Coral Caverns in Bedford County

Venture into the depths of the earth with a tour through Coral Caverns in Bedford County, PA. You don't have to be a geologist to appreciate the marvels hidden within the earth's crust. This geological wonder is the only known cave in the world with a vertical fossilized coral reef. 

The caverns house a labyrinth of passages, lending a surreal feeling to the tours. This feeling is amplified when viewing fossils that have traveled hundreds of miles over millions of years. All in all, the Coral Caverns are a fascinating peek at what lies beneath our feet.

Coral Caverns is only a short drive for campers at Nature's Gateway RV Park & Campground, offering an ideal day trip to explore the area.

Coral Caverns History

Coral Caverns boasts a rich and intriguing history. The cavern’s formation dates back to the Devonian Period, some 400 million years ago. The original coral reef formed off the coast of modern-day Virginia then eventually drifted over the ages to its current location. 

The caverns were discovered in 1804 by a local farmer who stumbled upon the entrance while working on his land. They soon caught the attention of the locals and, by the mid-19th century, became a popular tourist spot. The caverns have been open to the public since the early 20th century, making them one of Pennsylvania's oldest show caves.

Coral Caverns' Geologic History

The cave we see today is the product of millions of years of geological processes. 

During the Devonian Period, the region was a shallow sea teeming with coral life. As these creatures met their demise, their skeletal remnants were amassed and underwent a remarkable transformation into limestone. 

Over countless millennia, tectonic movements, weathering, and erosion have shaped the caverns, creating an intricate network of tunnels and chambers. This geologic journey, from an ancient sea to the caverns, provides a remarkable insight into our planet's dynamic natural processes.

Coral Caverns Tours

Visitors can explore an underground realm guided by the owners, venturing into chilly, damp caverns adorned with rock formations. The cavern walls reveal a treasure trove of fossils, offering a unique, hands-on history lesson. A highlight of the tour includes tasting water filtered by stalactites, renowned for its exceptional purity. 

Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes due to the amount of walking involved. The caverns can be toured in about 30 to 40 minutes, as it is one of the smaller show caverns in Pennsylvania.

The visitor’s center is also worth your time, as the building is filled to the brim with discoveries and artifacts from over the years.

Tours only occur by appointment only. To book a tour, call (814) 977-9570.

Nature's Gateway RV Park & Campground

Located just a short distance from the breathtaking Coral Caverns, Nature's Gateway RV Park & Campground provides an exceptional outdoor accommodation experience. Our starlit sanctuary offers roomy RV sites and cozy camping grounds, complete with modern amenities for your comfort while preserving rustic charm.

Browse our sites and book your stay today.