There are over 152 documented caves and mines in Huntingdon County. Out of that number, approximately 49 are either closed, restricted to certain conditions or the landowner simply has refused to give permission. You should note that most caves here are privately owned, so please don't bother the landowner about access as this might cause future access problems to get even worse.

Several caves in this county are gated and have management plans, agreements and visitation rules in place. Many of these caves have access plans through the Huntingdon County Cave Hunters (NSS chapter), members thereof or by cavers involved with other caving organizations. DO NOT ASSUME that cavers or organizations that have access to certain caves can guarantee access to you (although asking can't hurt).

Our situation with cave closures in Huntingdon County is not unlike that of the rest of the nation. Due to increasing cave-visitation pressures, many landowners have valid concerns. Only a few decades ago, few would have mentioned words like "liability" or "cave gate". As we cross over into the next century, we will find many more landowners with liability concerns coupled with a greater awareness by cavers to protect the underground. Although cavers in general do not like to see an ugly cave gate on a natural void, most will also agree that this seems to be one of the most effective means of protection. It doesn't take too many episodes of thoughtless acts by vandals or harm to cave wildlife before a decision is made to offer some sort of protection. Landowners tend to like cave gates simply because it limits their liability. In many cases, the landowner will insist upon a cave gate or else the cave might be closed forever. Sometimes cavers are opted little or no choice on the matter.

You will notice that this list does not give out locations. You should also notice that this list does give access status and management information for those that have serious caving interests. To save many people the time and energy of looking any further, you should first consider the following.

1. Are you part of the general public with little or no knowledge about caves?

First check out many of the wonderful commercial cave attractions. Many of these commercial caves can give you good but general information about caving. Some even offer guided novice wild cave trips. If you're still interested then contact a caving organization and become a member of both the National Speleological Society and a local chapter in your area. From there, you will be able to gain the knowledge about caving, equipment, and conservation. The NSS offers several good books for sale such as Caving Basics that can help you better decide whether wild caving is for you or not. The NSS also offers a free booklet titled A Guide to Responsible Caving, which is very good for those with little or no knowledge about caving.

2. Are you a flashlight "spelunker"?

While you might have the same curiosity and stamina of a caver, you lack the important needed ingredients. Besides having some of the skills, you also need proper equipment, better understanding of conservation and safe caving techniques. Follow your current path and you might likely be in a caving accident, do unknowingly serious damage to the cave and its environment; not to mention cause possible landowner problems. Although you may not realize that you are lacking in these areas, you have taken a first serious step in becoming a caver. If your love for exploration and curiosity drives you on then you should take the next serious step by contacting cavers, local chapters and the NSS. After joining a grotto (NSS chapter), buying some proper equipment, going on cave trips and learning from those with experience, will pave the way in your quest about caves and caving. Many years after becoming a caver, you will look back at your early "spelunker" days and have a good laugh. You'll remember back that a flashlight and a ball of string was about as ridiculous as trying to out run a train at a train crossing. The truth of the matter is that many cavers actually started out as flashlight spelunkers but I'm sure will not admit to this fact now.

3. The cave listing and the real caver….

The closed and restricted cave list is really meant as a tool for you. If you have any further questions about certain cave access, then please contact the access management organizations or for further help, contact CAVEHUNTERS@Yahoo.com (like wise, contact the email address if you have any information to update this page with).

Listing of Restricted Cave Access

Listing of Closed Caves