Northeastern Cave Conservancy PRESERVES
NOTE: All caves that have had Northern Long Eared bats are closed from October 1 until May 1, which includes many caves of the caves on NCC preserves. Please consult the individual preserve page for specific information.
Knox Cave
- Minimum of 3 in party.
- Kneepads highly recommend
- Special Use groups require a permit
- All others must contact preserve manager for permit
Clarksville Cave
- Minimum of 3 in party. Maximum of 15.
- Special Use groups require a permit
- For others open caving from 7AM to 11PM
- Contact Preserve Manager
Bentleys Cave
- Minimum of 3 in party. Maximum of 15.
- Special Use groups require a permit
- For others no permit
- Park in the main parking area off Rt 22.
- Contact Preserve Manager
Ella Armstrong
- Minimum of 3 in party.
- Special use groups require a permit.
- For others no permit is needed.
- Park at Ella Armstrong parking area.
- Each party member must be proficient in vertical caving techniques and have their own set of gear.
- Contact Preserve Manager
Onesquethaw Cave
- Minimum of 3 in party.
- Special use groups require a permit.
- All others must contact preserve manager for permit and provide the number in group.
- Kneepads are required.
Sellecks, Levys, Cave 575
- Minimum of 3 in party.
- Not recommended for special use groups.
- Open caving, no permits needed.
- Each party member must have own vertical equipment and be proficient in its use.
- Park in NCC parking area.
- Contact Preserve Manager
Merlins Cave
- Minimum of 3 in party, maximum of 8.
- Not recommended for special use groups.
- All others must contact preserve manager for permit.
- Trips must be led by a Merlins cave steward.
- Park in the Merlins parking area, do not block gate.
- Contact Preserve Manager
Bensons Cave
- Minimum of 4 in party.
- Each party member must be proficient in vertical caving techniques and have their own set of gear.
- Visitors are strictly forbidden from continuing north into Secret Caverns unless written permission has been obtained from the Secret Caverns Management.
- Special Use groups require a permit.
- All others must contact preserve manager for permit.
Crossbones Cave
- Minimum of 3 in party.
- Window sheet for parking.
- Read information sheet.
- Date specific release form (sign in sheet).
- Each party member must be proficient in vertical caving techniques and have their own set of gear.
- Key needed.
- Not recommended for special use groups.
Spider Cave
- Minimum of 3 in party.
- Open caving.
- Not recommended for special use groups.
- Park in the large pull-off down from the cave on the opposite side of the road.
- Contact Preserve Manager
Alan Traino Preserve
- Minimum of 3 in party for either cave.
- Special Use groups require a permit
- For others no permit is required.
- Contact Preserve Manager
Salamander Preserve
- Minimum of 3 in party.
- Special Use groups require a permit
- For others no permit is required.
- Contact Preserve Manager
Jack Packers Preserve
- Minimum of 3 in party. Maximum of 6.
- Special Use groups require a permit
- For others no permit is required.
- Contact Preserve Manager
Committed to the conservation, study, management, and acquisition of caves and karst areas having significant geological, hydrological, biological, recreational, historical or aesthetic features.
86 Acres of Preserves
16 Known Caves
First Cave Acquired in 1979
Latest Cave Acquired in 2016