Frequently asked questions

Moaning Caverns Spiral Tour
The entrance to the cavern is accessed from inside the gift shop. The tour descends 235 steps (144 of which are on the 100-foot spiral staircase) to a depth of 165 feet, then comes back up the same steps.

Wheelchairs and strollers are not able to negotiate the stairs. In addition, the occasional low ceiling does not allow for infants to be carried in backpacks. We do not recommend the tour to people who are claustrophobic or those who have a fear of heights.

Moaning Caverns Expedition Crawling & Spelunking Tour
This is a “wild caving expedition,” also known as spelunking. It is very physically demanding. THIS IS NOT AN EASY, WALKING TOUR!  Those with conditions such as heart and lung problems, pregnancy, impaired mobility, or excessive weight should not attempt the adventure. Participants must be at least 12 years old, and be at least 4-feet tall. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Guides will limit participation to persons they believe to be suitable and fit.

Spiral Tour
Because the narrow and low entrance passage prevents the use of backpacks, and the stairs make it unsafe to carry a child without support and prevents the use of strollers or wheelchairs, children need to be old enough to walk on their own or small enough to fit in a front carrier. There are no age limits on this tour. Everyone is welcome!

Expedition Crawling & Spelunking Tour
Cavern exploration requires good health! THIS IS NOT AN EASY, WALKING TOUR!  Those with conditions such as heart and lung problems, pregnancy, impaired mobility or excessive weight should not attempt the adventure. YOU ARE REQUIRED TO NOTIFY US IF YOU OR ANYONE IN YOUR GROUP MAY REQUIRE SPECIAL ATTENTION OR AWARENESS ON THE PART OF YOUR GUIDE! Participants must be at least 12 years old. Guides will limit participation to persons they believe to be suitable and fit. Although our cavern trips involve little danger, all participants and parents of participating minor children are required to sign a waiver of liability.

Due to the vertical nature of our cavern and our concern for guest and guide safety, we must limit what guests can bring on our tours. Backpacks, bags, purses, water bottles, food, drinks or camera attachments such as tripods, selfie sticks, and extra lenses will not be allowed in the cave. We want to make sure that everyone is safe as these items could be dropped into the cavern resulting in serious injury to another guest. Guests with special needs may bring necessary items at the discretion of the supervisor on duty. Our first-aid kits inside the cavern contain water for emergency purposes.

Spiral Tour
Cameras are welcome as long as they include a wrist strap. While using your camera, please make sure you have it attached to yourself via your wrist strap. If you get some really good photos, we’d like to see them, and may feature them on our website! Just e-mail them in JPEG format to PR@MoaningCaverns.com. Don’t forget to include your name(s), and some comments on your visit. Flashes are necessary for good pictures.

Expedition Crawling & Spelunking Tour
Cameras are discouraged. THIS IS NOT AN EASY, WALKING TOUR!  It is difficult enough to maneuver without having to constantly deal with carrying a camera. If you feel that you would like to bring one anyway, a disposable flash camera is recommended. The guide will make the final decision as to whether a camera will be permitted or not.

Spiral Tour
Regardless of the outside temperature and weather, the cavern environment is a constant 61°F/16°C with mild to high humidity. In addition to the warm conditions, you will warm up going down and then back up the 235 steps. Most people are fine in short sleeves and shorts. However, those who get cold easily may want to bring a sweater or light jacket.

Expedition Crawling & Spelunking Tour
Requires special clothing and gear. THIS IS NOT AN EASY, WALKING TOUR!  This information is given to you when you make a reservation, however you can see more here in the Expedition Preparation Guide.

To receive a group rate, groups must meet 4 requirements:

• Have the minimum number of people.
  • For the Expedition Tour, the minimum is 8 people.
  • For all other activities, the minimum is 15 people.
• Pay for everyone in one transaction. If payments need to be made by individuals, then it will be at full price. People who add on later will be at full price.
• Groups who pay a 25% deposit can pay the balance due in one transaction and still get the discount.
• Make a reservation.

• Group discounts will be unavailable between June 15th – August 15th, Memorial Day Weekend, and Labor Day Weekend due to large crowds.

• Gift shop with snacks & drinks, nature, science & souvenir oriented merchandise
• Restrooms
• Picnic Tables
• Gemstone Mining

In our conservation efforts, we do not allow any food, drinks, gum, tobacco or smoking in the cavern. It only takes a small amount of these foreign materials to make a big difference to the cavern environment. However, if a visitor needs to bring a small, unopened pack of food for health purposes they can get it approved by their guide.

The zipline has been closed since 2019 with no expected reopening date.

The rappel has been closed since 2017 with no expected reopening date.