Seneca Caverns is excited to announce opening day for their 2019 season is set for April 3. This unique West Virginia treasure deep beneath the Allegheny Mountains provides a way for visitors of all ages to experience a taste of the outdoor activities that make the Mountain State special.

Seneca Caverns is located on U.S. 33 in Riverton, Pendleton County, just eight miles south of the popular Seneca Rocks area. In addition to the caverns, the grounds also have a picnic area with a pavilion available to guests as well as the Family Restaurant, Asbury’s.

Asbury’s is famous for their fantastic food, 18-foot stacked stone fireplace and wall of windows that supply guests with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

“One of the reasons hundreds of thousands of people over the years have enjoyed coming to Seneca Caverns is to see the rock formations in the surrounding mountains and in the caves,” said Manager Elizabeth “Liz” Harper. “Children and adults feel a sense of discovery as they explore beautiful minerals and gems amongst the dirt, mud and rocks.”

If you’re feeling extra adventurous, search for gemstones frequently found throughout the area. Bags of mining rough can be purchased in the gift shop and taken to the water sluice. The sluice channels a continuous stream of water through a trough that winds around a big old double-trunk oak shade tree. An array of colors and textures emerge surprising and delighting prospectors. Fool’s gold is a favorite along with rubies, rose quartz, garnets, amethyst and many other precious treasures.

“Gemstone mining gives visitors a chance to discover their own take-home treasures,” she said.

The highlight of the trip, however, is sure to be the underground experience. The caverns showcase unique, visually stunning geological formations that have developed more than 350,000 years through the simple process of water flowing over limestone.

Experienced guides conduct one-hour tours of Seneca Caverns, leading visitors along a well-lit pathway, suitable for all ages, that dip to depths of 165 feet below the entrance.

“We offer a variety of packages and activities that can be tailored to groups of any size, age, experience level or interest. Whether you are returning to Seneca Caverns for another fun-filled visit or want to see for the first time what all the excitement is about, this is the perfect time to visit the beautiful Allegheny Mountains and Germany Valley,” said Harper.

Seneca Caverns offers wonderful opportunities for school trips. Teachers planning educational tours of the caverns can make arrangements in advance for customized tours to fit their classroom objectives by contacting Harper at 304-567-2691. Discounted school rates apply for tours, lunch and gemstone mining.

Fuel your adventures at Seneca Caverns at the Asbury’s Restaurant before or after your tour. The everchanging menu showcases specialties made with premium, fresh ingredients. The Cavern Burger is a classic cheeseburger any hungry caver would enjoy and the Reuben claims to be the best in the state served with Swiss cheese on a grilled marbled rye bread. After your meal, enjoy a slice of one of the many delicious pies made locally or some warm homemade cobbler.

Located on the property, Asbury’s can accommodate large groups, tour busses, and private catered parties with advance notice and reservations. The physical address is 3328 Germany Valley Rd., Riverton, WV 26814.

Asbury’s Restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, and has expanded hours beginning Memorial Day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday through Monday. Beginning Labor Day, Asbury’s Restaurant will be in operation from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday until the end of the season.

Seneca Caverns tour hours will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the last tour of the day entering the cavern at 4 p.m. The gift shop will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

Seneca Caverns is located along the eastern border of West Virginia. Those traveling from the eastern panhandle of West Virginia should take I-81 to Route 33; North Central West Virginia travelers can get to the site via I-79 to Route 33.  The route from Southern West Virginia is I-64 to either Route 220 or Route 92 and 28.

For more information visit www.senecacaverns.com.