The Top 20 Caves in the Appalachian Mountains
Looking to visit a cave in the Appalachian Mountains on your next adventure? To help you better plan your next outdoor experience, we’ve collected Appalachian Mountains’s 20
best caves for you. Based on the experiences of other users, each is a recommendation you know you can trust — so you can better plan your next adventure.
best caves for you. Based on the experiences of other users, each is a recommendation you know you can trust — so you can better plan your next adventure.
Last updated: November 10, 2025
Arch Rock (Alum Cave Trail)
Highlight • Natural Monument
The Arch Rock is located about 2 km from the trailhead at the Newfound Gap Road in the small valley of Styk Branch at an altitude of approx. 1,290 m. …
Tip by
Skyline Caverns
Highlight • Cave
Skyline Caverns - These are fairly "young" caves geologically, so the formations are not as extensive as some of the older caves in the area. Our tour guide was very …
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Ice Caves
Highlight • Cave
The Ice Caves in Minnewaska State Park are a cool collection of quartz caves and cliffs known as the Ice Caves. Most caves aren't made of rocks that are as …
Tip by
Saltpeter Cave
Highlight • Cave
Saltpeter Cave, located along the Cedar Creek Trail in Virginia's Natural Bridge State Park, is a small but historically significant cave. It was mined for saltpeter, a key component of …
Tip by
Badmans Cave Shelter
Highlight • Cave
Rumor has it that this location served as a hideout for bandits in the area, earning it the name Badmans Cave. Although it's not technically a cave but more of …
Tip by
Sand Cave
Highlight • Cave
Embark on an extraordinary adventure to Sand Cave in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. This 250-foot-wide cave, born from wind erosion over the years, invites hikers on the Ewing Trail …
Tip by
Virgin Falls
Highlight • Waterfall
Virgin Falls is a super unique waterfall. A stream flows from a high cave, drops 110 feet, then disappears into another cave at the base of the falls. There are …
Tip by
Mount Percival Caves (T25 Trail)
Highlight • Cave
A number of these are pretty tight squeezes, and your backpack will need to come off. Avoid in wet weather, as there is some steep bouldering in addition to the …
Tip by
Natural Well
Highlight • Natural Monument
Natural Well is located along the trail of the same name and is a 150 feet deep drop in the middle of the forest. Nowadays it's fenced to make sure …
Tip by
Virgin Falls Trail Caves and Waterfalls
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
You'll need multiple hands to count all the caves and waterfalls you'll pass while hiking along Virgin Falls Trail. You cross multiple streams and creeks that produce different waterfalls and …
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more caves in the Appalachian Mountains.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Other adventures in the Appalachian Mountains
Most popular routes in the Appalachian Mountains
Most popular attractions in the Appalachian Mountains
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures around London and beyond.
Explore more
Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones in the Appalachian Mountains:
Get ready to conquer new peaks
Sign up for Free