Dragons Cave

Not too far from the tourist friendly Crystal Cave, rests another grotto, but with a much darker history. Part of the same system of caverns as Crystal Cave, this one is not quite as tourist friendly. Due to it's natural opening in the Earth, this cave may have been used for thousands of years.

The Dragon's cave is one of the oldest known caves in the state of Pennsylvania. Located in the town of Virginville, the cave has been on maps since the 1770's. And since then the cave has had it's problems. Initial adventurers into the cave would often have to be rescued. One such group was found in a frenzied panic after losing light and being trapped for hours in the darkness. The cave attracted visitors from as far as New York and Philadelphia. However this all became overshadowed when the much larger Crystal Cave was discovered nearby. Crystal Caves marketing strategies and sheer size difference quickly made Dragon Cave irrelevant.

Many believe the cave is named for a large formation located inside resembling a dragon. But others believe the name was given for a different reason. An old folk tale dating over 200 years; tells the tale of a young Native Indian who had fallen in love with a European settlers daughter. The man's family forbade the relationship and refused the two to ever speak again. In a haste the two young lovers ran off to die together in a nearby cave. Before parting from the tribe, the young Native told several friends to keep on the lookout for a dragon flying over the Blue Mountains. The dragon would come to the place where their young bodies would rest in eternal peace.

Mysteries at the Indian Echo Caverns

There are many strange mysteries associated with the Indian Echo Caverns, located near Hershey, Pennsylvania. In 1919 a couple of local youths in the area were exploring the cave, when they stumbled upon a mysterious box, decorated with strange designs. The contents inside proved more mysterious. Inside the box the boys discovered random coins from throughout the World, some possibly minted as early as 480 B.C.  Also included was some jewelry, moon rocks, and instructions on making diamonds from lightning. (BTW it doesn't work!)  The young man who discovered this intriguing chest held onto it for many years until he decided to share his discovery with others. Eventually the proprietor of Indian Echo Caverns purchased the abstruse trunk and it is now on display in the gift shop.

If these young men had been exploring the cave a hundred years before they may have encountered quite a surprise if they bumped into William Wilson. Between the years of  1802-1821 William made the caverns his home. After his sister was executed for the murder of her two children, the man began to seclude himself from society. It's believed a pardon was granted from the state to William's sister, but he was unable to deliver it in time to halt the execution.

 From that time on Wilson went into a state of delirium, withdrawing from society and retreated into the caves to spend the last decades of his life.  It's believed he kept an account of his life spent in the cave and the stories have been published in the book "The Pennsylvania Hermit"  Read book here.

The mysterious box the young men discovered is not believed to have been left behind by Mr. Wilson. But some believe William Wilson may have left something else behind...his spirit. In several neighboring counties where Wilson lived previously. his spirit has been seen on horseback galloping to the local jailhouse. His sister Elizabeth is believed to haunt the areas around the cave, though it's believed she was never in the cavern. While clearing trees to make room for a parking lot, several workers claimed to witness a young female spirit wandering nearby. These tales may seem like modern folklore, and perhaps its not the spirit of Elizabeth or William Wilson. But long before either of these tales came about, the Susquehannock Indians who occupied the cave were awfully dreadful of the Rainbow room. Even to this day over a dozen witnesses have spotted the apparition of a Native American man holding a severed head.

Woodward Cave

Secluded away in the hills of Millheim, Pennsylvania sits another of Mother Nature's most beautiful places. I find myself enthralled while inside caves. Something about the fact that you're in a place that has been possibly enjoyed since the beginning of man and yet will still continue to grow after we all pass.

 Since 1926 the Woodward Cave has been fascinating travelers from all over the world. The cavern is one of the largest in the state and consists of 5 large rooms. Woodward cave is often referred to as "the Big One", due to its massive size and cathedral ceilings. Rooms such as the "Ballroom" are large enough that it's been used to host functions within the cave. Another room measures over 200 feet in length. The cave also features one of the largest stalagmites in the state.

Besides the stalactites, and stalagmites you find in other caves, the Woodward also offers a glimpse at cave icicles, cave bacon or ribbons, cave coral, and the rare helictites. They also boast formations resembling a lion, and a camel sitting down. Both remarkable examples of millions of years of Mother Nature at work.

Aside from all the beauty and mysticism the cave has to offer, the grounds are also available for camping. Cabins are nestled throughout the property offering a quaint, quiet stay in a serene location. The cave doesn't get nearly the tourist traffic most others receive. In my opinion this doesn't diminish the attractiveness the cave offers, it only adds to it's natural intrigue.

Penn's Cave & Wildlife Tour

As you navigate down the sidewalk and approach the steep steps you begin to feel the natural coolness rush across your body. As you descend down the stairs, the hairs on your body begin to stand on end. The cavern breathes its cold air across your body. You are now standing inside America's only all water cavern. As the group drops into the boat it rocks back and forth erratically, the thoughts inside your head hopes everyone knows how to evenly distribute their weight. If they don't your guide will help them even things out. As the motor of the boat fires up, a sense of mystique enters my mind.

The guide begins to maneuver us through the pitch black darkness of the cavern with only the help of a flood light. You often duck or tuck yourself in order to squeeze through some narrow passages. Along the way your guide will point out stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and curtains. All sculpted through thousands of years of cascading water passing through the rich limestone. The guide points out formations resembling a Nittany lion, the Statue of Liberty, and the ever impressive Garden of the Gods room. You see some of natures most pristine beauty as you pass through the 1,300 feet cave. During one part of the tour you'll see nothing as the guide will extinguish the light.

The cavern was originally discovered by the Seneca Indian tribe. They would often use the cave as shelter during times of inclement weather. In 1885 the cavern was opened for public tours, that same year the Penn's cave hotel was established. Since than the cave has become a popular tourist destination, and in 1976 both the cave and hotel were placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The cave also offers a wildlife tour through their 1,500 acres of preserved forests and fields. The focus is mainly on animals that are or at one time were native to Pennsylvania. Elk, deer, mountain lions, bison, and black bear can all be found within the preserve. Offering a perfect day of all the true beauty the world has to offer, we just gotta get out there and find it!