When it comes to exploring North Carolina, the first thing that might come to mind is likely not a cave. While North Carolina’s coastal cities and beaches (like the Outer Banks) get most of the attention, the Tar Heel state has some of the best caves and caverns on the east coast.
Exploring caves is much different than hiking mountain trails, sitting on sandy beaches, or traversing through the forest. However, these caves are incredible and offer a wide array of sights, sounds, and experiences you can’t find anywhere else in North Carolina.
So, with that in mind, let’s look at the top five caves in North Carolina and what you can expect from them.
What to Know Before Exploring Caves in North Carolina
Although spelunking is a fun and exciting pastime, it can also be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. While you likely won’t get lost or stuck in any caves you explore, there are other factors to prepare for before your excursion, such as:
- Bring Warm Clothes – Caves in North Carolina can often be at 50 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Even during the hottest months of the summer, caves rarely get warm. So, you must dress accordingly and bring extra layers.
- Wear Durable and Non-Slip Shoes – Caves often have wet surfaces because there’s no sunlight to make water evaporate. A slip and fall inside a cave can be hazardous, especially when you’re around sharp rocks and stalagmites. These places are not meant for flip-flops, slides, or other flimsy, open-toed shoes.
- Bring Extra Light – Even if you’re traveling with a tour group, it’s always a good idea to bring at least one flashlight. Yes, your smartphone may have a flashlight, but you should have a backup as well. Ideally, one that you can wear so your hands can stay free for climbing and steadying yourself.
- Keep Track of Time – Caves are already dark, but trying to find your way out of a cave at night is much harder than it is during the day. If necessary, set alarms, so you know when to start your trek back out to ensure it’ll still be light when you exit.
The 5 Best Caves and Caverns in NC
Linville Caverns
- Location: Marion, NC
- Fee: $12 for Adults, $10 for Kids (5-12), $11 for ages 62+
- Open Season: Year round, but limited days and hours during the winter
Linville Caverns is the largest and most well-kept cave system in North Carolina, so if you’re only able to visit one, we highly recommend coming to Linville. Discovered in the mid-1800s, Linville Caves has been open to the public since 1937. Over the decades, the interior has been upgraded and renovated to make smooth walking paths and provide lighting for guests.
Because Linville Caverns are regulated and have full-time staff on-site, guests are not allowed to bring snacks or beverages into the caves. Bottled water is okay, but only on guided tours. Visitors may also have to cleanse themselves after touring the caverns because of an outbreak of white-nose syndrome in the local bat population.
If you’re planning on going with a group, Linville Caverns only allows up to 15 people on a single tour, so plan accordingly.

Boone’s Cave
- Location: Lexington, NC
- Fee: N/A (unless camping)
Boone’s Cave is named after the famous frontiersman Daniel Boone, who lived in the area with his family during his formative years. There’s actually a 140-acre park surrounding the cave, which sits next to the Yadkin River. The cave itself is only reportedly 140 feet deep, but you’ll have to crawl through parts of it, so it’s unlikely you’ll be able to reach the end.
Instead, you want to visit Boone’s Cave to explore the majesty of the natural park surroundings. Not only does this area have historical significance, but it’s home to native Appalachian species and trees, making it a one-of-a-kind experience.
Boone’s Cave is relatively well hidden, and given its diminutive size, you can likely explore it all by yourself. Plus, there’s only one way in and out, so it’s impossible to get lost or turned around.
Tory’s Den
- Location: Walnut Cove, NC
- Fee: N/A
While Boone’s Cave dates back to frontier times (aka the early 1800s), Tory’s Den Cave dates back to the Revolutionary War. The story goes that Redcoat soldiers used to use the cave for camping, but their campfires would signal their location to the Revolutionaries, making it easier for them to flush out the British.
Tory’s Den Cave is part of Hanging Rock State Park, and it’s a pretty small cave. You can explore it in a matter of minutes, or you can just hang out and watch the clouds roll by overhead. The park itself is beautiful and lush and can get crowded during the hotter parts of the year. The park also houses various hiking trails and waterfalls, so be sure to explore the rest of the area when visiting the cave.
Rumbling Bald Cave
- Location: Lake Lure, NC
- Fee: N/A
Rumbling Bald Mountain is an impressive peak that sits next to Lake Lure. If you’re planning a trip to Rumbling Bald, we highly recommend staying at Lake Lure, as the area has been developed over the years and offers a wide array of amenities and scenery.
As of 2016, the cave at Rumbling Bald has been closed to protect bats from White Nose Disease, per the Nature Conservancy. However, there are plenty of hiking trails around the mountain, and it’s possible that the cave system will open up in the future. Those who have hiked inside the cave say it’s long and sprawling, but one of the highlights is the “Attic Window” – an opening of the mountain that offers incredible views of the forest below.
Rumbling Bald Mountain gets its name from a series of earthquakes in the mid-1800s. This peak is also good for rock climbing, although recent rockslides mean that climbers don’t have as many places to scale anymore.
Asheville Salt Cave
- Location: Asheville, NC
- Fee: Varies
As you may have noticed, many of the natural, “wild” caves in North Carolina are closed to the public. Either they’re too dangerous for public exploration, or conservation efforts are trying to preserve local bat populations from White Nose Disease.
Fortunately, Asheville Salt Cave is a man-made cave where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy a massage. The cave is perfect for individuals or couples, and it offers group massages for less money.
Salt caves are excellent for treating various skin conditions and improving your overall health. While we can’t guarantee how you’ll feel after visiting, the experience is worth the price of admission, no matter what.
Explore Other Adventures in North Carolina
While the caves above offer a great experience, North Carolina has no shortage of other things you can do outdoors. Check out some of the guides below for different hikes you can enjoy in the Tarheel state.