You Haven’t Lived Until You’ve Experienced This One Incredible Cavern In WV
Just about eight miles south of Seneca Rocks on Rt. 33 in Pendleton County, West Virginia, you will find one of West Virginia’s most amazing tourist attractions, Seneca Caverns. Seneca Caverns is a karst “show cave” located in Germany Valley near Riverton, WV. It is named after the Seneca Indians, an Iroquois confederacy tribe, and has been used commercially since 1930.
The history of Seneca caverns began over 460 million years ago, when the limestone bed where the caverns formed was located beneath an inland sea. Limestone is formed from the remains of shells from clams, coral and other shellfish, which settle on the bottom of the sea over time.
Germany Valley and Rt. 33 south is a beautiful drive.
The first verifiable history of human use of the cave was in the early 1400s when the Seneca Indians used the cave for their ceremonies. The caverns are located on an American Indian trading route through the Appalachian Mountains. Many different tribes utilized this trading route, but it was the Seneca Indians who lived here and used the cave for shelter, storage and special ceremonies.
Three hundred years later, when the first German settlers came to the area, a man named Laven Teter rediscovered the cave in 1742 while seeking a water supply for his livestock. At this time the area around the caverns was not even part of the original 13 colonies. The Teter family maintained ownership until 1928. The new owners opened it to the public in 1930 as a show cave.
The Cavern features well-lighted pathways and hand railings.
The Seneca Caverns Company offers the Seneca Caverns Tour. Seneca Caverns has been open to visitors since 1928. The caverns feature unique geological formations that are visually stunning and wondrous. Guides lead visitors through the tours, pointing out areas of special interest, providing information and answering questions. Be sure to wear comfortable, non-slippery soled shoes, as the pathways can be wet.
You will see underground terrain that includes stalactites, stalagmites and underground pools.
A tour of Seneca Caverns lasts approximately one hour, during which time visitors are led along a well lit pathway. The path through the cavern dips to 165 feet below the entrance. Cement steps are provided as well as handrails.
For above-ground fun, Seneca Caverns offers a gift shop and picnic areas.
And what would a trip to Seneca Caverns be without a souvenir to remind you of your trip? The Seneca Caverns gift shop carries a wide selection of minerals, gemstones and natural treasures. T-shirts, toys and jewelry make great gifts for those back home as well as for those who have enjoyed the experience first hand.
While you're here, try your hand at "mining" for gemstones.
Seneca Caverns' gemstone mining gives visitors a chance to discover their own take-home treasures. Bags of mining rough can be purchased in the gift shop and taken to the water sluice outside. The sluice channels a continuous stream of water through a trough that winds through the shade around a large, ancient double-trunk oak tree. Sifters are dipped into the water by the gemstone miners to sort the gems and minerals from the mining rough.
Children and adults alike can enjoy feeling a sense of discovery as they discover colorful minerals and gems amongst the dirt, mud and rocks. Colors and textures emerge that surprise and delight the prospectors. Fool's gold (iron pyrite) is a favorite as well as rubies, rose quartz, garnets, amethyst and many other precious treasures.
Once you are tired and hungry from all the fun, give Asbury's Restaurant a try.
Asbury's Restaurant has been in business here for over 12 years. They serve typical American fare that receives high marks from visitors and regulars alike. All of their soups and sauces are home made, and the salads fresh cut. Top off your day of exploring with a simple appetizer or a full meal, and experience their great service.
Over the years, hundreds of thousands of visitors have toured Seneca Caverns. Adults delight in bringing their own children to visit the place they remember from their own childhood. Will you be the next visitor?
Seneca Caverns is located at 3328 Germany Valley Rd., Riverton, WV 26814, eight miles south of Seneca Rocks on Rt. 33. Phone: 304.567.2691. Visit their website for more information on visiting, including hours and admission costs.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
West Virginia In Your Inbox
Thank you! You will receive your first email soon.
