Ready for a subterranean adventure? From crystal-clear underground lakes to stunning limestone caverns to abandoned mines rich in history, these subterranean wonders offer a unique glimpse into the state’s geological past. Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast, a history buff, or a nature lover, New York’s underground treasures are well worth exploring.
Howe Caverns
Howe Caverns in New York is like stepping into a hidden underground world full of winding tunnels, towering formations, and cool cavern vibes! You can ride a boat on an underground lake, marvel at illuminated stalactites and stalagmites, and feel like a real explorer. It’s the perfect mix of adventure and nature—just 156 feet below the surface!
Address: 255 Discovery Dr, Howes Cave, NY 12092
Secret Cavern
This is a hidden gem with an underground waterfall. Yes, you read that correctly…an underground waterfall. Just a short drive from Howe Caverns, Secret Caverns offers a more rustic cavern experience than Howe Caverns.
Address: 671 Caverns Rd, Howes Cave, NY
Kunjamuk Cave
Kunjamuk Cave is a small natural formation in the Adirondack Mountains near Speculator, New York. Rich in local legend, it was used by Native Americans and early settlers. Its secluded location and intriguing history attract hikers exploring the Kunjamuk River Valley, offering beautiful views and peaceful forest trails.
Address: 127 Marion Ave, Speculator, NY
Natural Stone Bridge and Cave
Natural Stone Bridge and Caves Park, a stunning natural wonder in the Adirondacks, features the largest marble cave entrance in the eastern U.S., shaped by the Trout River. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking waterfalls, a gorge, and lighted caves. In July and August, guided adventure tours offer activities like a “cave float” and gemstone mining.
Address: 535 Stone Bridge Rd, Pottersville, NY
Devil’s Hole Cave
Devil’s Hole Cave, located near Niagara Falls in New York, is a natural limestone cavern steeped in history and legend. Nestled within the scenic Devil’s Hole State Park along the Niagara River Gorge, the cave is best known for its role in the 1763 Devil’s Hole Massacre during Pontiac’s Rebellion. Today, it draws hikers and history buffs alike, offering dramatic views of the gorge, rugged trails, and a mysterious atmosphere that hints at its tumultuous past.
Address: Niagara Scenic Pkwy, Niagara Falls, NY
Cave of the Winds
Okay…I know it isn’t technically a “cave,” but people think it is because of the name. So, I decided to include the Cave of the Winds on this list because even though it isn’t a cave, it’s an amazing place to visit. You travel through a long tunnel that leads you to an amazing close-up experience of Niagara Falls. The Cave of the Winds is one of the few places on the list that is open during the wintertime, and let me tell you, seeing the Falls covered in ice is incredible.
Address: 10 Goat Island Rd, Niagara Falls, NY
Dover Stone Church
Dover Stone Church is one of my favorite destinations on the list. This location is remarkable not only because of the cave, which features a waterfall, but also for the stunning beauty of the surrounding preserve. The hike to the cave is exceptionally scenic, especially as you get closer. The creek that flows out of the cave tumbles over moss-covered rocks, creating numerous small waterfalls along the way.
Address: 3128 NY-22, Dover Plains, NY
Sam’s Point Ice Caves
Sam’s Point Ice Caves, located in Minnewaska State Park Preserve, are a unique natural wonder where ice can remain long into the summer. Nestled within the Sam’s Point Preserve, these caves are created by deep crevices in the rock, which form a cool microclimate that retains ice and snow for several months. The hike to the caves features stunning views, rare dwarf pitch pine forests, and provides an opportunity to explore one of the few remaining ice caves in the United States.
Address: 400 Sam’s Point Road, Cragsmoor, NY
Widow Jane Mine
The Widow Jane Mine in Rosendale, New York, operated from 1825 to 1970 and was essential for producing Rosendale cement, used in iconic structures like the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge. Now part of the Snyder Estate Natural Cement Historic District, it is managed by the Century House Historical Society and features unique acoustics, making it a popular venue for concerts and art exhibitions. Visitors can explore the mine and discover its important place in America’s industrial history.
Address: 668 NY-213, Rosendale, NY
Herkimer Diamond Mine
While there are several establishments where Herkimer Diamonds can be mined, the Herkimer Diamond Mine is undoubtedly the most famous. It takes the diamond mining experience to a new level with family-friendly activities, camping, and restaurants.
Did You Know: Herkimer Diamonds are double-terminated quartz crystals, not true diamonds. They are named for their unique shape and clear appearance. These rare crystals can only be found in the Herkimer Valley, the sole location worldwide where they occur.
Address: 4626 NY-28, Herkimer, NY
Hooper Garnet Mine Trail
The Hooper Mine Trail near North Creek, New York, offers a glimpse into Adirondack history. This easy, family-friendly hike features peaceful forest paths and remnants of an old garnet mine, including scattered garnet pieces, rusted equipment, and beautiful mountain views. It’s a perfect blend of nature and local heritage, ideal for hikers of all ages.
Address: 13th Lake Rd North Creek, NY
Gore Mountain Garnet Mine Tours
The Gore Mountain Garnet Mine, located in the Adirondack, is known for producing some of the world’s largest garnet crystals, measuring over 3 feet in diameter. Established in 1878 by Henry Hudson Barton, the mine initially operated by hand and became a major source of industrial garnet. Although mining shifted to Ruby Mountain in 1983, visitors can still explore the original site through guided tours from the Gore Mountain Gem and Mineral Shop. The garnets are found in garnet amphibolite rock, formed during the ancient Grenville orogeny. In 1969, the Barton garnet was named New York State’s official gemstone.
Address: 1126 Barton Mines Rd, North Creek, NY
Penn Dixie Fossil Park
Penn Dixie Fossil Park is a known fossil park that lets you dig for 380-million-year-old fossils such as trilobites and brachiopods—and yes, you get to keep what you find! It’s a hands-on, family-friendly experience that’s part science, part scavenger hunt, and all-around awesome. Whether you’re a curious kid or a grown-up geology nerd, Penn Dixie makes exploring ancient history feel like a blast from the past—in the best way possible.
Address: 4050 North St, Blasdell, NY
Do you have a favorite Cave, Cavern or Mine in New York? Let me know in the comments