We are a chapter of the National Speleological Society, located in the central limestone mountains of Pennsylvania. Our Grotto (chapter) explores, surveys, photographs, and manages caves. We also promote cave conservation and education. The National Speleological Society has been around since 1941, and its members, though volunteers, are true cave professionals. The Huntingdon County Cave Hunters grotto was formed in 1985 and members come from all walks of life.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE ...

There are many people interested in exploring wild caves. Because of this interest, many early "spelunkers" decided to create an organization so that caves could be explored not only for fun, but also for scientific and conservation reasons. In 1941, the National Speleological Society was formed and today there is over 12,000 members with over 200 chapters (or Grottos). Most states have a chapter in which you can join. The N.S.S. offers many benefits of being a member. Among them: you can access a cave library, buy books, videos, obtain educational cave information, receive a monthly newsletter. It's a wise decision to join the N.S.S. regardless if you plan on being the "hard-core" caver or just the arm-chair type.

WHY JOIN A GROTTO ?

A Grotto is a chapter of the N.S.S., and there is one probably near you. The Grotto is made up of local residents who share a common interest in caves and caving. This is where most "flashlight" novice explorers (or Spelunkers) get started into the real underground world and learn that special equipment and techniques are needed in order to explore caves safely! Remember, caves can be an unforgiving experience if you don't know what you're doing.

Grottos also give information about bat conservation, protection of caves and the harmful effects of cave vandalism. Besides just exploring caves, you might have the opportunity to help (and learn) in mapping, photography, digging, historic and scientific research, school and youth-group presentations, cave rescue, among others. For those who dare, vertical rope techniques (not hand-over-hand) are taught in order to explore vertical caves.

Most Grottos have meetings at least once a month, plus a newsletter to keep you updated with the latest information in the caving world. Pennsylvania has about twelve Grottos in various parts of the state. While you can join most Grottos without being an NSS member (Associate), you will be encouraged to join the N.S.S. at some time during your Grotto membership. Everyone agrees that joining the N.S.S. is well worth it, if you are serious about caves and caving!

While a few cavers may venture on their own, most caves are visited today either through direct Grotto trips or in some way connected with Grotto membership. So, it's a wise choice to belong!

WHY DIDN'T I HEAR ABOUT GROTTOS BEFORE ???

The Huntingdon County Cave Hunters like so many other Grottos, do not advertise or promote to gain membership. Some Grottos tend to be quite secretive and probably will not give you any cave information (locations or access contacts) unless you are a member in good standing with the N.S.S. or one of its Grottos. This is not unusual and well expected in organized caving.

The reason is: caving is not like any other type of hobby or sport (e.g., hunting, fishing, hiking.)! Caves are being vandalized at an alarming rate by uncaring people, and cave life has suffered greatly. The general feeling has become that a small group of serious conservation-minded people who explore caves safely is better than a large crowd who may just be curious and care little about the underground world. Unlike other hobbies, caves are not a renewable resource ... at least not in our normal life time.

Many caves have been closed to everyone (including cavers) by their owners because of some thoughtless people who were either careless, could care less about caves, their own safety or even the landowners property and privacy rights. Losing access to a cave means that many cavers (and their adventures) will suffer! This is one of the reasons why caving and conservation organizations have started to gate caves around the country. Not everyone is happy with gates but they do protect the cave from vandals, the owner of liability and the cave-life (such as bats).

THE HUNTINGDON COUNTY CAVE HUNTERS .... WHO?

This chapter was formed in 1985 when many unaffiliated cavers found each other while exploring the same caves. It was soon decided than an organizational tool was needed to group many of these people together for the same common interest.

Today, the H.C.C.H. continues to find, explore, map, photograph, clean and protect caves. The Huntingdon County Cave Hunters are incorporated under the laws of Pennsylvania as a non-profit 501c-3 organization. Many caves are now managed and gated by Grottos when the landowner has serious concerns about keeping the public out of wild caves for various reasons. Although the excitement of exploration continues to interest many, caving today is not like a Mark Twain adventure. Using safety skills, equipment, along with good conservation and experience will continue the hobby of caving well into the future.