Seneca Caverns will reopen for the season April 1 deep beneath the Allegheny Mountains. This unique West Virginia treasure provides attractions for people of all ages plus a way to experience a taste of the outdoor activities that make the Mountain State special.
Seneca Caverns is located on U.S. 33 in Riverton, Pendleton County, just eight miles south of the popular Seneca Rocks area. In addition to the caverns, the attraction includes the Family Restaurant, Asbury’s, with fantastic food plus an 18-foot stacked stone fireplace and wall of windows providing a fabulous view of the surrounding mountains. A picnic area with a pavilion also is available.
“One of the reasons hundreds of thousands of people over the years have enjoyed coming to Seneca Caverns is to see the rock formations in the surrounding mountains and in the caves,’ said Manager Elizabeth “Liz” Harper. “Children and adults feel a sense of discovery as they explore beautiful minerals and gems in amongst the dirt, mud and rocks.”
If you’re still feeling adventurous, search for gem stones that are common throughout the area. Bags of mining rough can be purchased in the gift shop and taken to the water sluice. The sluice channels a continuous stream of water through a trough that winds around a big old double-trunk oak shade tree. Colors and textures emerge that surprise and delight the prospectors. Fool’s gold is a favorite, as are rubies, rose quartz, garnets, amethyst and many other precious treasures.
“Gem Stone mining gives visitors a chance to discover their own take-home treasures,” she said.
The highlight of the trip, however, is sure to be the underground experience. The caverns feature unique, visually stunning geological formations that have developed over more than 350,000 years through the simple process of water flowing over limestone.
Knowledgeable guides conduct one-hour tours of Seneca Caverns, leading visitors along a well-lighted pathway that dips to 165 feet below the entrance. It’s suitable for all ages.
“We offer a variety of packages and activities that can be tailored to groups of any size, age, experience level or interest. Whether you are returning to Seneca Caverns for another fun-filled visit or want to see for the first time what all the excitement is about, this is the perfect time to visit the beautiful Allegheny Mountains and Germany Valley,” said Harper.
Seneca Caverns offers a wonderful opportunity for school trips. Teachers planning educational tours of the caverns can make arrangements in advance for customized tours to fit their classroom objectives by contacting Harper at 304-567-2691. Discounted school rates apply for the tours, lunch and gem stone mining.
Fuel your adventures at Seneca Caverns in the Asbury’s Restaurant before or after your cavern tour. The new Asbury’s menu showcases specialties made with premium, fresh ingredients. The Cavern Burger is a classic cheeseburger any hungry caver would enjoy and the Reuben claims to be the best in the state served with Swiss cheese on a grilled marbled rye bread. After your meal, enjoy a slice of one of the many delicious pies made locally or some warm homemade cobbler.
Located on the property, Asbury’s can accommodate large groups, tour busses, and private catered parties with advance notice and reservations. The physical address is 3328 Germany Valley Road.
Seneca Caverns and Asbury’s are open from 11AM to 6PM, Wednesday through Sunday, and has expanded hours during Memorial Day through Labor Day; open from 11AM to 6PM, Wednesday through Monday with extended hours on Saturday until 7PM.
Seneca Caverns is located along the eastern border of West Virginia. Those traveling from the eastern panhandle of West Virginia should take I-81 to Route 33; North Central West Virginia travelers can get to the site via I-79 to Route 33. The route from Southern West Virginia is I-64 to either Route 220 or Route 92 and 28.
For more information visit www.senecacaverns.com.
