Natural wonder underground at
Linville Caverns BY JAMIE SHELL editor@averyjournal.com
L PHOTO SUBMITTED A mother and child observe formations along the walkway during a tour of Linville Caverns. The family attraction offers to both young and old the opportunity to see natural wonders centuries in the making.
ocated in northernmost McDowell County, Linville Caverns is an ideal destination for visitors of all
ages. The beauty of the mountains is echoed within Humpback Mountain and visitors are invited to explore the splendor and wonders nature created “inside a mountain” for numerous centuries. According to cavern officials, the Linville Caverns were unknown to mankind for centuries. In the early 1800s, a fishing expedition headed by Henry E. Colton, former state
geologist for the state of Tennessee, was astounded to see fish swimming in what appeared to be solid rock. A small opening in the mountainous terrain allowed them to enter the subterranean recess that is still home to native trout in an underground stream. On a tour, your guide will explain how the caverns were discovered, how the formations were created, how the caverns were created and show you any life inside the caverns. The caverns are a labyrinth of three levels. The bottom of the “bottomless lake” is the lower level, while the middle layer is the tour path. The above layer are chambers with floors of flowstone — a glass-
Patricia Lambert Combs REALTOR/Broker 3616 Mitchel Ave. Unit 3 • Linville, NC
like limestone formation too fragile to stand on. Linville Caverns was opened to the public in 1937. Since then, construction of pathways and the addition of a lighting system that has enhanced the safe touring experience. Andrew Quinn, manager of Linville Caverns, says people should visit the caverns, especially during the summer heat, to escape the high temperatures and enjoy spending time with family inside the coolness of a mountain. “It is 52 degrees in here all year long, so it gets nice and cool in here SEE WONDER ON PAGE 70
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