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Seneca Caverns an adventure for all

RIVERTON – Known by spelunkers far and wide, a favorite destination for an adventure in West Virginia is Seneca Caverns in Pendleton County.

“Seneca Caverns is one of the region’s most popular attractions,” Manager Elizabeth “Liz” Harper said. “We offer a variety of packages and activities that can be tailored to groups of any size, age, experience level or interest. Whether you are returning to Seneca Caverns for another fun-filled visit or want to see for the first time what all the excitement is about, this is the perfect time to visit the beautiful Allegheny Mountains and Germany Valley.”

Seneca Caverns, owned by Greer Industries, is located on U.S. 33 in Riverton, Pendleton County, 8 miles south of the popular Seneca Rocks. In addition to the caverns, the attraction includes Asbury’s Family Restaurant, and an 18-foot stacked stone fireplace and wall of windows providing a fabulous view of the surrounding mountains. A picnic area with a pavilion also is available.

Seneca caverns formed more than 460 million years ago when the limestone bed of the caverns formed was under inland sea. The limestone formed from the fossil remains of shells from clams, coral and shellfish.

According to a history of the caverns, the Seneca Indians used the cave as the Caverns were located on a trading route through the Appalachian Mountains. While many tribes used the route, the Senecas lived there and used the caverns.

The caverns were rediscovererd in 1742 by Laven Teter, who was looking for water for his livestock. The caverns remained in the Teter family until 1928 and the new owners opened them to the public in 1930.

The underground tour of the caverns geological formations created over more than 350,000 years.

Guides conduct one-hour tours of the Seneca Cavern, leading visitors along a well-lighted pathway that dips to 165 feet below the entrance. The tour is suitable for all ages.

After the tour, people can search for gem stones in bags of mining rough purchased in the gift shop and taken to the water sluice. The sluice channels a continuous stream of water through a trough that winds around a double-trunk oak shade tree. Fool’s gold, rubies, rose quartz, garnets, amethyst and other precious stones may be found.

Located at the caverns, Asbury’s Restaurant’s menu includes the classic cheeseburger Cavern Burger, a Reuben served with Swiss cheese on a grilled marbled rye bread and locally made pies and cobblers.

Seneca Caverns and Asbury’s are open from 10-5 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday and has expanded hours during Memorial Day through Labor Day, open from 10-5 p.m. every day except Tuesday.

The caverns are located along the eastern border of West Virginia. Those traveling from the eastern panhandle of West Virginia should take I-81 to Route 33; North Central West Virginia travelers can get to the site via I-79 to Route 33. The route from Southern West Virginia is I-64 to either Route 220 or Route 92 and 28.

Admission rates are:

The Seneca Cavern: adult 13 and older $13, children $8, under 3 free

Group, 15 or more who do not fall under a school group: adult $11, child, $6. Add mining for $4.95

School group, K-12 public or private: teachers/bus drivers, free, chaperones $9, children $6

School packages, child only: tour and mining, $10.50; tour, mining and lunch, $16.50

The Great Seneca Mining Co., Gemstone Mining: small $5.95, large $7.95, arrowhead $5.95, emerald $8.95, fossil $8.50

Discounts: AAA, senior and military, 10 percent off a full ticket price. Restrictions.

For more information go to senecacaverns.com.

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