The Lost World

Over Easter break we decided to take a day trip to Lewisburg, WV, and the nearby Lost World Caverns. It was a fantastic place, with a museum full of dinosaur fossils, awesome gemstones and minerals (two of our very favorite things) and a massive cave that even I, who doesn't like cramped, cold, damp places, enjoyed.

Here are a few pictures from that trip. Check it out if you're in the area. It's well worth it!

The gift shop has a separate area where dinosaur fossils and other curiosities are displayed.

We were given a map and description of the formations and two flashlights. The cave is always 52 degrees and wet in places, so dress for that. This cavern has many formations; it's a great place for a hike.

Ice Cream Wall

The Castle

The section was a little claustrophobic for me. Most of the cave is massive--about 12 stories high, and there is a clear path with stairs and handrails, but there are a few places where formations jut out into the walkway.

The Bridal Veil

Cave Bear paw print.

Goliath

Making our way down the path, where the formation juts out. The scariest part was listening to the running water beneath us. It made you wonder how much of the rocks and formations you were standing on were eroded away.

The Pigtail

A view back into another area of the cavern.

A cave cricket.

Snowy Chandelier

The Chapel

A Wishing Well, full of coins.

Checking out a side cave.

The Natural Entrance

The farmer who owned the land thought it was a sinkhole. He used to throw dead cows and old farm equipment down here. We did see a few cow bones, and the original rope ladder they used to climb the 120 feet back through the tiny hole to the surface, after the cavern was discovered. Crazy spelunkers!

The War Club

Stopping for a few pictures.

Another side trip to a narrow cavern. Lots of water around this one. It was a slippery slope.

The cave entrance/exit. It was definitely easier to get into the cavern through this tunnel than through the natural entrance.