From beautiful fall foliage bike tours to incredible but overlooked hiking trails, upstate New York offers amazing vacation destinations that let you enjoy all that nature has to offer. However, some of the most amazing sights are actually hidden underground. Travelers are always delighted when these spaces are discovered and transformed into attractions that allow people to witness, explore, and learn about the wonders of nature. One such place is Howe Caverns, located in Howes Cave, New York. If you’re not afraid of an underground adventure filled with spectacular rock formations, schedule your visit to this 1.25-mile walking tour, which also includes a boat ride. While that’s not a long hike, you still don’t want to wear the wrong hiking shoes in this terrain.
Howe Caverns is the largest cavern in the northeast, and it’s New York’s second-most visited natural attraction. You’ll find yourself 156 feet below the earth’s surface, walking through a labyrinth of rock-lined corridors. Be sure to bring a hoodie or cardigan, as the underground temperature is 52 degrees at all times. If you’re afraid of the dark, don’t worry — the caves are colorfully lit in a way that ensures you see every step you take.
At Howe Caves, you’ll learn all about how stalagmites and stalactites are formed, and what they are. It’s a lesson in geology and petrology, combined with a history lesson on caves and how they are discovered. There’s more to do underground than walk and enjoy a boat ride, as well, and there’s more excitement to be had above ground.
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What to expect as you explore Howe Caverns
Howe Caverns sign – Ritu Manoj Jethani/Shutterstock
Have you ever wished you could do yoga way underground in a cave? Well, Howe Caverns has “cave yoga,” zumba, and pilates available to the public. Do you want to get on one knee underground as part of your dream wedding proposal? You can do that at Howe Caverns as well. Plus, the cave itself isn’t the only adventure at Howe Caverns.
Are you an escape room aficionado? Ever wanted to participate in an escape room underground? Howe to Escape is set 15 stories underground, and you have to figure out how to escape amongst a bunch of criminals; the story itself will have you on edge as you try to complete the puzzle that lets you leave as a winner. After you’ve experienced the adventures underground, you can enjoy sweets, treats, and a little shopping above ground in the sweet shop, café, and gift shop, and you can also mine for collectible rocks.
To add to the uniqueness of Howe Caverns, this vacation destination also has its own lodging at the Howe Caverns Motel. That way, if you don’t have time to take in all the underground adventures you want in one day, you can get back at it first thing the following day without leaving the caverns.
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Read the original article on Outdoor Guide.