The Concordian

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Less than an hour and a half from Concord awaits an adventure you’ll never forget. In Lewisburg, West Virginia, you can hike 120 feet below the ground in Lost World Caverns.

Here, you will see extraordinary rock formations, including the Snowy Chandelier, the Bridal Veil, and the War Club. The chandelier is a 30-ton compound stalactite, and the veil is a sparkling column of white calcite. The club, a 28-foot stalagmite, is featured in the Guinness Book of World Records for one man’s feat of staying put on the structure for almost 16 days.

The caverns were discovered in 1942, and it takes about 45 minutes to explore the half-mile trail. You can travel at your own pace with a self-guided tour, or take a more adventurous guided Wild Cave Tour. The cave stays at 52 degrees, so you are advised to dress accordingly.

In the Wild Cave Tours, a guide will lead you through a four-hour journey into the depths of the caverns. Here, you will climb and crawl off the beaten trail through a mile of more difficult terrain. Be advised, however, on this trip you are expected to get muddy. You will go through such challenging passages called The Birth Canal and The Keyhole, but you are not expected to bring any equipment. Lost World Caverns will provide you with helmets, lights, kneepads, gloves, snacks, and water. Also, the guide takes pictures throughout the journey, and each voyager gets a copy of them at the end of the excursion.

And your memories won’t end there, for Lost World Caverns also has a 3,000 square-foot gift shop filled with souvenirs and a collection of the most dinosaur and fossil replicas in West Virginia. In 1967, a prehistoric cave bear’s remains were found in the caverns and are now on display in the gift shop museum. In addition, there is a picnic area and playground available at the visitor center.

Tours are available year-round, but reservations are required for a guided tour, so call ahead. Self-guided tours are $12 for adults, $6 for children 6-12, and free for children under age 6. Rates for small groups are $70/person, but larger groups can receive a special rate. And for teachers, there is a special rate for educational tours for field trips. Currently, Lost World Caverns is open from 10a.m. to 4p.m., but their hours are extended April through November.

For more information, call 304-645-6677 or 866-228-3778 or visit www.lostworldcaverns.com.

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