Hike through the New River Cave

After reaching the parking area, cross the road and continue up the trail for about 0.3 miles. At the kiosk, make sure to register in order to indicate that you are going into the cave. After passing the kiosk and some rocky portions of the trail, you will approach the cave entrance.

The cave goes about a mile in, so be careful while exploring. There are bats in the beginning portion of the cave, so be quiet and courteous as they are sleeping. Practice Leave no Trace. The cave is protected under Virginia State Law and the Virginia Cave Protection Act. “Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time.”

Be mindful of where you are going and the return path in order to not get lost. After exploring, return back to the cave entrance and take the same trail back to the parking area.

Caves are sensitive and dangerous environments. If you wish to visit the Preserve, please contact the New River Valley Grotto or the VPI Cave Club to organize a trip. If you choose otherwise, please keep the following in mind:

• ALWAYS carry at least 3 sources of light
• Wear a helmet (bike helmets are fine)
• Have at least one person in your party that knows the cave
• Tell someone on the outside where you are going and when you expect to be back. The kiosk register is not to be used for this purpose.
• Do not damage, vandalize, or remove the formations, you WILL be prosecute and fined
• Do not disturb the bats! New River Cave is home to many endangered bat species afflicted with a terrible disease called White Nose Syndrome. This disease heavily affects their immune system and waking them can cause them to die. To learn more about WNS, click here

These are only a few principles of safe caving. If you are found to be using the Preserve in an unsafe manner, you may be asked to leave. If you have questions, or wish to report misuse of the cave, contact the Preserve Managers at newrivercommittee@caves.org