Frequently Asked Questions about Connecticut Caves and Caving
Does Connecticut have caves and if so, where?
Connecticut has only a few caves, and of these, only one is open to the public and also large enough to get more than a few people into. This is Tory's Cave in New Milford. Though this is a small cave, it is completely dark inside, can be challenging to move through with some climbing (rock scrambling). It is often wet and muddy, so typical caving gear is recommended. You can find more info at http://www.berkshirehiking.com/hikes/torys_cave.html. The official Tory's Cave site is http://www.weantinoge.org/ This cave should be visited during the summer; after all the ice at the entrance has melted and when bats are not likely to be hibernating.
What types of caves are there?
There are a few small "solution" caves in Western Conn. These caves were formed by water slowly dissolving the marble rock over time. Tory's Cave in New Milford is the most well known example and has about 50 feet of passage. Another group of solution caves are the Bolton Caves are located in Bolton Notch. They were formed when small pockets of limestone dissolved from the surrounding metamorphic rock. There are four very small caves, ranging from 8-20 feet long and 2 to 6 feet tall.
Most caves in Connecticut are what are called "rockfall" or "talus" caves, that are simply spaces between large boulders piled up when the glaciers receded. Some were formed when rocks fracture and slide away from the face of a cliff and cause a gap (the cave). Since most of these have no point of total darkness (during the day, at least) some would not consider these to be caves.
Practically all caves in the northeast are located on private (non-government) land and when caving is allowed, there are often restrictions, waivers, and the like. For details go to: http://www.caves.org/region/nro/projects_caves.html, and note that these are subject to change. Please try to get up-to-date access information. The occurrence of WNS, an affliction that is killing bats, has reduced the access to many caves.
Are there larger caves close to Connecticut?
If you are looking for more substantial caves, the closest concentration of larger caves are located just west of Albany, NY. One cave, Clarksville Cave (Clarksville, NY), has been a popular cave for decades. You can find more info at NCC Clarksville Preserve. If you go down south, you will find much more in Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Alabama, and surrounding states.
Are there commercial caves in Connecticut?
No. The closest commercial caves are Howe's Caverns http://www.howecaverns.com and Secret Caverns http://www.secretcaverns.com both near Cobleskill, NY. A Visit to these caves should give you an idea of what Northeastern U.S. caves look like, at least those with large, fairly level, and well illuminated passages (not to mention snack bars and flush toilets, both very unlikely features of wild caves).
Connecticut has only a few caves, and of these, only one is open to the public and also large enough to get more than a few people into. This is Tory's Cave in New Milford. Though this is a small cave, it is completely dark inside, can be challenging to move through with some climbing (rock scrambling). It is often wet and muddy, so typical caving gear is recommended. You can find more info at http://www.berkshirehiking.com/hikes/torys_cave.html. The official Tory's Cave site is http://www.weantinoge.org/ This cave should be visited during the summer; after all the ice at the entrance has melted and when bats are not likely to be hibernating.
What types of caves are there?
There are a few small "solution" caves in Western Conn. These caves were formed by water slowly dissolving the marble rock over time. Tory's Cave in New Milford is the most well known example and has about 50 feet of passage. Another group of solution caves are the Bolton Caves are located in Bolton Notch. They were formed when small pockets of limestone dissolved from the surrounding metamorphic rock. There are four very small caves, ranging from 8-20 feet long and 2 to 6 feet tall.
Most caves in Connecticut are what are called "rockfall" or "talus" caves, that are simply spaces between large boulders piled up when the glaciers receded. Some were formed when rocks fracture and slide away from the face of a cliff and cause a gap (the cave). Since most of these have no point of total darkness (during the day, at least) some would not consider these to be caves.
Practically all caves in the northeast are located on private (non-government) land and when caving is allowed, there are often restrictions, waivers, and the like. For details go to: http://www.caves.org/region/nro/projects_caves.html, and note that these are subject to change. Please try to get up-to-date access information. The occurrence of WNS, an affliction that is killing bats, has reduced the access to many caves.
Are there larger caves close to Connecticut?
If you are looking for more substantial caves, the closest concentration of larger caves are located just west of Albany, NY. One cave, Clarksville Cave (Clarksville, NY), has been a popular cave for decades. You can find more info at NCC Clarksville Preserve. If you go down south, you will find much more in Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Alabama, and surrounding states.
Are there commercial caves in Connecticut?
No. The closest commercial caves are Howe's Caverns http://www.howecaverns.com and Secret Caverns http://www.secretcaverns.com both near Cobleskill, NY. A Visit to these caves should give you an idea of what Northeastern U.S. caves look like, at least those with large, fairly level, and well illuminated passages (not to mention snack bars and flush toilets, both very unlikely features of wild caves).
FAQ continued ....
Does the CCG provide guide services
for youth groups such as Boy Scouts or for commercial trip operators?
The CCG policy is that we don't lead youth group trips, trips for commercial operations, or trips that pay us to lead them. We do invite potential trip leaders (with or without caving experience) to cave with us or another Grotto of the NSS so you can gain experience. For additional info, see the NSS Youth Group page at: http://www.caves.org/youth/nss_youth_home.shtml and also the NSS Boy Scout page at http://www.caves.org/youth/boyscout.shtml
Does the CCG run classes or offer certification in caving?
No. You might consider every caving experience to be a learning experience. Some trips do specialize in more in specific skill learning, such as climbing practices and surveying, but generally it's all informal. For training in cave rescue, see http://www.caves.org/io/ncrc/
Where can I buy a book on Connecticut caves?
There are many books on various aspects of caving, but none currently published concentrates on caves in Connecticut. Many decades ago Yale (University) published a booklet on caves, which is out of print. The CCG published a pamphlet around 1980 of Connecticut Caves, which is out of print. There is occasional talk, and sometimes a little work, on making a current publication (interested in helping?). Books that describe the location of some caves are: "The Connecticut Walk Book" which comes in an East and West edition. It is published by The Connecticut Forest and Park Association http://www.ctwoodlands.org/. These books have an index with some caves listed. Another book is "50 Hikes in Connecticut"
Who is the Leatherman, and why are some caves (rock shelters) in Connecticut named after him?
Please see these references:
- A compilation by Carol A. Hanny http://www.skyweb.net/~channy/leatherman.html
- "Old Leather Man: Historical Accounts of a Connecticut and New York Legend" is a fine book written by Dan W. DeLuca published October 2008.
- A recorded interview with Dan W. DeLuca aired on 12/19/2008 on Connecticut Public Radio: "The Old Leatherman"
Do you do trips with reporters interested in writing on caving?
Occasionally we do trips with reporters, give us a call if interested.
Where can I find out more about caving?
The National Speleological Society website, www.caves.org, is a good place to find caving information.
Is there a list of suggested caving equipment?
Caving Check List (Word) (Microsoft Word) OR Caving Checklist (PDF) (PDF)
Where can by caving equipment?
Look on the bottom of the home page of the NSS site, www.caves.org, for a list of businesses.
The CCG policy is that we don't lead youth group trips, trips for commercial operations, or trips that pay us to lead them. We do invite potential trip leaders (with or without caving experience) to cave with us or another Grotto of the NSS so you can gain experience. For additional info, see the NSS Youth Group page at: http://www.caves.org/youth/nss_youth_home.shtml and also the NSS Boy Scout page at http://www.caves.org/youth/boyscout.shtml
Does the CCG run classes or offer certification in caving?
No. You might consider every caving experience to be a learning experience. Some trips do specialize in more in specific skill learning, such as climbing practices and surveying, but generally it's all informal. For training in cave rescue, see http://www.caves.org/io/ncrc/
Where can I buy a book on Connecticut caves?
There are many books on various aspects of caving, but none currently published concentrates on caves in Connecticut. Many decades ago Yale (University) published a booklet on caves, which is out of print. The CCG published a pamphlet around 1980 of Connecticut Caves, which is out of print. There is occasional talk, and sometimes a little work, on making a current publication (interested in helping?). Books that describe the location of some caves are: "The Connecticut Walk Book" which comes in an East and West edition. It is published by The Connecticut Forest and Park Association http://www.ctwoodlands.org/. These books have an index with some caves listed. Another book is "50 Hikes in Connecticut"
Who is the Leatherman, and why are some caves (rock shelters) in Connecticut named after him?
Please see these references:
- A compilation by Carol A. Hanny http://www.skyweb.net/~channy/leatherman.html
- "Old Leather Man: Historical Accounts of a Connecticut and New York Legend" is a fine book written by Dan W. DeLuca published October 2008.
- A recorded interview with Dan W. DeLuca aired on 12/19/2008 on Connecticut Public Radio: "The Old Leatherman"
Do you do trips with reporters interested in writing on caving?
Occasionally we do trips with reporters, give us a call if interested.
Where can I find out more about caving?
The National Speleological Society website, www.caves.org, is a good place to find caving information.
Is there a list of suggested caving equipment?
Caving Check List (Word) (Microsoft Word) OR Caving Checklist (PDF) (PDF)
Where can by caving equipment?
Look on the bottom of the home page of the NSS site, www.caves.org, for a list of businesses.