There are so many wonderful things to do near Sugar Mountain on your vacation to western North Carolina’s High Country. During your stay with Dereka’s Sugar Mountain accommodations, one of the things we strive to do is bring you every opportunity to visit the area’s most breathtaking and memorable sights.
One of the most well-known and favorite spots to see is the Linville Caverns. Everything you need to know about visiting this prime destination spot is organized below. We hope you’ll decide to check it out and fall in love with the area as much as the locals who live here.
What is Linville Caverns?
Within Humpback Mountain you’ll find splendor and wonder all created by nature right inside the mountain’s walls. This is Linville Caverns. For hundreds of years the caverns were a secret, until explorers on a fishing expedition discovered them, revealing a series of underground rock tunnels that include many of the caverns you see today. The caverns were opened to public tours beginning in 1937, and visitors have been coming to see these natural wonders offer ever since.
Linville Caverns is the only commercial caverns in all of North Carolina. In addition to being a marvelous natural experience, it can also provide a wealth of geological knowledge. This affordable family journey allows you to see inside the mountain, and experience unique mineral colors, interesting formations, and an underground stream filled with live fish, a “bottomless pool,” and a look at complete darkness.
The active caverns have dripping water on most days, and stay at a comfortable 52-degrees year round. If you’re headed to check out the caverns, make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring a jacket or sweater to wear. Strollers and backpacks are not allowed, but Linville Caverns is one of the few caverns that is wheelchair accessible.
Admission and Hours
Days and times to visit the Linville Caverns change seasonally. From December to February, you can see the caverns on Saturdays and Sundays only from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In March, the caverns are open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In April and May tours happen daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Come see the natural phenomenon from June to Labor Day daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Then, after Labor Day through October the caverns are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and in November until 4:30 p.m.
Admission is $9 for adults, $8 for seniors, and $7 for children ages 5 to 12. Children under 5-years-old get into the Linville Caverns for free. There are also discounted rates for groups over 25.
Driving Directions to Linville Caverns from Sugar Mountain
From Sugar Mountain, it takes about half an hour to get to Linville Caverns.
- Take local roads to NC-184 South and stay on the state highway for just under a mile.
- Then, take a sharp right onto NC-105 South and follow it 4 miles until turning right onto US-221 South.
- After half a mile turn left to stay on US-221 for another 3 miles.
- Then, turn left onto NC-181 South for nearly 3-and-a-half miles to turn right on NC-183.
- Follow this road for 4-and-a-half miles before turning left onto US-221 South.
- After 3 more miles you’ll find yourself at Linville Caverns.
If you need more help finding your way to Linville Caverns, or have any other questions about spending some of your trip exploring the area, contact our staff right away. We have lots of knowledge of the area and can help you find whatever you’re looking for. Contact us any time at (800)-545-9475.
