Smoke Hole Caverns

The history of Smoke Hole Caverns is tied to the Seneca Indians who used the front section of the caverns to smoke wild game. The slow-burning wood fires sent clouds of smoke swirling out into the valley. The scene was so common that early settlers called the place Smoke Hole.

Deep under the now scenic beauty of West Virginia, the Smoke Hole Caverns provide visitors with a peek into the scenery below the surface. Caverns and the breathtaking beauty that fills them are created by the constant, trickling flow of mineral-carrying water that deposits the minerals making stalactites and stalagmites.  Stalactites are mineral formations that hang from the ceiling of a cavern, a stalagmite is a mineral formation formed on the floor. Each of these is generally cone-shaped.

The bizarre-looking formations of minerals look like a scene from a lost world of an old science fiction movie. Bring a jacket as the caverns are a pleasant 56 degrees year round. A Sturdy pair of comfortable shoes is another recommendation.  The tours through the caverns take a little less than an hour and will be pleasing for the entire family.