I do a lot of dry caving but my wife has only been caving diving but never in a dry cave. During a weekend on the parkway with our 4 year old we made a side trip to hear. What a great addition to the trip! Yes the jokes from the guides are pretty corny but you try entertaining people every day of the year in the same spot and your jokes will be bad to. At $7.50 for adults and kids under five being free it only cost $15 for a great experience for all. To the person crying about it being a tight space and being wet, HELLOOO it's a cave! Caves are almost always well and tight. Most caves are after all made by water! As far as your brand new DSLR getting wet and ruined next time buy a better DSLR mines been behind water falls and it still works fine. Don't blame nature for your lack of intelligence! read more

Great setting. Easy drive. However so many rules no touching. No photography. Mask must be worn everywhere. No breathing. It takes a whole 3 minutes to walk thru this cavern unless you had our tour guide who stopped every 3 seconds to talk our ear off. Never could we just ... listen to the cave. Silence is golden sometimes and it should've been there. Our hide was also a very negative person during the whole trip kept saying 'don't do this or that'. We did not get to experience the 'total darkness' I've seen others post bc the guide says it's too scary for littles... of which there were none in our group. At $12 pp it's way over priced. And the gift shop is a joke. Looks like stuff people brought from their house. read more

I haven't been there in years. But thinking of going this week. I love going into cave and natural formations . The going total darkness thing is very cool . Seeing there are fish in the small stream is truly fascinating. I see the price is $ 9.00 for Adults That's not bad at all. I can hardly wait to get there again. Only this time I can shot some video and photos. read more

I've been longing to visit Linville Caverns for quite sometime. Finally I made it down into the depths of Linville this past Saturday, November 12th. We had a group of 8 which was combined with 7 others. Our guide was definitely a local with his thick mountain accent and we could tell that he had given this tour dozens of times. I've been to Lurray Caverns in Virginia, but it's been many years since I've stepped foot in another set. I'd say for $7 this is appropriately priced. The caverns stay at 52 degrees fahrenheit year around which was pretty cool. Our group really enjoyed it. I'm not sure that I'd go back again since once seems enough, but I'd definitely take kids or groups there when visiting the mountains. A great feature to check out for sure. You don't go too far down because they're kind of small, but there's definitely plenty of neat stuff to see down there and the guides shared some good stories about the caverns. I agree with another reviewer in that it was the most exciting when they cut off the lights and told the story of some boys who lost their lights and got trapped in the back of the cavern. We all took plenty of pictures which I'll have to post to accompany this review as well. Really neat formations, but not as many bats which we were hoping to see. Still, it was most enjoyable and we're definitely glad we went. read more

Having visited many cave around the U.S. I was excited to see another, and the price was right. And conveniently located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. What I wasn't prepared for was the caves condition. I'd consider it to be in poor condition, many of the Stalagmites and stalagmites were broken and missing from years of abuse. Algae growing in almost every crevice of the cave. Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly and well suited for the job. IMHO the cave needs some serious help to return it to a more natural state.Still it's a great visit and for the money spent it was a good trip. Just disapointed with how the cave has faired over the years of tours. read more

It was the tour guide, a young enthusiastic man, that really made this tour. I've been to several caverns, throughout the country. Carlsbad, definitely being the best. This cavern was worth doing, but not amazing. There are nice formations to look at that have been relatively well preserved from grabby feely tourists. There are sections where you are walking on a bridge over a pond/stream with blind fish in it. Neat stuff. But a good tour guide, who is not only informative about that cave location but cave formations in general, who is ALSO truly funny... that is rare indeed. A must do in the area. read more

This is a fun place to visit while in western North Carolina. They take tour groups down into the caverns in small groups and explain along the way what kind of formations youre seeing and how the caverns are created. Our guide was a young lady who was very funny and helpful in asking all of our questions. It can get cold inside the cavers, so bring a jacket and closed toed shoes. If it rains, the caverns may flood and you will get wet! But its absolutely worth a visit!! read more

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

Our guide was entertaining and knowledgeable. The cavern was awesome, and the gift shop actually sold things we wanted: Affordable, high quality stones. read more

Amazing! I'm somewhat claustrophobic but managed to get through with only 1 minor panic attack. It's dark, damp and water drips from the ceiling but it's a cave so I expected that much. A light jacket was enough for me. I enjoyed the history of it and how informed the guide was, however my group was about 10 people and the little girl couldn't talk loud enough for all to hear. We got there early so it wasn't as crowded, parking was a breeze and the gift shop was interesting but could use a little bit of an upgrade...or maybe that's the look they're going for.. overall GREAT visit! read more

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I liked this more than I thought I would, it was very interesting going through the caverns and seeing the formations. They told us about a bottomless pit that you stand over, look down, it's a little scary. I dont want to spoil the tour but when they turn out the light its PITCH BLACK!!!! That was a little scary too, but all in a good "you dont see these things or experience them every day kinda way"As it was a really hot day it was also cool inside. The admission price is very reasonable for the tour, the guides friendly and knowledgable. There is a nice little gift shop. Kids will love it adults will like it too. read more

As great creations of Mother Nature..........remember don't F*** with Mother Nature......Linville Caverns is a cool way (and I mean literally) to spend some time in the mountain of Western North Carolina. The tour is a little bit Geology lesson, little bit History lesson, and all fun. Pricing is reasonable and if you are up around that area in the summer and it is really hot, this is a great way to get away from the heat as the temps can get down into the very low 50s inside. Geological formations are uber cool and something out of science fiction. read more

So it's basically what it is. You'll be inside a cavern and since there was a recent disease for the bats inside you will hardly find one. The tour guide said only 7 out of 200 died survived from the disease that only affects bats 2 year ago so if you afraid, don't be. It was really a neat experience though since how often do you find yourself in a cave? For the price it wasn't too bad. It's $8 for an adult and its about a 30-40 mins tour. Our tour guide was a little young and inexperienced but she was sweet and we all kind of knew she was nervous. Hopefully she'll get more better in time! Thanks for the tour! read more

Super neat! The guides knew what they were talking about and had some interesting facts. The cave isn't super big so the tour itself isn't that long. But if you're in the area it's definitely worth the stop. The tickets aren't super expensive either! read more

Linville Caverns - The cavern is so cool! - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Marion, North Carolina

I love coming to this cavern it's so reasonable and the guides are so professional about the history of the cave and what went on there and the staff are friendly. read more

Staff was friendly, tour was great, our tour guide was knowledgeable. The pitch black part was insane and pretty scary. We left with great photos and a awesome memories. read more

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This was one of the best cavern tours I've experienced. We arrived around 10 minutes before the next group was to enter, so didn't have to wait long. The price wasn't anything extraordinary. $30 for three adults and one child, for almost 40 minutes in the cavern. Our guide, Corey, was very smart and took the time to tend after each individual guest, making sure everyone had an opportunity to see and hear what he had to say. Everything we saw was so amazing and a wonderful learning experience. I'd say if you're around this area, give this tour a try! The gift shop was great too! read more

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

Very cool, awesome tour totally worth it! Temperature drop is so rad. Go to this, you need to see what this is like! I loved it. Our tour guide ruled too! see pictures! Absolute dark was everyones favorite! read more

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Super cool, my first cavern experience! The tour guide was funny and knowledgeable, didn't seem stumped by any questions, the length of the tour was well worth the ticket price, my group was fairly small so from the front or back of the line you wouldn't miss much. Highly recommend! read more

Bad customer service, if people are paying you, treat them nice. the staff was rude especially the boy we had as guide named Patrick

This is a pretty interesting cavern to visit if you are in the area. This is a wet cavern, and the formations are still forming in it. The tour is interesting and fun. It does not take to long to do the tour and the price is reasonable as well. read more

I would not recommend this tour. They make a joke out of a natural landmark. I did not learn anything about the taverns. I wanted to learn about the formations, but the entire tour the tour guide pointed out things that looked like country ham, bacon, and pig ears. None of the tour had anything to do with the science behind the formations. Also when we asked about the formations our tour guide couldn't answer any of our questions. If I could give them less then one star then I would. read more

This place is a disgrace!!!! Horrible service! I was able to get tickets, but the people behind me who missed getting them before selling out were treated in an terribly rude manor! I observed one after another were being treated like garbage as I shopped. After making purchases in the shop, I was harassed by an employee! I couldn't take it personally, though, because it seemed to be standard treatment. My advice is save your money for something better. read more

Very fun family activity, and reasonably priced. Kids really enjoyed it and learned alot.

First time visiting a cave. It was interesting and a short visit (maybe 45 minute tour in total). A sign warned of bats, but there were none to be found that day. Some different stalagmites to look at in shades of green or brown. Cute gift shop had various rocks and crystals for sale. read more

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Linville Caverns was awesome! This was truly a very unique experience! Our tour guide, Amy, was very informative and I really enjoyed seeing her enthusiasm and passion for what she does! The cavern itself was incredible! I learned so much! Unfortunately I left my phone behind and couldn't take pics! But my friend did and I'll be posting some of hers! read more

In 6th grade our class visited De Soto Caverns in Alabama. I've been a fan of caves ever since. Linville is definitely a fun trip, with a few cons that will undoubtedly be pros for some people. -The guides are supremely bored teenagers, but they're not jerks about it. They do the schtick, complete with dusty jokes, but if you play back with them they love you forever. -It's very inexpensive; $7.50 per person, and I think less for kids but don't quote me. -It's a short half hour, you will not be bored. -It's all-weather, so even if it's rainy (like it was the day I went), it's fine. But note, the cavern stays about 55 degrees underground year round, so bring a shawl or hoodie and skip the flip flops. Also, you can shell out the 2 or 3 bucks for the disposable raincoat that will immediately go in the trash when you're through (because it's just that flimsy), or you can just borrow one from the people coming off the previous tour and save a few bucks and some space in a landfill. -It's very kid-friendly and wheelchair accessible. That means safe concrete walkways, lighted caverns, and not near enough danger for fright junkies like me. -Gift shop = crap. Skip it in favor of the numerous farms, crockery barns and flea shops along the way. Fun times! read more

Called in and asked questions. No one even mentioned they were closed. They were showing as "open" when I looked them up on google maps. When we got there they were closed. There were 3 or 4 cars there too turning around so I think other people had the same issue. read more

This is a great day trip for any age. It's affordable and interesting. The tour guide was knowledgeable and kind, as were the gift shop employees. I took my puppy and I think she enjoyed it too! (had to carry her the whole time though, pets aren't allowed to walk in the caverns) read more

Our tour was fun! There were about 15 of us, the tour guide (Dreama) was excellent. Wear a jacket and shoes with a good grip as it's cold and slippery. Also watch your head while walking since a guy in our group left 1/2 of his scalp on one of the hanging rocks read more

I've been to way bigger caverns. This is a joke compared to real caves. Our guide was rude and didn't let us take pictures and we only got to see half of the cave due to "maintenance" even if we got to see the whole thing it still didn't seem very surprising compared to real caves.. not worth the money or time. read more

Lots of fun. Kids had a great time. Entertaining tour guide. Reasonable prices. Recommend getting there early.

I very much enjoyed visiting Linville Caverns this past weekend. It is not flashy like Ruby Falls in Chattanooga. Ruby Falls is beautiful but if you want to come as close to experiencing caving as possible without actually going down a hole by yourself - this is it. You see the cave as it is - naturally (well, with a flashlight). The tour gives you bits of interesting facts like how soldiers that deserted during the Civil War used the caves to hide and how the trout fish are blind because they live in total darkness - I won't say more so as to not ruin the adventure but there are other interesting facts/stories that are told. I liked that you had to twist, turn and bend in places as you are upclose and personal with the cave, not standing behind a roped off area like in a museum. No flashing lights, colored lights or sound system. Just a cave and that is what I wanted to see. read more

Really cool place inside the mountain. . Tour was little pricey $8 adults & $6 kids; lasted about 35min, but everyone had a good time and learned a lot. Got some really cool pics! read more

Awesome tour, interesting for the whole family. I highly recommend this. The tour was about 40 minutes and the tour guide was very knowledgeable. read more

I had some extra time and looked for things to do. I ended up at the Caverns on a Saturday. The admission is only $8. Our tour guide was funny and kept it interesting. The caverns have a pretty extensive history. The tour lasted about 30 min. read more

We drove an hour to get to the caverns from Lake Lure. The line was long but moved fairly fast as they take a semi large group down at a time. The price was very good for our group of 7. The kids loved the gift shop. Our guide however didn't teach us much of anything about the cavern...calling them headache rocks and bacon rocks. The cavern is small, the tour was short but was still fun to do on a rainy afternoon. read more

This was a very beautiful stop and enjoyed by our entire family. The tour guides are very young (18ish) and some of the people in our group gave them a hard time, but they did a good job talking about the features and answering questions. If I am in the area again I would definitely go back, but bring a rain coat or poucho. Although the cold water did feel good in the crazy winter heat! read more

This is a must see for children 6 years old + and all adults. Younger kids will not appreciate this experience. It's cold, dark, wet, and so much fun! Everything cave exploring should be. The tour is guided and it's safe. Go during the week for a less crowded experience. read more

Definitely worth it! Admission was cheap, and the experience was fun and interesting!

I've been to a few other caves- Florida Caverns and some caves in Belize- and while Linville Caverns is not as extensive as those, it does have some cool features that make it worth visiting. The guided tour will take you less than a half hour, during which you will journey down a paved walkway that parallels an underground stream filled with semi-blind trout. Our guide was great- full of history, information, and jokes that she has no-doubt repeated ten times a day for the past several months but still managed to keep fresh. At one point in the tour, they do the whole "lights out" thing so that you can experience total darkness and hear small children shriek. The only real disappointment was the obvious human fingerprint within the caverns, from the concrete walkway (to be fair, if it wasn't there you'd be walking up an ice-cold stream) to the green algae-covered formations caused by the constant lighting. All in all, for $7.50 it's worth visiting, especially on a rainy day. read more

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