Venture Deep Into The Earth At These One Of A Kind Caverns In New Hampshire
Over the millennia, the geology of New England has been heavily influenced by tectonic events and the passage of massive glaciers during the last ice age. Evidence of these transformations can be found throughout New Hampshire, and there’s one spot in Rumney where you can literally enter into a part of the state’s geologic past.
Polar Caves in Rumney is a seasonal, family-friendly attraction located at the base of of an area known as Hawk's Cliff. The massive granite blocks here were left behind as a continental glacier moved southward over New Hampshire some 50,000 years ago.
These granite blocks resulted in a series of caves and passageways that can be explored. Even on the hottest summer day, temperatures in the caves remain cool, hence the "polar" name.
A series of boardwalks winds through, under, and over the outcroppings and caves at the base of the cliff. Visitors can explore at their own pace and despite the rugged terrain, the route is generally easy.
The route through the park visits nine granite caves. Descend into King Tut's Tomb, which offers a bench to rest and take in the surrounding bedrock.
The Indian's Council Chamber is another one of the caves on the tour. Will you turn back or are you brave enough to continue through?
Polar Caves is also home to the largest glacially-deposited granite boulder in the world. It's 50 feet high, 75 feet thick, and weighs an estimated 25,000 tons!
Dip into darkness and then into the light again, as you duck, squeeze, and shimmy through the caves and passageways.
Along with working your way through the huge chunks of granite, there's also the opportunity to be on it. Visitors can climb a 50-foot wall under the supervision of expert guides.
Polar Caves is open from mid-May to mid-October each year; the park is closed during winter due to snow and ice buildup. In addition to exploring the caves, there is also an animal park and gift shop. For more information, visit the Polar Caves website and follow them on Facebook for the latest updates.
Address: Polar Caves Park, 705 Rumney Rte 25, Rumney, NH 03266, USA
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.