North American Caves

How many caves are there in the United States?

• 17,000

• 28

• 139

• 3,890

• This is the longest cave system in the world — over 430 miles of mapped passageways.

• • • Florida Caverns (Florida)

• • Cumberland Plateau (Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia)

• • Carlsbad Caverns (New Mexico)

• • Mammoth Cave (Kentucky)

• This is the home to thousands of limestone caves, including Ellison’s Cave, one of the deepest in the U.S.

• • Lechuguilla Cave (New Mexico)

• • Ape Cave (Washington)

• • Cumberland Plateau (Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia)

• • Lava Beds National Monument (California)

This is a 2.5-mile lava tube near Mount St. Helens.

• • Mammoth Cave (Kentucky)

• • Ape Cave (Washington)

• • Carlsbad Caverns (New Mexico)

• • Cathedral Caverns (Alabama)

• This is one of the few dry (air-filled) caves in the state open to the public.

• • Lava Beds National Monument (California)

• • • Meramec Caverns (Missouri)

• • Blanchard Springs Caverns (Arkansas)

• • Florida Caverns (Florida)

This is famous for its cathedral-like entrance and large formations.

• • Carlsbad Caverns (New Mexico)

• • Cathedral Caverns (Alabama)

• • • Meramec Caverns (Missouri)

• • Lechuguilla Cave (New Mexico)

• This is one of the most scientifically important caves—over 150 miles mapped and still growing.

• • Lechuguilla Cave (New Mexico)

• • Ape Cave (Washington)

• • Lava Beds National Monument (California)

• • Blanchard Springs Caverns (Arkansas)

This is known for its colorful formations and well-lit tours.

• • Cathedral Caverns (Alabama)

• • Blanchard Springs Caverns (Arkansas)

• • Florida Caverns (Florida)

• • Lava Beds National Monument (California)

______ is nicknamed the “Cave State” with over 7,500 caves!

• North Carolina

• California

• Alaska

• • Missouri

• This is known for its huge chambers, bat flights, and stunning formations.

• • Cumberland Plateau (Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia)

• • Blanchard Springs Caverns (Arkansas)

• • Carlsbad Caverns (New Mexico)

• • Carlsbad Caverns (New Mexico)