Need smaller group sizes. Couldn't hear the guide. Might be good with a smaller group. But really don't think it's worth it. Go hike instead read more

Unless you plan on being there when they open to purchase your tickets, I recommend skipping this attraction. Super frustrating to arrive after a long drive and they are sold out for the weekend. There is nothing else to do close by so it ends up being a wasted trip. The staff does not care and is not sympathetic at all. I can't believe that a tourist attraction like this would not offer online sales/reservations to prevent disappointed customers. There were so many of us walking in to purchase tickets and leaving empty-handed with disappointed families. We likely won't be back to try again on a future trip - not worth the risk of another disappointment. read more

Tourist attraction, pretty cool to see. But they are stuck in 2020 on Covid restrictions. Masks required just to go in the gift shop. Literally no other place requires masks. Then they tell you you have to buy a mask lol. No thx. read more

I've been twice, once before Covid, and once after. The first week of June 2021, they were still very mask conscious. They cut a few parts of the original tour but, regardless, to see a quick glimpse of the inside of a mountain, it is definitely worth the stop. You can see trout swimming in and out of the caverns. You will be able to experience a few seconds of total darkness. The geological structures are fascinating, as is the short history of how the caverns were discovered. In June, the bats are not still hibernating so keep that in mind if you are wanting to see them. It is cool in there, 52 degrees so keep that in mind too. Our tour lasted about 1/2 hour, and for adults, it was $10 per person. If you like hiking, I definitely recommend heading up to Linville falls afterwards. We went too far in our car and ended up at Wiseman's View. If you head to the falls, keep driving and you will get to this view. If you take a short, fairly easy walk from the parking lot, the view is SO worth your effort. It is absolutely gorgeous from this look out spot. During this visit, we stopped at Louise's Rock House restaurant. On the front of the menu you will learn the history of a restaurant that sits on corner of all three counties. Across the street is a place for the kids to enjoy dippin dots, and for the adults to grab a beer. I really enjoyed the caverns and this little area of Linville. read more

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For nine bucks this is an absolute STEAL! I wouldn't have done this if it wasn't fine for me to carry my dog (perks of having a small dog!!). But since we were allowed to carry her, we were excited to stop and tour the caverns. Our tour guide was passionate and knowledgable, and the caverns were beyond beautiful and impressive. For the cost of a couple coffees you can get a taste of America's history and some really incredible sights. 100% worth the price (and I would have paid more). Don't expect to see any wildlife, though. They blame white nose disease (a real fungus killing off massive populations of bats) and an otter (???), but its likely due to the popularity of the caverns that they no longer receive wildlife visitors. Still well worth the price of admission! Thank you, Linville Caverns! read more

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I've been to several caverns in the US and this was the smallest, but it had good qualities to it. The tour guide knew her stuff real well and explained info that you wouldn't know if walking through it on you own. The price was $9 but no military or Veteran discounts because its privately run, not state or federally funded. The tour lasted close to 45 mins and there were tours going on at once. Don't think I'd do it a second time unless I went with someone who's never been there. read more

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Highly recommend. Great tour, good time, nice store. I wouldn't miss it if I were you. Its only $12. Worth it.

This place rocks. My kids and I love the this place. Prices are reasonable. But it can be busy very busy. Come right when they open. Love it. Must go read more

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The tour was shorter than usual, they still have a tunnel closed "due to covid" but the guide was pleasant and it was something interesting to do. They have some interesting historical and scientific information mixed with cheesy made up stories of what the rock formations look like. Minus 2 stars for the shorter tour and because their booking system is archaic and ridiculous. You must buy tickets onsite and wait for an available tour. We went on a Monday and it was an hour and a half wait. I've heard weekends are several hours waits, and they may even sell out, which would be very frustrating if you made the trip there as there is not much close by. Best advice is to go early, get tickets, then hike the nearby Linville Falls trails until your time. Because of the unpredictable ticket situation, we probably won't return. read more

I agree with what is said here but disappointed that you have to wear a mask and HALF THE TOUR is cut short due to "COVID". (June 2021) They don't tell you that beforehand. Our tour guy insulted a family that took their masks off briefly for a family shot near end, where he said it was a good spot to take a photo. If I were that family, I would have asked for my money back! read more

So you can pretty much read any review on here and get the same, accurate information. Therefore, this review is specifically for anyone with ANXIETY, PANIC ATTACKS, CLAUSTROPHOBIA, and/or CLEITHROPHOBIA. I have all 4 and I took one for the team - I braved the Caverns! Full Disclosure: I did take half a Valium beforehand. And I'm glad I did! The tour takes 35-45 mins, mostly depending on how many people ask questions or lead the tour guide on an informational tangent (like I did - whoops!). For the most part, you're standing in areas that aren't too closed-in feeling. Maybe like being surrounded by the walls inside a very large walk-in closet or a bathroom (not the stall, like, the whole bathroom). And the tour keeps walking along fairly quickly so you won't feel stopped and stuck in one space. There is one section of the tour where you 'squeeze' through a really narrow opening to a dead-end. Like, if you're a 'wider' person, and I mean REALLY wide, then you may not fit (sorry!). Other people have posted pics of this space but I didn't take one. You can do what I did - I warned the tour guide of my anxiety/fear issues and he told me to be the last one down that path (because the last one in is the first one out, and then I could 'escape quickly' if needed). But I didn't need to! We stood there in that fairly tight space for all of a few minutes and then we backed on out. One other part of the tour included the tour guide turning off the lights so you're literally in pitch black. Like, the darkest of dark that you will never experience anywhere else (unless you go in another non-lighted cave or the deepest depths of the ocean). Again, it's just for a few minutes and I found security in 2 things: (1) holding onto the chain behind me so I felt grounded and steadied and (2) having my hand on my cell phone so I could quickly turn on some light (despite the tour guide's request) if I really super needed to. I didn't need to - the time in the darkness passed quickly and I was fine. I hope this helps someone else who has the same 'issues' as I do. If, after reading this, you're still unsure then I have 2 suggestions:l for you: (1) take more Valium or Xanax or whatever it is that helps you conquer your day or (2) just skip it. You can hang out in the gift shop or drive on over to the Linville Falls hike instead. The Caverns were a cool experience but I wouldn't call it a "must-see" and I don't think it's anything anyone needs to do more than once. In short- you won't be missing too much if you skip doing this, so don't feel like you NEED to put yourself through an uncomfortable situation for the sake of 'experience' or 'being brave for your kids' (the latter is typically my issue). BUT- after reading this, if it sounds not so bad or manageable with the help of some meds, then go for it, because I think you'll be fine! Send me a message or click "useful" if you found this review to be helpful. I was looking for a review like this before I went but couldn't find one, so... YOU'RE WELCOME (sung to the tune of the song from Moana)! ;-) read more

Great location, excellent for a family activity. Pros: Interesting story Wonderful surroundings Chill temperature once you are inside You can get very wet inside the cavern Affordable prices to get in Some cons: They have groups coming in the caverns every 5 minutes, it makes the tour crowded and less enjoyable since you have to stop very often to let others leave the interior of the cavern They rush you through to the tour, but then again is to have more people coming in read more

Great for kids! Our guide had a good personality and made everyone comfortable. The cage itself is cool but nothing over the top. The stories get guide tells make it. Would be cooler if there was a big pond inside and fish. Overall a must see but only one time. No need to go back fir a second view. read more

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My hubby and I loved visiting the Linville Caverns last week. We actually went a bit out of our way home to visit and I am so glad we did. Unfortunately the otters had gotten inside and ate all the trout so we did not get to see them. I cant wait to come back when the bats will be there so we can see them. The tour and out guide Kyle was very nice. He seemed to know so much about the history and did a great job at presenting it. The gift shop also has some really cool items and keepsakes. read more

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This spot is a tourist trap. The impersonal staff made this place a very dull experience. Unfortunately our guide Steve, asked me to move over so all 10 people in a random group could see. I banged my head on the cave when I moved over per the tour guide's request, and walked out with a concussion and severe head pain. Never going back to this shit hole again. read more

I was a beautiful cave.. Very small the management puts too many people in a tour and they are about 4 tours going on at the same time so you can't hear the guide.. In addition, bumping into the other tours and waiting for them to move from one place to another. They are crying babies, children running parents not taking care of them, and people talking. You can't really appreciate the beauty of the place so rushed it took 15 mins.. The gift shop nothing good to buy too expensive and dusty and old stuff.. I was really disappointed.. read more

Linville Caverns - Looks like the mouth of an alligator - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Marion, North Carolina

I haven't been inside a cavern in a long time, so this was a great chance to introduce the kids to the inside of a mountain. The sign right outside "beware of bats" was a little unsettling for my daughter, but I assured her that if they were in the cavern, that they were sleeping. Because of the time of year, they weren't in town anyway, and wouldn't be arriving back for another month or so. Our tour only cost about $8 a head, so not too bad, but as you're waiting in line, there is a church group set up selling food, and that could not be avoided. The line moved fairly quickly too. Every five minutes another group of fifteen was allowed in. Our tour guide was not the most energetic of the bunch and her presentation was so scripted that it was almost painful to listen to. I know the same jokes get used over and over, but at least make them feel like you enjoy saying them, because they're new to us. The caverns have a lot of low hanging rocks, so anyone over six feet needs to really pay attention. Also, don't touch anything. Anything. The tour lasted about 45 minutes or so, and at one point they shut out all of the lights so that we could experience a total black-out. Having young children with us, this would've been good to know ahead of time, but overall the experience was fun. One more thing to check off of the bucket list. read more

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Nice little cave, had a very good experience on the tour. We first arrived Saturday around 11:30 am and the tours were sold out for the day due to the COVID-19 restrictions. We went back on a Tuesday around 9:15 am and there were only 4 of us on the tour. It's a shame that there are only 2 bats left in the cave due to white nose disease. Worth the drive, and then about 6 miles away you can go to Linville falls and hike, you'll get back just in time for lunch if you're up to walking. read more

Fun tour yesterday! George and I have been there several times, and we always enjoy going back. The tour guides are informative, and the price is right at $7.50/piece. We often learn something new (or maybe it's something we've forgotten). It's not the biggest cave we've seen, but it's a North Carolina treasure. read more

Linville Caverns - Inside Linville Caverns - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Marion, North Carolina

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Good price for what it is! The scenery surrounding the entrance is beautiful and drive there is reason enough to go. It's currently $8 per adult, which is a good price for what it is. I've done cavern tours in other states that were more substantial but for the price - it's good! Great thing to do on a rainy day. Potentially challenging for really tall people 6' and above. Tour lasted about 20 minutes. Tour guide spoke a little quickly (like he was on autopilot from doing so many tours) but we got the info we needed. I would recommend this! read more

Finally made it back and it did not disappoint! We did our tour at 9:40am with Rachael as our guide and it was so exciting, we can't wait to go back in the late fall when the bats are active-hee hee. Very affordable. Neat gift shop with loads of unique mineral rocks and gems. We did experience total darkness at one point during the tour-very spooky, which could drive oneself to go cave crazy. read more

Their credit card machine went down and they wouldn't accept a check for 20 dollars. They don't have an ATM on site and the nearest one is 20 minutes away. Very poor way to manage a business. read more

30 to 45 minute tour. Small but it was worth it for the price we paid. $9 per adult. We waited about 40 minutes until the actual tour. There is a river nearby so we were able to take some photos while waiting. Our tour gal was very knowledgeable and funny. It was very enjoyable. Please remember not to touch the walls. There will only be one section where you will be able to touch the walls because it's so narrow. It is much cooler in the caves so bring a light sweater if you get cold easily. Watch you head while walking because part of the caves hang low. We got to experience total darkness once the lamps were turned out. It was quite cool. read more

The ground were pretty, the gift shop was cute, the bathrooms were adequate. I would assume the caverns are also pretty but due to an entirely incomprehensible business model, we never got to find out. We arrived a full three hours before closing to learn all of tickets for the day were sold out. Could we buy a ticket for tomorrow morning? No. Could we call in the morning and buy a ticket by phone? No. Could we buy a ticket online? No. Apparently the only way to have a chance of getting a ticket is to arrive in person before 11 am, then wait until your time. It's utterly baffling that they don't establish separate box office hours if they know they sell out well before noon every day. Or better yet they could only sell tickets for each tour, the hour or two before that tour. But no. If you want to go, show up 9, buy your tickets. At least the 2 hour round trip was pretty. read more

We came to the Caverns from Charlotte NC which is about 1 1/2 hours away we got there at about 3 pm and they close at 5 pm due to COVID. We saw the sign that said they were sold out for tours today however I always ask if there is anything that can be done. Me, my husband and his best friend waiting in line at the register that said ticket sales and a great young man my husband thinks his name is "Chris" he asked us if we didn't mind splitting up cause he had a 1 or 2 spots on the next couple of tours however it didn't work for us. But we really appreciated him going the extra mile by offering and he also showed us some great items in the store and told us about the falls near by that is a great spot. While we shopped he came over to us to let us know space for 7 opened up which is the best exact amount for our group so we thought that was just amazing. He had to walk us to our tour guide cause we had to get the kids and he took the time to tell us some things we missed. Also Jesse our tour guide was very patient with us we have 3 small children and gave a great tour. We spent over $100 in the gift shop great prices. Must go when you go the Lineville Falls read more

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Great weekend getaway or learning excursions. I had such a great time. I loved the beautiful caverns and its rich history. Although, its a drive from Charlotte its worth the trip and you can catch some beautiful scenery. read more

Linville Caverns - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Marion, North Carolina

Cool informative tour, neat cave. Great drive there. Not too expensive.

It was cool, nice place to go for a quick 30 minutes tour, they remind you about the lack of bats and apologize for about 3/4th of the tour. It's not a bug cavern but it's still neat. The little gift shop is really nice. read more

Beautiful way to spend part of your day! Good parking, nice environment and the cave is awesome anytime of the year.

We came early and unfortunately were not able to do the tour TWICE, we called ahead when we were 15 minutes away and they said they had 4 tours left with space, by the time we got there, all 4 tours were sold out. Very disappointed, the COVID restrictions put a damper on being able to see the caverns, they told us people would wait 4 hours just to get in, that's ridiculous. I agree with wearing masks and keeping social distance, but the 9 person per tour maximum is a bit silly. read more

The tour is about 30-45 minutes, depending on the group size. The canes were interesting and only about an hour away from Asheville. I would definitely recommend if you have a free afternoon. read more

If you've ever wondered what it would be like to go inside of a cave this place is a wonderful place to start. The trails are level and well lit and the tour guides are friendly and knowledgeable. You get a bit of a history lesson as well as info about the cave's environment/ecosystem. My children we're so fascinated by the cave trout and baby bats, that they didn't even notice how long the tour was! read more

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Me and my boyfriend took a spur of the moment trip here and we were not let down . Our tour guide Amy was super knowledgeable and kind . She really knows her stuff and made sure to answer any questions we had . The tour was about thirty minutes through the cave and admission was not over priced . All in all we had a great experience and would definitely recommend coming to check this place out. read more

Linville Caverns - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Marion, North Carolina

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My family and I visited Linville Caverns. It was nice, but not spectacular. I would say it is a good introduction to a Cavern. The cost for the four of us was $30 for an approximate 30 minute tour. I would suggest that you do a trip to Linville Falls and Linville Caverns in the same day to maximize your visit to the area. read more

The website says open , google maps shows the are open. But, we got there and they have a sign saying they are closed due to short staff. It would have been helpful to know this in advance. ended up visiting Catawba Falls. read more

Pretty fun tour today. The young guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining. Sad to hear the fish have disappeared and bat population has diminished. Love the total darkness - it was amazing and frightening. read more

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This was more than an amazing experience. The day started with my best friend and I wanting to go and do something we never did before and we came across this on yelp. We packed the car and took off. So happy we chose this. We had my one year old with us and even she loved it. Its incredible to go under the mountain and our guide was very informal. Definately recommend bringing a camera and jackets. It gets very chilly inside and wet so a rain jacket with long sleeves underneath is ideal. Also for parents of young ones, you cannot bring a stroller with you because the spaces are way too tight and theres a lot of ducking you'll have to do. Also would recommend packing a picnic as outside there are plenty of picnic tables alongside a beautiful creek and waterfall. Plan on spending 30 minutes or so on the tour itself and another hour or so mosying around and embracing the surroundings. read more

Just tried to go to Linville caverns with the kids. About 10 minutes prior to purchasing my tix the credit card reader went down. I was $4 short for paying cash. The lady at the register wouldn't take the cash I had. I asked if she could write down my card number for the difference. "No, because I can't verify that your card is active". I then pointed out that she was losing money by not taking what I had since we wouldn't be able to go. The gentleman behind me had driven 2 hours with his family to see the caves and was turned away. I thought maybe I would wait until the card reader was working but was told it could take up to two days (during which time I assume the will have no way to notify potential customers and will keep turning people away who have driven long distances to see the caves.) I hate lousy customer service. read more

To this date, I have not met anyone who's been to visit Linville Caverns who didn't think it was pretty cool. Are there much bigger and neater caverns to visit in the US? Yes, but not one that's in our own backyard. The cave stays cool year round, so you might need a jacket. Strollers aren't allowed, so babies and wee ones must be carried if they can't walk on their own. In general the caverns open at 9 AM, but I recommend checking their website before going. Admission is $6 for children and $8 for adults. Kids under 5 are free with a paying adult. The tour is only about 30 minutes, but it's a great place to cool off in the summer and kids love it. It's like hanging out in the Bat Cave with Ben Affleck, I mean George Clooney, I mean Christian Bale - you know what I mean! Parking can be a hot mess - the lot is small - just park along the roadside if the lot is full. read more

Took my kids here during a visit to the area. We used to go during the summers when I was a teenager, and I wanted to bring my children. It was crowded, but the line moved along 15 people every 5 minutes. The tour guide we had was friendly and knowledgeable. The tour wasn't that long, but the information was useful. It is a wet cave, so be mindful of that. All in all, it was a good price. Pretty much a one and done. read more