If you’ve ever wanted to check out a cave without traveling too far, you’re in luck. New Jersey has a bunch of caves, some from old mining days and others that are totally natural. Most stay around 52 degrees all year, making them a cool spot to explore and see a different side of the earth. Take a peek underground at the cool fluorescent rocks at Sterling Hill Mine in Ogdensburg, see where Indian artifacts were found at the Faery Holes in Great Meadows, or head to PA to check out the “Ice Cream Cone” dripstone and “Bacon” flowstone at Crystal Cave in Kutztown. Read on about where to go to underground and explore these NJ wonders. (featured photo credit; NJ MOM)
Caves in NJ
Faery Hole Cave
Faery Hole Cave, Fairy Cave, or even Fairy Hole, whatever name you want to use, this cave is unique. Located near Ghost Lake and not far from Shades of Death Road, this cave in NJ has a fascinating history. Located in the Jenny Jump State Forest, this cave once contained artifacts from the Lenape Indians and a tooth from an extinct Castoroides, or Giant Beaver. Today, you can see this 15-foot vast cave next to 2 smaller caves known as the Fairy Low and the Fairy Tube caves.
Off of Shades of Death Road, Great Meadows, NJ 07838
Sterling Hill Mining Museum
It is not quite a cave, but this NJ mine has the most extensive collection of fluorescent minerals worldwide. Take a guided tour to enter the 1,300 ft. tunnel inside the mine where the miners would start and end their workday and then head into the Warren Museum with more than 700 fluorescent minerals and objects on display. You can even try mining for your own minerals at the Mine Run Dump and Sluicing (aka panning) stations.
30 Plant Street, Ogdensburg, NJ 07439
Sybil’s Cave Park
The last place you think of finding a natural cave is in a city, but in the city of Hoboken, Sybil’s Cave is legendary. Dating back to 1832, the Stevens family noticed that it contained a natural spring, and by the mid-19th century, it was a recreational destination. It then became the property of the Stevens Institute, periodically being open to the public. In 2007, it was rediscovered, and the cave was cleared, creating a new stone arch and fence around the area. You can no longer enter the cave, but you can stop by (look for the triangular stone archway with a gate) and explore more of the history at the Hoboken Historical Museum.
Frank Sinatra Drive, Hoboken, NJ 07030
The Ice Cave at Marble Mountain
Blasted out of iron-bearing rock and previously known as Fulmer Mine and Marble Mountain Mine, this area opened in 1860 and now appears as a cave. The cave gets its name from the ice stalagmites that form if you decide to visit in the winter. The Mountain is part of the Highlands Trail, which includes over 150 miles of trails.
River Road, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865
Being underground is a unique experience. Caves in NJ and nearby are usually around 52-54 degrees all year round. Photo Credit: NJ MOM, taken at Sterling Hill Mine
Nearby caves in PA
Crystal Cave
Dripping water, rock, and time formed this Pennsylvania cavern. Crystal Cave is a sight to see with unique underground formations like “Bacon” (flowstone), “Ice Cream Cone” dripstone, and crystal formations made out of Calcite and Aragonite Crystals. Book a one-hour tour, which includes a movie about caves in the Crystal Cave Theater, and then guides will lead you down a 125-foot descent into a cool 52 degrees, showing you the fascinating display of crystals. The area also has a hiking trail, picnic park, gem-stone panning, a rock-and-mineral shop, Dutch cafe and ice cream parlor, and an 18-hole miniature golf course.
963 Crystal Cave Road, Kutztown, PA 19530
Echo Dell: Indian Echo Caverns
See one of the most visited attractions in the eastern United States. Echo Dell opened commercially in 1929, and you can observe the Beekmantown limestone-carved 440-million-year-old caverns on a tour. They also have outdoor activities like the Discovery Barnyard, Gem Mill Junction, and a playground to make this an adventurous and fun-filled day.
368 Middletown Road, Hummelstown, PA 17036
Lost River Caverns
Visit a cavern that used to have a ballroom with a wooden dance floor inside of it. Always a cool 52 degrees, this natural limestone cavern has a flowing underground river. Reserve a guided walking tour, then check out Gilman’s At The Cave, the onsite shop with gems and rocks, a nature trail, A Gem Mill, and a picnic area.
726 Durham Street, Hellertown, PA 18055
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