2013 Field Trips: Smoke Hole Caverns, WV

Ever since Andrew learned about caves two years ago, I have desired to visit one. Finally the day dawned and what an experience it was! Smoke Hole Caverns in West Virginia is not just any random cave, it is truly an amazing place. We walked 1/3 mile inside a mountain while on top of us loomed 362 solid feet of the same mountain. Smoke Hole Caverns is world famous because of the world biggest ribbon stalactite which we saw in person as well. Pictures I took do not come even close to the beauty of all the rock formations we saw with our own eyes. Both kids were so full of wonder and amazement. For them, it was like stepping into the world of fairy tales. I believe, we all are still pretty spellbound by what we saw. 

The name - Smoke Hole - was given to the caverns by the settlers who saw smoke rising from the caves. The local Indian tribes used to stick meat into the crevices of the cave ceiling and then build a fire on the floor, so the smoke would cook the meat.

We thought that the beginning of the tour was pretty amazing, but we were completely blown away when we reached the deeper 'rooms' of the caverns.

There it is - the world famous ribbon stalactite (weighing 2 1/2 tons).

Because the stalactites and stalagmites are living formations, we were allowed to touch only certain ones in the cave. 

The Queen's Canopy.

Isn't this gorgeous?

By the way, one can make music with rocks as well: