A world beneath your feet

Caves are a unique natural resource found in areas where there is abundant limestone and some form of elevation change.  Passages can range from small, body-sized tubes, to huge, arena-sized underground rooms.

Virginia Caves

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In Virginia, caves are found in areas of karst topography mostly in counties west of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

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Karst topography is formed when sedimentary rock (mostly limestone) undergoes chemical erosion due to acidity in rainwater. This erosion forms underground caves.

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Caves are an exact median of the temperature range above ground. So in Virginia, they stay at 55° degrees Fahrenheit all year round.  

Cave Critters (they're really not that bad)​

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Snakes, spiders, and other “creepy crawlies” are usually not found in caves because of the low temperatures.

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Bears don’t like Virginia caves because they are usually damp, windy places. 

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Bats live in our caves, but prefer to keep to themselves. The most common species of bats in Virginia caves are the Little Brown, Big Brown, Eastern Pipistrelle, Big-Eared, and even some endangered Indiana Bats.

What to expect on a cave trip​

Caving is an inherently dangerous activity that demands a good understanding of your physical ability, and adherence to proper safety procedures and techniques.  

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RASS caving trips are led by an experienced guide who understands how to safely navigate passageways, and will not over-exert any of the trip participants.

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Novice (beginner) trips typically last about four hours, and you can expect to do short crawls, rock scrambles, and other fun maneuvers. 

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RASS is a non-profit organization, so you will never be charged to go caving!