If you’re up for an underground adventure, this road trip through New York’s caves and caverns will take you deep into the state’s best hidden spots.
You’ll find underground waterfalls, twisting passageways, secret ice caves, and even a boat ride through the dark.
Some of these caves have been shaped over millions of years, with towering rock formations and tunnels that seem to go on forever.
Others are tucked into mountainsides or hidden in the woods, waiting to be explored.
Whether you want a fully guided tour with lights and walkways or a hands-and-knees crawl through the mud, there’s a cave here for you.
So grab a flashlight, throw on a jacket (because trust me it gets cold down there), and get ready to hit the road—this is one adventure you don’t want to miss.
1. Natural Stone Bridge and Caves
Natural Stone Bridge and Caves is an incredible cave system in the Adirondacks, located in Pottersville.
Its main highlight is the huge stone bridge—the largest natural marble cave entrance in the eastern U.S.
Wooden boardwalks and stone paths take you past rushing waterfalls, deep rock crevices, and caves that look like something out of an adventure movie.
In the summer, you can explore aboveground trails and even try gemstone mining.
In the winter, the whole place transforms into a snowy wonderland with ice formations and guided snowshoe tours.
Some of the caves are only accessible for guided adventure tours, where you can climb through tight rock tunnels and wade through underground streams.
If you love caves but don’t want to crawl through the dark, the main trails offer great views of the rock formations— no helmet and flashlight needed.
2. Chimney Mountain
** At the time of writing Public access to Chimney Mountain parking area and trails located on private land from this location are closed. Keep up to date using the NYSDEC website.**
Chimney Mountain is a wild hiking spot in the Adirondacks with some cool caves along the way.
The trail starts near Indian Lake and climbs up to a jagged, rocky summit filled with deep cracks, hidden passageways, and cave openings to explore.
Eagle Cave is the main attraction, but it’s usually closed from mid-September to mid-May to protect hibernating bats.
When it’s open, you can still explore it along with the other rocky crevices and tunnels scattered around the peak.
Some of the caves are big enough to walk into, while others are narrow, shadowy gaps in the rock that make you wonder what’s inside.
The hike itself is short but steep, so expect some scrambling near the top.
But once you reach the summit, you’re rewarded with one of the best views in the Adirondacks.
If you’re into climbing around boulders, peeking into mysterious cave openings, and standing on a summit that feels like another world, this trail is for you.
3. Secret Caverns
Secret Caverns is the quirky, offbeat cave experience you didn’t know you needed.
Just a few miles from the more famous Howe Caverns, Secret Caverns is a place you need to check out.
You’ll love the hand painted signs that give it a retro feel and don’t forget to visit the gift shop to remember your trip.
The real highlight is the 100-foot underground waterfall.
To get there, you’ll climb down a long, winding staircase and navigate through narrow passageways lined with stalactites and flowstone.
Unlike bigger commercial caves, Secret Caverns keeps things simple.
There are no elevators and no flashy displays, just a guide leading you through the damp, echoing tunnels with a flashlight.
It’s got a more laid-back and slightly spooky feel, making it perfect for those who love places that still feel a little wild.
If you’re up for a cave adventure that doesn’t take itself too seriously, but still delivers on the wow factor, then this is the spot to check out.
4. Howe Caverns
For the ultimate underground adventure, Howe Caverns takes you on a boat ride through a dark, echoing cave river.
Located in the hamlet of Howes Cave, it’s one of the largest and most popular cave systems in New York, and for good reason—it’s filled with fascinating rock formations, glistening stalactites, and passageways shaped over millions of years.
Unlike the more low-key Secret Caverns, this is a full-scale operation with elevators, dramatic lighting, and paved walkways, making it an easy place to explore.
One of the tour highlights is the underground boat ride, where you’ll glide through a silent waterway surrounded by rock walls that make you feel like you’re in another world.
The caverns stay a cool 52°F year-round, so bring a jacket unless you want to shiver your way through the tunnels.
If you‘re looking for a classic cave experience that’s easy to explore, then Howe Caverns is the place to go.
5. Knox Cave Preserve
Next on the list is Knox Cave Preserve, which feels like a hidden gem, but you’ll need a permit to check it out.
Tucked away in the Helderberg Mountains near Albany, this cave system is known for its massive entrance, slippery rock formations, and a sinkhole where ice lingers deep into late spring.
Even if you’re not squeezing through underground passages, the area has unique rock formations and hidden sinkholes that give you a sense of adventure.
The caves themselves are mostly for experienced cavers with the right gear, but you can go hiking nearby at places like the Wolf Creek Falls Preserve to enjoy the surrounding landscape.
Since Knox Cave Preserve is a protected site, you’ll need to plan ahead and secure a permit, but that only adds to the sense that you’re exploring something special.
If you’re willing to put a little extra effort into seeing a less-traveled cave area with a rich underground history, Knox Cave Preserve is worth the trip.
6. Clarksville Cave
Clarksville Cave is one of the most accessible wild caves in New York, but don’t let that fool you—it’s still a full-on underground adventure.
Located just outside Albany, this cave system has nearly a mile of twisty, dark tunnels, underground streams, and tight passageways that will have you crawling, wading, and squeezing your way through.
Unlike the commercial caves, there are no walkways, lights, or tour guides here—you’ll need a helmet, headlamps, and a good sense of direction to explore safely.
The entrance sections are popular with beginner cavers, but the deeper you go, the more challenging it gets.
Eventually you’ll hit sections with names like “The Wading Pool” and “The Lake Room,” where you’ll be wading through water.
Because it’s a well-known caving spot, you’ll likely run into other explorers, but it still feels like a hidden underground world.
If you’re looking for a hands-on caving experience where you get to climb, crawl, and splash your way through, Clarksville Cave is the place to do it.
7. Badman’s Cave, North-South Lake
Badman’s Cave isn’t a deep underground cave, but its rugged rock shelter, history and location make it a cool stop for anyone exploring North-South Lake.
Set into the cliffs near North Point, this cave was supposedly a hideout for outlaws back in the 1700s, which is how it got its eerie name.
Unlike the twisting tunnels of Clarksville Cave, this one is a wide, shallow cavern carved into the mountainside—a perfect resting spot along the trail.
The hike to get there isn’t too tough, and while some routes are well-marked, it’s still a good idea to bring a map or GPS for navigation.
Once you arrive, you’ll be rewarded with a shady, overhanging rock formation and some incredible Catskills views just beyond the cave’s entrance.
If you want to visit a place that has a cool backstory, Badman’s Cave might just be the spot for you.
8. Ellenville Fault Ice Caves
And last but not least, the Ellenville Fault Ice Caves, a rare kind of cave where ice sticks around even in the middle of summer, making them one of the coolest (literally) places to explore in New York.
Positioned in the Shawangunk Mountains inside Sam’s Point Preserve, these caves stay cold year-round due to deep cracks in the bedrock that trap ice and cool air.
The Ice Caves Trail normally opens in Spring and closes in Fall.
Exact timings can vary depending on the weather so it’s best to check online for the most up-to-date information.
Unlike deep underground caves, the ‘Ice Caves’ here are more like giant crevices in the rock, with narrow passageways and moss-covered boulders.
The trails leading to the caves also pass by cliffs, forests, and even the stunning Sam’s Point overlook, so the whole hike is packed with amazing views.
If you want to escape the summer heat and walk through icy caves hidden in the mountains, this is the spot to check out.
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