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.
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86 Acres of Preserves
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16 Known Caves
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First Cave Acquired in 1979
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Latest Cave Acquired in 2016