FARMINGTON, PA — Pennsylvania has opened its first underground state park, adding Laurel Caverns State Park as the Commonwealth’s 125th park and expanding public access to one of the region’s largest cave systems.
What This Means for You
- A new 435-acre state park featuring underground cave tours and outdoor recreation is now open
- General park access is free, though cave tours will require a fee
- The site is expected to draw more visitors and boost the local economy
Governor Josh Shapiro and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced the opening Monday alongside local leaders in Fayette County.
What Makes This Park Unique
Laurel Caverns State Park is the first “subterranean” state park in Pennsylvania, meaning it is centered around an underground cave system rather than traditional surface features like forests or lakes.
The 435-acre park includes the largest and deepest limestone cave in the state, with approximately four miles of passages reaching depths of 476 feet and serving as the largest bat shelter in the Northeast.
The caverns currently attract about 50,000 visitors annually and will reopen to the public on Tuesday, April 22, remaining open through October.
Economic and Tourism Impact
State officials said the park is expected to strengthen Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation economy, which contributed $20.4 billion to the state’s economy in 2024 and supports approximately 177,000 jobs.
“Parks like Laurel Caverns give our kids a new place to learn, our families a place to make memories, and all of us a chance to get away,” Shapiro said, adding that investments in outdoor recreation support jobs and community well-being.
Local officials said the designation could increase tourism and benefit nearby businesses.
“Laurel Caverns already brings about 50,000 visitors each year and today’s designation will help bring even more,” Fayette County Commissioner Vince Vicites said, citing expected impacts on restaurants, businesses, and the local workforce.
Upgrades and Access
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources plans initial improvements at the site, including electrical upgrades, expanded accessibility in parking and facilities, and structural updates to the visitor center.
Entrance to the park and activities such as hiking, birding, and picnicking will remain free. However, guided and self-guided cave tours will continue to require a fee during the 2026 season as management transitions to the state.
How the Park Was Created
The designation marks Pennsylvania’s first new state park since 2022 and was made possible through the donation of the property by the Cale family.
The family originally opened the caverns to the public in 1964 and later established the Laurel Caverns Conservancy in 1986 to manage operations before transferring the site to the Commonwealth.
“Thanks to the Cale Family, the Laurel Caverns have allowed generations of visitors to experience the beauty beneath its surface,” said park manager Corie Eckman.
Broader Outdoor Recreation Strategy
The park’s opening aligns with broader state efforts to expand outdoor recreation and tourism, including infrastructure investments and promotional campaigns aimed at increasing visitation across Pennsylvania’s public lands.
State officials said the addition of Laurel Caverns reflects ongoing efforts to position Pennsylvania as a destination for outdoor recreation while supporting local economies.
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