owner worried about liability.

LOCOMOTIVE BREATH

C

E

*

*

Apr08

Trespassers may be arrested.

LOWMOOR

C

E

*

*

Apr08

Closed, posted, & enforced.

PAXTON

O

O

*

R

Aug11

Sign in at log book on front porch and park along the road.  Absolutely no “cave for pay” groups.

WARM RIVER

C

E

*

*

Sep08

Strict closure by new owner. (Cave apparently changed hands recently).

Augusta County, VA

BARTERBROOK SPRING

C

E

*

*

Sep83

Closed and gated; water supply.

BLUE HOLE

C

E

F

-

Sep94

Cave is a water supply.

FOUNTAIN

L

U

G

*

Sep11

Owner is town of Grottoes, Va. Access for educational groups only.

GRAND CAVERNS

L

A

G

*

Apr08

Commercial cave, formerly known as Weyer's.

MADISON SALTPETER

C

W

G

R

Apr08

Gated. Close all year for endangered species, not bats. Contact CCV for access info.

NEFFS

L

X

Z

Z

Sep83

Status update needed!

STAUNTON QUARRY

C

Z

Z

Z

Sep83

Status update needed!

Bath County, VA

BLOWING

L

X

*

R

Jan01

Open to NSS members who ask permission for each trip. Park across the road from the cave, not on the same side.

BOBCAT

L

D

G

V

Jun15

Owned by BCCS.
Contact for access: Tony Canike 215-534-9446.

BREATHING

L

T

*

V

Jan23

BREATHING CAVE is absolutely NOT open for any trips where a fee has been charged (“cave for pay”) by the group leader. Otherwise the cave is open from May 15 to Sept. 15 and closed at all other times. The parking area and trail to Breathing Cave have been changed by the cave owner several years ago. Please only use the designated parking area and trail. (Lat 38.210655, Long -79.620752). Coming from the northeast: The new trail-head is located 3.4 miles southwest on the Burnsville Road (Rt. 609) towards Burnsville from the Rt. 678 intersection. Coming from the southwest: The new trail-head is 2.7 miles northeast from Burnsville on Rt. 609 (200 yards northeast of the Bath/Highland County line). Details: Look for the permission/register box (aluminum, about a foot wide and tall) mounted on a wood post (top is painted white) on the north side of road.  The wood post is 30 feet off the edge of the road  And has a conservation easement sign on the road side of the post. There is a bat emblem visible from the road–not obvious (on purpose) so look carefully for the post. There is a wide shoulder at the trail-head for plenty of parking. Make sure your vehicle is well onto the shoulder away from the asphalt. The grass may not be always be mowed but the terrain is generally level. Do not contact the owner. There are blank liability forms in the box. Complete the form and leave it in box. The trail is now marked with 2' by 2" yellow squares with a black arrow nailed to trees marking the trail. It is extremely important to the owner for you to stay on the trail.

BUTLER-SINKING CREEK

L

D

G

V

Jun15

Owned by BCCS.
Contact for access: Tony Canike 215-534-9446.

CLARKS

L

S

*

V

Jan23

Visitors no longer sign in at owners house. There is a mailbox with the sign-in book at the Clark monument. Access is by rappel only. Parking for 3-4 vehicles, 4-wheel drive recommended. Do not block farm road when parking. VA Dept. Wildlife Resources recommends no access October-April.  Contact Larry Hart (804-310-0006)

CROSSROADS

O

D

*

*

Jan23

Cave is owned by VSS, open to all responsible cavers.  Park in the parking lot near the cave entrance. No "cave for pay" groups. 

PORTERS

L

X

G

R

Apr08

Ask entry permission from owner.

ROBIN'S RIFT

L

D

G

V

Jun15

Owned by BCCS.
Contact for access: Tony Canike 215-534-9446.

STARR CHAPEL

C

E

G

*

Jul99

Gated, Closed 1 Sep - 15 May for bats.

WILLIAMS

C

X

G

R

Mar85

UVA Grotto manages cave, trips limited to friends of owner & UVA trips.

WITHEROS

C

N

*

R

May05

Closed 1 Sep - 15 May.  Owners permission required for summer access.

Bland County, VA

BANES SPRING

C

T

*

R

Apr08

Cave closed Oct.1 – Apr. 30.  Owner’s permission required for summer access.

BUDDY PENLEY

C

T

*

R

Apr08

Cave closed Oct.1 – April 30.  Owner’s permission required for summer access.

COON

C

T

*

R

Apr08

Cave closed Oct.1 – Apr. 30.  Owner’s permission required for summer access.

MATACHOCK

C

X

*

G

Apr08

Very limited access allowed.  Do NOT contact the landowners for access.  Contact Don Anderson for additional info.

NEWBERRY-BANES

C

T

*

R

Apr08

Cave closed Oct.1 – Apr. 30.  Owner’s permission required for summer access.

PAUL PENLEYS

L

T

*

R

Apr08

Cave closed Oct.1 – April 30.  Owner’s permission required for summer access.

REPASS SALTPETER

C

E

*

R

Apr08

Cave closed Oct. 1 - Apr. 30. Requires contact in advance and special arrangements for summer trip.

SPRING HOLLOW

C

X

Z

R

Apr08

Skydusky Hollow area. Owner tired of vandals.

Botetourt County, VA

CATAWBA MURDER HOLE

L

X

*

R

Apr08

Trespassers will be prosecuted. Lower levels of cave (hibernaculum) are closed to protect bats from WNS. Owner must inspect, approve caving/vertical gear before trip. Owner must be present on all cave trips.

EAGLE ROCK QUARRY CAVES

C

E

*

*

Apr08

Access no longer allowed, owner concerned about liability.

PERRY SALTPETER

C

E

*

Z

Apr08

Trespassers prosecuted; bat hibernaculum in winter.

Craig County, VA

NEWCASTLE MURDER HOLE

L

S

*

R

Apr08

Everyone MUST sign owner's log book.

PANTHER CAVE

L

W

*

R

Jan83

Status update needed!

RUFE CALDWELL

C

N

*

G

Apr08

Closed 1 Sep - 15 May for bats. Contact Blue Ridge Grotto for access info. 504-989-7693.

SHIRES SALTPETER

C

U

G

Z

Apr08

Gated in 1995. On NF land. Winter bats, some access May - Aug.

Frederick County, VA

BEANS

C

E

G

*

Feb18

Owned by local hunt club. Violators will, and have been, prosecuted. Cave now gated. 

OGDENS

C

D

*

R

Mar13

Dept. of Conservation and Recreation Natural Heritage Program. Limited access for educational, monitoring, and stewardship visits. Contact Wil Orndorff at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (540-230-5960) for information.

Giles County, VA

BALLARDS

L

E

*

R

Mar13

Owned by Industrial Development Authority of Giles County; requires written permission.

CANOE

C

E

*

*

Sep89

Gate destroyed, owner sensitive.

CLOVER HOLLOW

L

O

*

G

Apr08

Access through the Bat Ranch. Contact Mike Newsome 540-626-3386.

NEW RIVER

O

*

*

*

May14

Cave acquired by the NSS in May, 2014.  Currently open for non-commercial trips by properly equipped cavers.  A formal management plan is being developed. Contact Wil Orndorff, 540-230-5960 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more info.

PIG HOLE

L

E

*

*

Apr08

Owner allows experienced vertical cavers only, no novices.  Cavers must sign in and out (via logbook).

SALAMANDER

C

X

*

G

Oct02

Very limited access allowed. Do NOT contact the landowners for access. Contact Don Anderson for additional info.

SALTPETER

L

E

*

*

Oct05

Access allowed, but ask new owner for access permission.

SMOKEHOLE

L

S

*

R

Apr08

Owner is upset that his fences have been damaged.  Contact landowner for access permission.

STAY HIGH

C

D

*

R

Mar13

Owned by VA Dept. of Conservation and Recreation Natural Heritage Program. Limited access for educational, monitoring, and stewardship visits. Contact Wil Orndorff at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (540-230-5960) for information.

TAWNEYS

L

E

G

G

May15

Road entrance now gated. See www.vpicaveclub.org/Tawneys for info. Key contact is Mike Newsome 540-626-3386. Sinkhole entrance only open by permission.

Highland County, VA

AQUA

C

E

*

*

Mar18

Cave closed & posted by the VA Div. of Game & Inland Fisheries due to WNS. 

ARBEGAST SALTPETER

C

E

*

*

Sep02

Owner's insurance company requested cave closure.

FIVE SPRINGS

L

W

G

G

Apr09

Contact Highland County Cave Survey for entry

HEVENERS #1

C

*

P

*

Sep02

Closed by rock.

HEVENERS #3

C

E

*

*

Apr09

Closed by VDGIF

HUPMANS SALTPETER

C

U

Z

*

Sep02

Bat cave, closed all year by VA Game & Fishery Dept.

LANTZ MTN QUARRY

C

E

*

*

Sep02

Owner worried about liability.

MARSHALLS

C

E

*

*

Mar18

Cave closed & posted by the VA Div. of Game & Inland Fisheries due to WNS. 

MUSTOE ULCER

C

E

*

*

Apr09

Closed by VDGIF

MOSQUITO

C

E

*

*

Sep02

Status update needed!

PARSONAGE

C

E

*

*

Apr09

Closed by VDGIF

VANDEVANDER

C

E

G

*

Mar08

Owner tired of being bothered by cavers.

Lee County, VA

CUMBERLAND NP CAVES

O

W

*

R

Sep83

All caves in the National Park have the same status: CLIFF, CUMBERLAND GAP QUARRY, CUMBERLAND GAP SALTPETER, GRASSY SPRING, INDIAN, LEWIS BRANCH BRIDGE, LEWIS HOLLOW, LITTLE SALTPETER, SKYLIGHT, TURTLE, and WHITE ROCKS).

FISHERS

C

E

*

*

Sep00

Closure enforced by owner.

GALLOHAN #1 & #2

C

E

*

*

Mar13

Owned by the Nature Conservancy.  Closed year-round.

GAP (formerly CUDJOS)

L

W

G

*

Apr08

Owned by CGNHP, check with them about access.

GIBSON-FRAZIER

C

X

G

R

Apr08

Closed, gated.

GILLEY

O

D

G

R

Dec12

Owned & managed by the Appalachian Cave Conservancy.  Access details are at www.acave.us.

INDIAN BURIAL

C

E

G

*

Feb98

Gated in 1998 to preserve Indian remains & prevent vandalism.

JONES SALTPETER

C

E

*

*

Aug97

(no info)

LUCY BEATTY

C

E

*

*

Sep83

Cave is a water supply.

SURGENER

C

E

*

*

Mar13

Owned by the Nature Conservancy.  Closed year-round.

UNTHANKS

C

D

G

R

mar13

Owned by VA Dept. of Conservation and Recreation Natural Heritage Program. Limited access for educational, monitoring, and stewardship visits. Contact Wil Orndorff at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (540-230-5960) for information.

Montgomery County, VA

JAMES

C

X

*

*

Apr08

Open to cavers. Closed to Scouts, church, school, “adventure”, etc. groups.

SLUSSERS CHAPEL

C

E

*

*

Apr08

Biological preserve, no access allowed.

Page County, VA

LURAY CAVERNS

L

W

G

*

Jan88

Commercial cave, very limited access.

RUFFNER #1

C

Z

Z

Z

Jan88

On Luray property, contact Luray Caverns.

Pulaski County, VA

BONEMOUTH/COVEYS

C

E

*

*

Mar95

(no info)

COPENHAVERS

C

E

*

*

Mar95

(no info)

MAZE

C

E

*

*

Mar95

Contact New River Valley Grotto for access info.

Roanoke County, VA

BLANKENSHIP

C

S

*

Z

Apr08

Owner won't permit entry.

DIXIE CAVERNS

L

A

G

*

Apr08

Commercial cave.

GOODWINS

L

D

G

G

Apr08

Gated, violators prosecuted, contact David Socky at 540-989-7693 for access info.

LAYMANS

C

E

*

*

Apr08

Owner does not permit entry.

MILLERS COVE

L

U

*

R

Apr08

Owned by Jefferson National Forest. Get landowner permission to cross to NF land.

NEW DIXIE

C

X

G

R

Apr08

Owned by Dixie Caverns. Their insurance company will not permit entry. Gated ca. 1992.

Rockbridge County, VA

BELL

C

*

P

*

Apr08

Entrance filled in 1990's, area being developed.

BUCK HILL

L

A

G

*

Apr08

Commercial cave (Natural Bridge Caverns).

CASH

C

X

Z

*

Apr08

Owners may allow access to cavers they know.

CAVE SPRING

C

X

G

R

Apr08

Gated; sensitive owner relations.

DOLL HOUSE

C

E

*

*

Apr08

Closed by Natural Bridge.

GRAHAMS

C

E

*

*

Apr08

Owner died recently, relatives no longer allow access.

SHOWALTERS

C

*

P

*

Apr08

Cave filled with dirt & rocks.

SWINKS

C

O

Z

R

Apr08

Owner allows access for science & mapping only.

TOLLEYS

C

E

*

*

Apr08

Owner worried about liability.

TURKEY HILL

C

E

G

*

Apr08

Cave is a water supply. Bad air has been encountered.

WINDMILL DEEP

X

W

F

V

Apr15

Posted property, locked gate around entrance. special access possible, ONLY with written permission and signed waiver.

Rockingham County, VA

3-D MAZE

C

E

*

*

Nov16

New owner, cave now closed due to liability concerns. 

CEDAR HILL

C

E

*

*

Oct02

Owner tired of access requests, please don't bother him.

DEVILS HOLE

C

S

*

*

Feb93

Owner tired of people sneaking in cave & being bothered.

ENDLESS CAVERNS

C

A

G

*

Jul96

Commercial cave, closed to wild trips.

HOLSINGERS

C

E

*

*

Oct02

Owner tired of access requests, please don't bother him.

LINVILLE QUARRY

L

*

*

V

Oct90

(no info)

LYLES PIT

C

E

*

*

Nov16

New owner, cave now closed due to liability concerns.

MAD STEER

C

E

*

*

Oct91

New owner, cave now closed.

MASSANUTTEN CAVERNS

L

A

G

*

Dec83

Check with SVG or CCV for info.

MELROSE CAVERNS

L

X

G

R

Nov14

Formerly commercial. VAR project. Owner plans on limited historical tours. Scout-tyoe groups can tour the cave on weekends, if permission is obtained from the owner, and a VAR member is available to give the tour.

ROUND HILL

L

X

Z

Z

Apr08

Access only for science, mapping.

SUGAR NUT

C

E

*

*

Sep02

Sensitive owner relations, cave is "essentially closed".

Russell County, VA

INDIAN

C

*

P

*

Feb93

Entrance bulldozed shut.

JESSIE

C

E

*

*

Dec91

New owner threatening to bulldoze both entrances shut.

Scott County, VA

BLAIR-COLLINS

L

O

Z

Z

Apr84

Open only if you get owner's permission.

BOLLING

L

U

*

R

Aug97

State park runs wild tours.

DANIEL BOONE CAVERN

O

D

G

G

Dec12

Managed by the Appalachian Cave Conservancy.  Access details are at www.acave.us. (Alternate names are ELLINGTON and GILLENWATER).

LANE CAVE (RED HILL)

L

X

*

R

Aug97

(no info)

OAK RIDGE

O

D

G

G

Dec12

Managed by the Appalachian Cave Conservancy.  Access details are at www.acave.us.

NATURAL TUNNEL

L

U

*

R

Aug97

Cave is in State Park.

NATURAL TUNNEL SHELTERS

L

U

*

R

Aug97

Cave is in State Park.

NATURAL TUNNEL CAVE

L

U

*

R

Aug97

Cave is in State Park.

Shenandoah County, VA

CRYSTAL CAVERNS AT HUPPS HILL

C

E

G

*

Sep11

This formerly commercial cave is no longer open. (aka Battlefield Crystal Caverns).

CLICKS

C

E

*

R

Jun99

Closed Oct 1 - Apr 15 for bats, open to NSS members (only) with permission at other times.

FLEMMINGS

C

E

*

*

May91

Owner does not want visitors to the cave.

HELSLEY

C

E

*

*

May87

Owner building new house, wants no cavers.

HENSLEYS

C

E

*

*

May87

House on cave, cave sealed shut.

SHENANDOAH CAVERN

L

A

G

R

Jan88

Access for science and mapping only.

SHENANDOAH WILD

C

X

G

R

Oct87

Trespassers have been arrested.

Smyth County, VA

BUCHANNAN SALTPETER

L

O

*

*

Apr05

Can be visited only with permission of owner.

GRINSTEAD

C

E

*

*

Apr92

Owner's house next to entrance, see Dave Hubbard for more info.

HANCOCK

O

O

*

R

May15

Cave now owned West Virginia Cave Conservancy. Management plan being developed.

INTERSTATE 81

C

U

G

V

Apr08

Owned by VDOT. Cave is closed, scientific access only. Rumors of entrance bulldozed untrue.

TILSONS SALTPETER

C

E

*

*

Apr05

Owner won't allow access.

Tazewell County, VA

BLOWING

C

E

*

R

Dec91

Owner is Fla church group, written permission req for entry.

CASSEL FARM

C

N

*

*

Jan90

Closed all year by VAR (bats).

CORKSCREW

L

W

*

R

Apr08

Access for science and mapping only.

FALLEN ROCK

C

D

*

R

Jan90

Requires letter from J. Holsinger.

HIGGENBOTHAMS #1 (DEVILS SLIDE)

C

E

*

*

Mar13

Owned by the VA Dept. of Conservation & Recreation. Closed year-round for endangered bats.

HIGGENBOTHAMS #2

C

E

*

*

Mar13

Owned by the VA Dept. of Conservation & Recreation. Closed year-round for endangered bats.

HUGH YOUNG

C

W

*

R

Jan90

Letter from J. Holsinger needed.

STONLEYS (DIVIDES)

C

E

*

*

Nov83

Status update needed!

WARD COVE CAVES (and caves in the immediate vicinity)

C

E

*

*

Sep83

Property lessee won't permit trespassers. Status update needed!

Warren County, VA

ALLENS

L

X

G

*

Sep08

On Skyline Caverns property. Contact Front Royal Grotto for access information.

CURL CRAWL CAVE

C

E

*

*

Dec05

On National Park property, sometimes has bad air, blasting in the area due to nearby school construction.

FRONT ROYAL CAVERNS

C

E

G

*

Sep08

Gated. Local school uses for environmental studies - contact Front royal Grotto for access information.

SKYLINE CAVERNS

L

W

*

R

Apr08

Commercial cave.

Washington County, VA

PERKINS

O

D

G

G

Dec12

Managed by the Appalachian Cave Conservancy.  Access details are at www.acave.us.

VICKERS

C

E

*

*

Apr05

Owner concerned about caver safety.

Wise County, VA

KELLY

L

U

*

R

Jan90

Owned by Jefferson National Forest, request landowner permission to cross to NF land.

OMEGA

L

D

*

G

Apr08

Part of Powell Mt. Karst Preserve. Owned by CCV.

ROCKY HOLLOW

C

W

*

G

Aug97

Winter closure for bats.

West Virginia

Berkeley County, WV

ANDERSON

C

E

*

*

Mar07

Owned by nearby auto salvage yard. Does not allow entry to cave.

APPLEJACK

C

*

P

*

Sep83

Status update needed!

BENDERS

L

E

Z

*

Mar07

Owned by nearby trucking firm. Obtain permission from trucking firm.

CRICKET MAZE

L

E

G

R

Jul21

Managed by Cricket Maze Cave Assoc. Experienced cavers only. Absolutely no cave-for-pay. CMCA member(s) must accompany trips.

DONALDSON

O

D

G

R

Oct13

Owned by WVCC. Bob Bennett of Tri-State Grotto controls access. Click "Cave Access" at wvcc.net.

DUPONT A & B

C

*

P

Z

Mar08

No Trespassing signs - Lots of building & construction going on.

HEITTS

C

*

P

Z

Apr84

Status update needed!

INDIAN RIVER

O

-

-

-

Jun12

Same status & rules as Whitings Neck.

INWOOD

C

*

P

*

May87

Cave physically closed.

JONES QUARRY

C

D

G

G

Apr15

Jones Quarry is no longer an open cave. Tri-State Grotto has the only keys - the owner has no keys. The cave has a new lock - please do not bother the cave owner. To have access to the cave, you have to become a member of Tri-State Grotto (This is the owner's wish, not the grotto). Weekend trips can only occur once a week, either Sat or Sun, not both days in the same week. Trips to the cave have to be put on the calendar 2 weeks prior to the trip.  Contact Bob Bennett or Tri-State Grotto for access.

NESTLE QUARRY

C

E

G

R

Apr15

Nestle Quarry Cave, Berkeley Co, WV is now gated! Info will be submitted later for access, if allowed! Possible bad air (CO2) reported in Dec. 2006. 

PIG

C

*

P

*

Mar07

Cave is physically closed.

SILERS

L

D

F

G

Jul21

Gated and locked. Managed by MAKC. Two trip per month limit, 15 cavers per trip, no cave-for-pay. All recognized cavers are welcome. E-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for access.

STANDARD QUARRY

C

E

*

Z

Mar08

Quarries are being filled with debris, dirt, & rock

WHITINGS NECK

O

-

-

-

Jun12

Posted signs near the cave apparently don't apply to the cave. Park & walk from Yankauer Nature Preserve, 1/2 mile S of cave on Newton School Rd. Do NOT park on any property near the cave. Be quiet near entrance due to new house nearby. Do NOT park buses or other large vehicles in the Nature Preserve parking lot. Take them elsewhere (like Martinsburg) until your group is scheduled to leave the cave.

Grant County, WV

ELKHORN MOUNTAIN (MONGOLD)

L

E

*

R

Feb08

Closed June 15 - Oct 15 for bats. Permission REQUIRED for entry. Contact Linda Devine or Tim McDougle (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) for access permission.

PEACOCK

C

E

*

*

Feb08

Closed all year for bats, cave is on USFS land.

Greenbrier County, WV

ACME QUARRY

C

E

Z

Z

Jan00

New owners, land posted, owners say cave is closed.

BENEDICTS (Persinger Entrance)

O

D

*

*

Oct13

Cave open, but contact WVCC for driving and parking directions at www.wvcc.net.

BOAR HOLE

O

*

G

*

Dec08

(no info)

BONE-NORMAN

O

*

*

*

Apr08

Open to cavers. Parking space is limited, be sure that all wheels of vehicles are completely off the road surface.

BUCKEYE CREEK

L

E

*

R

May12

Permission required.  A WVACS member must be on the trip.

COFFMAN

C

X

*

Z

Sep83

Status update needed!

CRICKET

C

Z

Z

Z

Dec94

Entrance rumored(?) to be filled in.

CROOKSHANK (FRIARS HOLE)

L

T

*

R

Oct98

Vertical entrance. Same status as Friars Hole System (Pocahontas County).

CULVERSON CREEK

O

*

*

*

Apr08

Contact Bill Balfour 304-497-0859 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for access info.

DEEMS (ORGAN)

O

D

*

G

Apr08

Contact Ed Swepston 304-645-6984 for permission and trip arrangements.

ERWINS (ORGAN)

Z

Z

Z

Z

Jun98

Access info needed.

FOX CAVE

L

S

*

R

Sep95

Maximum group size of 3 people.

FOXHOLE #1

C

E

*

*

Oct99

Very unfriendly landowner.

GENERAL DAVIS

C

D

G

R

Feb08

Gated to protect very rare salamander & small bat colony. Contact WV Chapter of Nature Conservancy, 304-345-4350.

GREAT ESCAPE (ORGAN)

C

E

*

*

Oct99

Very unfriendly landowner.

HEDRICKS (ORGAN)

C

E

*

*

Oct99

Very unfriendly landowner.

HIGGINBOTHAMS

O

*

*

R

Apr01

Get permission from owner on property & sign owner's log book.

HUMPHREYS

L

W

*

R

Jan00

Very limited access to experienced vertical caves.  Ask first.

LIPPS (ORGAN)

O

D

F

G

Apr08

Open, very limited parking, don't block the road. Be considerate of the new fence. Contact Ed Swepston 304-645-6984 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for permission and trip arrangements.

LOST WORLD

C

A

G

*

Jun98

Commercial cave.

LUDINGTON

C

E

*

*

Apr05

Bell entrance now definitely closed by owner, don't even ask for access. Ludington entrance now considered closed because owner recently died.

MASTERS (ORGAN)

Z

Z

Z

Z

Jun98

Access info needed.

MCCLUNGS (Freeman Entrance)

C

E

*

*

Aug07

Closed. Contact WVCC for latest info, but consider using Lightner Entrance for access instead.  Do NOT contact the current owner (he does not want to be bothered by anyone, especially cavers).

MCCLUNGS (Lightner Entrance)

O

*

*

*

Sep13

Lightners entrance (vertical) owned by WVCC and open to qualified vertical cavers. Park near the WVCC kiosk and don't drive to the cave.

MAXWELTON SINK

C

*

P

*

Sep13

New entrance owned by WVCC. Open for survey & scientific work only. Permission needed in advance. See www.maxweltongeosolutions.com/cave/resourcesSinkCave.html for info and contact Jeff Bray for project info. All other entrances physically closed.

ORGAN CAVE (main entrance)

L

E

G

R

Aug05

Access for experienced cavers is usually allowed.  Ask the owners ahead of time. No carbide allowed.

PIERCYS

C

D

*

*

Feb 08

Owned by Nature Conservancy, closed 1 Sep - 1 May (bats), contact Monroe County Cavers for access info.

PIERCYS MILL

O

O

*

*

Oct07

Speak with resident, Mr. Steve Cole, upon arrival at cave. If not home, leave a note with the number of people on trip.

PLASTIC BAG

C

E

*

*

Dec08

same access status as POOR FARM (below)

POOR FARM

C

E

G

*

Dec08

Owner tired of being bothered and no longer allows access. Please don't pester him.

THE PORTAL

O

*

*

*

Dec08

(no info)

RAPPS CAVE

C

E

G

G

Sep13

Entrance leased by WVCC, access normally not allowed. Contact WVCC for access info.

RUBBER CHICKEN (FRIARS HOLE)

C

E

P

*

Oct98

Entrance sealed with flood debris & owner allows no access.

SINKS OF THE RUN

Z

Z

Z

Z

Apr08

Status unknown.

SIVELYS #2 & #3 (ORGAN)

Z

Z

Z

Z

Jun98

New owner in 1997, access info needed.

WADES

C

E

*

*

Apr05

Cave is currently closed.

WALTONS

C

E

*

*

Dec88

Owned by Vanderpool water supply.

Hardy County, WV

DYERS

C

U

*

R

Feb09

WV DNR has requested avoiding winter visits (Oct. 15 - May 15) to avoid disturbing the growing colony of hibernating bats.  Summer access allowed, but please follow WNS decontamination procedures.

HINKLE SCHOOL PIT

C

*

P

*

Oct98

Entrance filled with trash.

Jefferson County, WV

BYRD ORCHARD SINK

C

*

P

*

Mar07

Cave is physically closed.

CHARLES TOWN (LAKELAND)

C

W

G

R

Mar07

Cave owned by city of Charles Town - Does not usually give permission for entry - Around 2002 water in the cave contained traces of petroleum.

DEAD DOG

L

*

G

R

Mar07

Cave probably open with permission. Mr. Brown, the owner, has the gate key.

DITMER SQUEEZE

C

E

*

Z

May87

Owner not interested in cavers.

GEORGE WASHINGTON

C

E

*

*

Mar06

Land posted "no trespassing at any time."

HARPERS FERRY CAVERNS

C

E

*

*

Aug97

Former commercial cave, VERY closed by owner. Property for sale.

JOHN BROWN

C

U

G

*

Mar08

Physically gated by RR (not Park Service) - No entry

MOLERS

C

E

G

*

Jul96

Cave closed & gated 7/94, Management plan being developed. No entry allowed.

Mercer County, WV

CALDWELL

C

U

*

*

Feb08

Cave added to list at request of WV DNR due to WNS situation.

HONACKER

C

U

*

*

Feb08

Cave added to list at request of WV DNR due to WNS situation.

Monroe County, WV

ARGOBRITES

C

E

*

*

Nov84

Fish stocked in entrance stream.

CHAMBERS

C

E

*

*

Sep88

(no info)

CHRISTIE PIT

L

X

*

R

Apr05

Contact Mr. Blakeslee in Union.

CROWDER

L

S

*

R

Nov83

Landowner permission required for access.

GREENVILLE SALTPETER

C

E

G

V

Sep08

All entrances now gated. Area near Millpond Entr closed 1 Sep - 15 May for bats. Cave is currently closed to everyone because or ongoing litigation between the two owners.

HAYNES

O

D

G

G

Mar16

Gated - contact WVCC Manager Ed Saugstad (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) for access information.

HUNT (CONNELL)

C

X

P

R

Apr05

Landowner permission required. Contact Jeff Bray at 304-645-5359 for info on contacting landowner.

HURRICANE RIDGE

L

W

G

G

Apr05

Contact Jeff Bray 304-645-5359 for access info.

LAUREL CREEK

C

E

*

*

Dec94

ALL 4 entrances now closed. Owner mad about inappropriate activities in the cave.

LEMON HOLE

C

E

*

*

Nov83

Status update needed!

PATTON

C

E

*

*

Aug08

Sensitive landowner relations. Cave closed in winter due to bats. No access currently allowed at other times by the owner.

SCOTT HOLLOW

C

E

G

*

Feb 11

Cave is now CLOSED to all access for an undetermined time. Please do not attempt to contact the owner until the situation changes.

UNION

L

E

*

V

Apr05

Limited access for survey and scientific work only, all other access denied by landowner. Waiver required. contact Jeff Bray for info at 304-645-5359.

Morgan County, WV

ROCK GAP

C

E

*

*

Sep92

Very closed, flood prone.

Pendleton County, WV

BIG EYE PIT

C

E

*

*

Jul95

Landowner denies access.

BLOOD

O

*

*

*

Jun08

Cave added to list at request of WV DNR in Feb 08 due to WNS situation.  As of June 2008 the cave is reopened, but pleaase follow decontamination procedures.

BLOWHOLE

C

E

Z

Z

Mar94

Hostile owner for main entrance.

CAVE MOUNTAIN

L

U

G

Z

Apr15

Closed 1 Apr to 15 Sep (nursery cave for rare bats) (cave is on USFS land and is now CLOSED year-round by the USFS).

CAVE RAT

C

D

F

G

Feb18

The cave is open to competent and properly equipped cavers between January 1st & August 31st of each year. Absolutely no trespassing the remainder of the year per the owner. Permitted access is only gained by contacting the John Guilday Cave Preserve manager Earl Suitor at 703-431-2661 call / text or email : wvcaver216 (at) gmail (dot) com per the owner. Caving groups are limited to 8 with no more than 3 cars. Permits & combination to gate are required. Please, never go on the property without permission. We are trying to keep the caves open. Any deviation from these stipulations may jeopardize access for all of us. TY. Earl. The latest (2017) Sites Cave Management Plan contains access details.

COON

O

O

*

V

Feb17

Notify, the owners, Merlin and Gena Harper (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), in advance when you will come and leave. You are not asking permission to go into their caves. Do not ask for permission to go into their caves! You will be telling them when your vehicles will arrive and when they will leave.  Waivers can be obtained from Gena Harper or any GVKS member.  Waivers can be placed between the storm door and security door at their house.  These caves will be closed the full two weeks of rifle deer season and the subsequent antlerless deer days.  Don’t ask for exceptions and the trip leader is responsible for checking when these dates are. 

COWHOLE WELL

C

E

*

*

Sep99

Owner strongly dislikes trespassers.

EYE PIT

C

*

P

*

Jul 95

Entrance filled with trash.

FIELDHOUSE

O

O

*

V

Feb17

Notify, the owners, Merlin and Gena Harper (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), in advance when you will come and leave. You are not asking permission to go into their caves. Do not ask for permission to go into their caves! You will be telling them when your vehicles will arrive and when they will leave.  Waivers can be obtained from Gena Harper or any GVKS member.  Waivers can be placed between the storm door and security door at their house.  These caves will be closed the full two weeks of rifle deer season and the subsequent antlerless deer days.  Don’t ask for exceptions and the trip leader is responsible for checking when these dates are. 

FLOOD

L

W

P

G

Apr15

Very tight entrance, probably silted shut, cave floods, some access for scientific study.

FLOYD WAGGYS

C

X

*

V

Jun00

Owner permits only Syracuse Univ Outing Club trips.

FLUTE

C

U

*

*

Feb08

WV DNR now owns cave, access policy being developed, closed until further notice.

GALE WARNER (LITTLE SENECA)

O

O

*

V

Feb17

Access to these caves is through the Richard and Joan Lambert property.  Waivers must be signed and can be obtained from This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  Park at the GVKS Fieldhouse or if conditions allow ask for permission to drive to the caves.  Lambert Cave #1 and Gale Warner Cave harbor Virginia Big-eared bat maternity colonies and are closed from 1 April thru 15 September.

GRAVEYARD

C

E

*

*

Jul92

Adjacent caves also closed.

GYPSUM

L

E

*

R

Mar01

Owner's permission required before each trip.

HAMILTON

O

*

*

*

Apr15

Cave is open to properly equipped (helmet and 3 light sources) non-commercial users. This was a major WNS site so please decontaminate all gear before going to any non-WNS caves (especially caves outside Virginia and West Virginia). For information email Preserve Manager Earl Suitor at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

HARPER PIT

O

O

*

V

Feb17

Notify, the owners, Merlin and Gena Harper (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), in advance when you will come and leave. You are not asking permission to go into their caves. Do not ask for permission to go into their caves! You will be telling them when your vehicles will arrive and when they will leave.  Waivers can be obtained from Gena Harper or any GVKS member.  Waivers can be placed between the storm door and security door at their house.  These caves will be closed the full two weeks of rifle deer season and the subsequent antlerless deer days.  Don’t ask for exceptions and the trip leader is responsible for checking when these dates are. 

HELLHOLE

C

E

F

*

Feb15

Closed 1 Sep - 15 May (bats), quarry has leased entrance. NO ACCESS AT ANY TIME!!!!

HOFFMAN PIT

C

E

*

*

Feb08

Closed for bats by DNR.

HOFFMAN SCHOOL

C

U

G

Z

Feb08

Owned by WV DNR. Closed 1 Sep - 15 May for bats. Summer access unknown, but doubtful. Gated by USFWS.

HOURGLASS

L

E

*

R

Apr03

Written permission needed for access. Contact owner, Ms. Bowers, at Macksville Mart S of Seneca Rocks for access permission.

KENNY SIMMONS

C

E

*

*

Feb09

Cave is closed due to WNS being present in other Pendleton County caves. No access allowed.

LAMBERT #1

O

O

*

V

Feb17

Access to these caves is through the Richard and Joan Lambert property.  Waivers must be signed and can be obtained from This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  Park at the GVKS Fieldhouse or if conditions allow ask for permission to drive to the caves.  Lambert Cave #1 and Gale Warner Cave harbor Virginia Big-eared bat maternity colonies and are closed from 1 April thru 15 September.

LAWRENCE DOME PIT (FIELDHOUSE)

O

O

*

V

Feb17

Access to these caves is through the Richard and Joan Lambert property.  Waivers must be signed and can be obtained from This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  Park at the GVKS Fieldhouse or if conditions allow ask for permission to drive to the caves.  Lambert Cave #1 and Gale Warner Cave harbor Virginia Big-eared bat maternity colonies and are closed from 1 April thru 15 September.

LITTLE EYE PIT

C

E

*

*

Jul95

Landowner denies access.

MEMORIAL DAY

C

D

G

V

Feb15

Quarry has leased entrance. Access controlled by Germany Valley Karst Survey. Permission and waiver required for any access.

MILL RUN

L

U

*

*

Feb08

Closed Apr 1 - Sep 15 for bats.

MINOR REXRODE

C

N

F

*

Feb08

Closed all year by owner for Va. Long Ear bats.

MOYERS TWIN WELLS

C

E

*

*

Jul95

Landowner denies access.

MYSTIC

C

E

*

*

Feb18

The cave is currently 100% closed. Ongoing negotiations are underway between the new owner and the NSS. For any information contact:  the John Guilday Cave Preserve manager Earl Suitor at 703-431-2661 call / text or email : wvcaver216 (at) gmail (dot) com. TY. Earl.

NEW QUARRY

C

*

P

*

Nov05

Entrance plugged with dirt in September 1999, area posted by State.

NEW TROUT

O

*

*

*

Apr15

Cave is open to properly equipped (helmet and 3 light sources) non-commercial users. Please use only properly decontaminated cave gear because WNS has not yet been seen in this cave. For information email Preserve Manager Earl Suitor at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

NSS FLOOD

C

W

G

R

Feb18

This cave is 100% closed year round. Some, rare, scientific study trips may be planned. For information contact: the John Guilday Cave Preserve manager Earl Suitor at 703-431-2661 call / text or email : wvcaver216 (at) gmail (dot) com. TY. Earl.

NUT

L

U

G

R

Nov96

Access for serious studies with permission. Enforced by owner. Gated.

ONEGO MILL

C

E

*

*

Oct89

Closed by owner, entrance usually underwater, may be silted shut.

PROPST

C

E

*

*

Apr02

Owner concerned about vandalism.

QUARRY

C

*

*

*

Nov05

Entire quarry now posted as "State property, no trespassing." (Note: signs missing as of 7/12. Probably just stolen).

ROARING CREEK

C

E

*

*

Mar84

Closed by very mad owner.

SALTPETRE

C

*

*

*

Feb08

Closed all year due to bats. Contact George Dasher for info.

SCHOOLHOUSE

C

U

F

*

Feb15

Closed all year for bats, USFWS fence.

SHORT

C

X

*

*

Nov97

Owner won't allow any access.

SHOVELEATER

O

O

G

V

 Feb17

Access is slightly different than the other caves.  The GVKS will continue to control access and screen all who enter SEC.  Each trip leader (a GVKS member) is required to ensure every person on the trip has signed a waiver.  Waivers are good for a two year period.  They want Rick Lambert to collect the waivers, but he suggests that each of you get to know the Harper’s by asking them if you can drop off the waivers at their house.  If they decline, arrange to give the waivers to him and he will turn them over to the Harper’s.  Each trip leader is also responsible for notifying the Harper’s when they will be in their cave and when they will come out.  You are not asking permission to go into the cave. Do not ask for permission to go into the cave!  You are just notifying them that you and your vehicles will arrive at a certain time and leave by a certain time.  Merlin and Gena trust the GVKS as professionals and they have access to SEC through signing a waiver and notifying them when they will arrive and leave.  Do this in advance of arriving in the valley.  SEC will be closed the full two weeks of rifle deer season and the subsequent antlerless deer days after that.  Each trip leader is responsible for checking when these days are and avoiding the Harper’s property.  There will be no exceptions.r

SINNETT

L

U

G

G

Aug11

Closed 1 Apr - 15 Sep (bats). Sinnett is now closed all year due to WNS with the following exception: It is open ONLY from Sept. 15 - Oct. 2, 2011. Check the Sinnett-Thorn Cave Conservancy Web site at www.psc-cavers.org/stcc/ for access info. Waiver is mandatory. DO NOT CONTACT THE OWNER!

SITES

C

E

F

G

Feb18

The cave is open to vertically proficient, capable and properly equipped vertical cavers between January 1st & August 31st of each year. Absolutely no trespassing the remainder of the year per the owner. Permitted access is only gained by contacting the John Guilday Cave Preserve manager Earl Suitor at 703-431-2661 call / text or email : wvcaver216 (at) gmail (dot) com per the owner. Caving groups are limited to 8 with no more than 3 cars. Permits & combination to gate are required. Please, never go on the property without permission. We are trying to keep the caves open. Any deviation from these stipulations may jeopardize access for all of us. TY. Earl. 
The latest (2017) Sites Cave Management Plan contains access details.

SITES ATTIC

C

E

F

G

Feb18

The cave is open to vertically proficient, capable and properly equipped vertical cavers between January 1st & August 31st of each year. Absolutely no trespassing the remainder of the year per the owner. Permitted access is only gained by contacting the John Guilday Cave Preserve manager Earl Suitor at 703-431-2661 call / text or email : wvcaver216 (at) gmail (dot) com per the owner. Caving groups are limited to 8 with no more than 3 cars. Permits & combination to gate are required. Please, never go on the property without permission. We are trying to keep the caves open. Any deviation from these stipulations may jeopardize access for all of us. TY. Earl. 
The latest (2017) Sites Cave Management Plan contains access details.

SMOKEHOLE (cave, not caverns)

C

U

*

*

Feb08

Cave added to list at request of WV DNR due to WNS situation.

STRATOSPHERE BALLOON

O

A

*

V

Aug06

Former commercial cave that now allows easy wild trips (for a fee). Located on the Seneca Caverns property.

THORN MOUNTAIN

L

U

G

G

Aug11

Same ownership and status as SINNETT Cave.

TROUT

C

D

G

R

Apr19

Trout Cave will be open between April 16th and May 31st on a limited basis. For information email Preserve Manager Earl Suitor at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

VANCE

L

P

T

Z

Mar84

May be open during drought. Sensitive cave owner relations. Tenant denies access to everyone.

VANDEVANDER

L

U

*

R

Nov96

Same access status & rules as Nut.

WARNERS BROKEN DOME

C

*

P

*

Jan92

Entrance filled in.

WILDCAT HOLLOW PIT

C

E

P

*

Dec08

Cave buried under 30 feet of dirt by quarry operation. Area posted.

Pocahontas County, WV

BILLY CLAY PIT & CLAY PIT #2

L

D

*

R

Mar12

Owned by MAKC. Permit required.  Further info available at www.karst.org.

BILLY CLAY PIT #3

C

E

*

R

Mar12

Mr. Curtis, owner, may allow some access to cavers he knows.

BUCK RUN CAVE & BUCK RUN PIT

C

Z

*

*

Mar12

Gate on Buck Run Rd locked, land leased by a hunt club.

CANADIAN HOLE

C

S

*

*

Aug97

Very closed, no exceptions, owner upset about unauthorized dig & vandalism.

CARPENTER-SWAGO

C

E

*

*

Mar13

Owner has closed the caves.  See www.swagofarms.com for more info on this and other caves owned by the same owner.

CANIS MAJORIS

C

W

*

R

Sep93

Same access as PIDDLING PIT.

CAVE CREEK

C

E

*

*

Mar12

Closed by owner.

CASS

C

E

*

*

Jun09

Land now posted "No Trespassing" & farm gate is locked. Property managed by Dennis Leister, 713-203-6305, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CASSELL

C

E

*

R

Sep22

New manager denies all access. Management of the property has passed from Charlie to a relative, and the new manager does not currently allow access.

DRY CREEK VALLEY CAVES

C

E

-

-

Mar12

Beverage Cave and 10 other caves in the valley are owned by the same family and are very closed by them.

FALLING SPRING

C

U

*

*

Feb08

Cave added to list at request of WV DNR due to WNS.

FOX DEN PITS

C

Z

Z

Z

Dec94

Structure built over cave.

FRIARS ENTRANCE (FRIARS HOLE)

O

*

*

*

Oct98

This is the "south entrance" to the Friars Hole System). 1998 sale fell through, but cave still open. Park off the road, don't litter the area (as always with any cave).

FRIARS HOLE SYSTEM

L

T

*

R

Mar08

Permission must be arranged with landowner in advance for ALL trips to ANY entrance. Group size limited to 20 people, no beginners. Normally closed Jan - May due to poor access road conditions. Please walk, don't drive, to cave entrances.

GREENTREE PIT

C

E

F

R

Mar12

Cave on a residential lot.

GRIMES

C

E

*

*

Oct91

Closure enforced by owner.

HANNA PIT

C

Z

*

*

Mar12

Same access at Buck Run Cave.

LINWOOD

C

E

*

*

Mar12

Owner is selling land tracts & denies access to everyone. Cave is a water supply.

MARTHAS

C

U

F

*

Feb08

Closed Sep 1 - May 15 (bats). Summer entry with owner permission.

MARTENS

C

E

*

*

Jul03

Owner of new house near cave denies cave access.

OVERHOLT BLOWING

C

S

*

R

Jun12

No access allowed at all by owners.

OVERHOLT SALTPETER

C

E

*

*

Mar12

Closed by owner. Ten other nearby small caves & dead-bottom pits owned by same family are also closed.

PIDDLING PIT

C

W

*

R

Sep93

Owned by Nature Conservancy, call Greg Springer for info. Contains endangered non-bat critters.

POOR FARM

L

E

G

*

Apr98

Some access allowed. Ask.

REDLICK PIT

C

*

Z

*

Oct91

Entrance plugged with many trees by owner.

ROSA PIT #1, #2

C

E

F

R

Mar12

Caves are on residential lots.

SHARPS

O

*

*

*

Nov05

Do NOT ask permission or bother owner. Please clean carbide dumps & other trash in cave.

SHINABERRY

C

*

P

*

Oct91

Entrance silted very shut.

SNEDEGARS (FRIARS HOLE)

L

T

*

R

Mar08

This is an entrance to the Friars Hole system. Permission must be arranged with landowner in advance for ALL trips to ANY entrance.  Group size limited to 20 people, no beginners. Normally closed Jan - May due to poor access road conditions.  Please walk, don't drive, to cave entrances.

TUB

C

*

*

*

Feb08

Cave added to list at request of WV DNR due to WNS situation.

UPPER MARTHAS

C

U

*

*

Feb08

Cave added to list at request of WV DNR due to WNS situation.

US-219

C

E

*

R

Mar12

Mr. Curtis, owner, may allow some access to cavers he knows.

WALT ALLEN (BAXTERS)

C

E

G

R

Oct91

Owner still mad about caver incident in 1982.

Preston County, WV

CORNWALL

C

Z

G

Z

Mar18

Cornwall Cave is located on the Cheat Canyon Wildlife Management Area (WMA) which is controlled by WVDNR.   Gated and Closed all year due to endangered bats.  A new gate was installed on the cave in the Spring of 2015.

Cheat Canyon Wildlife Management Area

C

E

*

*

Mar18

Caves in the Cheat Canyon WMA are owned by the State of WV and fall under WVDNR closure status.  Inquiries about status should be directed to the nongame wildlife section of the WVDNR at the Elkins, WV office.   Caves believed to be in the Cheat Canyon WMA include: Lamda Cave Kappa Cave Walkway Cave Crawl Cave Cliff Cave 1 Cliff Cave #2 Small Cave Williams Cave Yoho Cave Connedwell Cave 4x4 Cave Gaff Cave Birds Eye Cave Fissure Cave Railroad Cave Gum Run FRO Gum Run Fissure High Falls Fissure High Falls FRO #1 Coliseum Rapids Cave Airtight Hole Tim's Climb Cave Flotsam Point Cave Black Friday Closeout Cave V Joint Cave Ledge Spring Cave Side Bend FRO Hole-In-The-Wall Darby Pit

Snake Hill Wildlife Management Area

C

E

*

*

Mar18

Caves in the Snake Hill WMA are owned by the State of WV and fall under WVDNR closure status.  Inquiries about status should be directed to the nongame wildlife section of the WVDNR at the Elkins, WV office.   Caves believed to be in the Snake Hill WMA include: Football FRO Crevice Falls Cave Spring Falls Cave Overhang Crawl Quarterback Cave Limestone Falls Cave #4 Snake Pit Limestone Falls Cave #3 Carriage Road FRO

Randolph County, WV

BOWDEN

C

E

*

*

Apr15

Front 200 feet is private, but should be considered closed since only the entrance area isn't owned by the USFS. Vast majority of cave is USFS-owned and is closed due to WNS. All back entrances are USFS-owned and are closed. Area along road may be posted.

DEVILS KITCHEN

C

E

*

*

Feb00

New owner denies all access.

DREEN

C

U

*

*

Feb08

Cave added to list at request of WV DNR due to WNS situation.

ELK RIVER

O

*

*

Z

Dec88

Caution: cave VERY flood-prone.

FLOWERPOT

L

O

*

V

Jul00

Sign waiver at Harpers Store in Seneca Rocks before going to the cave.

FORTLICK

L

U

*

*

Feb08

Closed Sep 1 - May 15 for bats.

GOOSEBERRY 

C

E

*

*

Feb16

Closed by owner due to bats and liability concerns, may be re-opened for limited access in the future. 

HARMANS WATERFALL

C

E

*

*

Jan97

Closed by owner due to liability concerns.

IZAAK WALTON

C

U

Z

R

Feb08

Closed for bats Sep 1 - May 15, entry with owner or caretaker's permission at other times.

MENNONITE YOUTH CAMP

C

L

*

Z

Feb00

Closed Apr - Sep due to being used as water supply at the youth camp.

SCHMIDLEN CAVES

C

E

*

*

Oct02

All caves in this area closed, landowner concerned about injuries & liability.

SHREVE-HOWELL PIT

C

E

*

*

Aug97

Dispute between owners, nails on road, stay away.

SIMMONS-MINGO

C

U

*

*

Feb08

Cave added to list at request of WV DNR due to WNS situation.

STEWART RUN

C

U

*

*

Feb08

Cave added to list at request of WV DNR due to WNS situation.

TWO LICK RUN

L

U

Z

*

Feb08

Closed Sep 1 - May 15 for bats, Cave is on USFS land.

WILDCAT HOLLOW

C

E

*

*

Feb00

Owner denies all access.

Tucker County, WV

76

C

E

*

*

May10

Owner concerned about liability

ABROGAST CAVE

C

U

F

*

May10

USFWS owns or leases all entrances. All are closed year-round by USFS.

BENNETT

C

E

*

*

Mar07

Owner enforces closure, cave closed since 1980's.

BENNETT DEEP RIVER

C

E

*

*

May10

Reason for closure unknown

BLACKWATER PIT

O

S

*

*

Jul00

located in Blackwater Canyon. Due to recent logging and environmental concerns cave should be considered closed.

BIG SPRING

C

U

G

*

Feb08

closed Sep 1 - May 15 (bats), Cave on USFS land.

BOB WHITE

L

D

*

*

Jul00

Owned by Nature Conservancy, managed by Monongahela Grotto. Trips limited to small groups.

CAVE HOLLOW (ARBOGAST SYS)

C

U

F

*

May10

Same status as ARBOGAST.

FANCHLER PIT

C

E

*

*

May10

Owner doesn't want people in the cave. Period.

HARR #2

C

X

*

*

May10

Cave is gated. Owners allow access to people they know.

HARPERS

C

E

*

*

May10

Owner concerned about liability.

LIMESTONE MTN

C

*

P

*

Jul00

Entrance filled by landowner in early 70's.

LUKES

C

E

*

*

May10

Owner concerned about liability.

MILL RUN

C

E

*

*

May06

Do not ask the landowner to go into the cave. There are extremely sensitive landowner relations.

MOORE

C

E

*

*

May10

Falling Spring Entrance (Upper) is on private land and should be avoided. Other entrance is on USFS land and is closed due to WNS by the USFS.

Red Run

C

E

*

*

May10

Cave is on USFS land and is closed by due to WNS by USFS.

SUICIDE SUMP

C

E

*

*

May10

Cave located on USFS property and is closed due to WNS. Extremely dangerous cave due to water conditions. Do not enter if there is any chance of rain.

WATERWORLD

L

S

*

*

Jul00

Located on Private Property.Extremely dangerous cave due to water conditions. Do not enter if there is any chance of rain.

WAYBRIGHT

C

E

P

*

May10

Entrance was filled in the early 1970s.

WOLFORD

C

E

*

*

May10

Reason for closure not known.