PENNSYLVANIA - Pennsylvania offers many caverns to explore, some of which advertise heavily and others that may be hard to spot. One such location is Coral Caverns in Manns Choice, PA is about 15 minutes away from Bedford.
Discover an Underground Wonderland: A Journey into Pennsylvania's Coral Caverns
Pennsylvania's diverse landscape holds many natural treasures, and some of its most fascinating wonders lie hidden beneath the surface. In Bedford County, near the town of Manns Choice, Coral Caverns offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore what is described as the only known fossilized coral reef cavern in the world. For over 80 years (actually, closer to 90 years since its public opening in 1932), this subterranean marvel has awed thousands with its rich trove of fossils, ancient stalactites, and intricate stalagmites.
The Adventure Begins: The Cave Museum
Your journey into this underground wonderland starts at the cave museum. This introductory space sets the stage for the geological and historical significance of Coral Caverns. Here, visitors can view:
- Fossils, Minerals, and Speleothems: A collection of natural formations found within the cave and the surrounding region.
- Ancient Reef Dioramas: These displays provide a glimpse into the Late Silurian/Lower Devonian period (around 400-420 million years ago) when the limestone containing the caverns was formed as part of an ancient coral reef. This helps explain the "coral reef cavern" designation – it's a window into an ancient marine ecosystem.
- Mining History: The museum also showcases mining tools from an abandoned limestone quarry that operated nearby. The caverns themselves were actually discovered in 1928 during quarry blasting operations.
Descending into the Earth: The Cavern Tour
Before entering the cave itself, visitors are required to read and sign a waiver, as the natural environment presents some physical considerations. Safety precautions are explained, highlighting:
- Low Ceilings: Be prepared for areas with ceilings as low as 4.5 feet, requiring visitors to stoop frequently.
- Narrow Passages: The tour navigates through some constricted spaces.
- Steps: There are approximately 50 descending steps to enter the main parts of the cave (and potentially 50 ascending steps if high water conditions modify the tour route).
- Slippery Walkways: The cave environment is naturally damp, so walkways can be slippery. Sturdy footwear is essential.
- Preservation: A crucial rule is not to touch anything inside the cave. The delicate stalactites, stalagmites, and fossil formations have taken millennia to form and are easily damaged.
Once inside, visitors are guided through a labyrinth of passages and rooms, including the impressive 10-meter high "Cathedral Room," adorned with a stunning array of speleothems. The walls reveal a treasure trove of fossils, including stromatoporoids (ancient sponges that were reef builders), brachiopods, crinoids, trilobites, and horn corals, offering a hands-on history lesson millions of years in the making. Some tours may even offer a taste of water filtered by stalactites, noted for its purity.
What Makes Coral Caverns Unique?
The claim to fame for Coral Caverns is its origin as a fossilized coral reef. The limestone that forms the cave was deposited in an inland sea approximately 420 million years ago. The "corals" refer to the abundant marine fossils embedded within the rock, remnants of this ancient reef environment. It's important to understand this isn't a living coral reef like those found in tropical oceans today, but rather a geological formation rich with the preserved evidence of ancient marine life.
Planning Your Visit:
- Location: Coral Caverns is located at 121 Cavern Street, Manns Choice, PA 15550, about seven miles west of Bedford.
- Tours: Historically, tours have been by appointment, especially outside peak season, or available on weekend afternoons during summer. It's highly recommended to check their official website (if available) or call ahead (814-977-9570) for the most current operating hours, tour availability, and any reservation requirements. Tour durations are typically around 30-40 minutes.
- What to Wear: Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes are a must. Caves maintain a cool, consistent temperature year-round, so a light jacket might be desired even in summer.
Coral Caverns offers a fascinating journey into Pennsylvania's deep geological past. Exploring the world's only known fossilized coral reef cavern provides a unique opportunity to witness ancient fossils, stunning natural formations like stalactites and stalagmites, and learn about the incredible forces that shaped our planet. It's an awe-inspiring and educational experience for visitors of all ages looking to uncover an underground wonderland.
