ONESQUETHAW CAVE
Onesquethaw Cave is the second longest known cave in Albany County, NY with just over one mile of mapped passage.
The cave entrance is known to flood during periods of significant rainfall, and thus may be closed during periods of wet weather. In extreme flooding, the cave may fill to the ceiling throughout its length.
Written permission is needed to enter the cave due to the flooding concerns.
All groups must abide by the following rules:
- Minimum group size is 3. In special circumstances, permission will be granted to 2 individuals.
- Cave exploration and hiking on karst terrain may involve risk or injury, even death from various hazards, both obvious and obscure, including, but not limited to, slippery and uneven ground, open pits, injury by acts of other people, falling, being struck by falling objects, becoming lost, the presence or sudden appearance of water, and hypothermia. All cave visitors are expected to abide by the normally accepted rules of safe and conservation minded caving as outlined by the National Speleological Society, 6001 Pulaski Pike, Huntsville, Alabama 35810-1122.
- All persons entering the cave must have at least the following minimum equipment: helmet with a chin strap; three (3) sources of light, one of which must be helmet mounted; and knee pads.
- Onesquethaw Cave must be treated as a unique natural resource, and nothing should be taken out of the cave except trash.
- All work projects must be clearly defined and authorized beforehand.
- Each group is expected to clean up any trash in the cave or on the property.
- Special Use Groups: Insurance or certificate thereof may be required for private groups such as schools, camps, and scouts. Groups such as the Boy Scouts will be required to show proof that they are complying with their own rules regarding caving.
- Follow US Fish and Wildlife's decontamination procedures for WNS
All caves on the preserve are closed October 1st through April 30th to protect hibernating bats. Contact the manager (below) for additional information.
If you have questions about this preserve, please contact the preserve manager at onesquethaw@necaveconservancy.org