LOCALadk Magazine

8 Spring 2016 LOCALadk Magazine LOCALadk Just as wild, awe-inspiring and challenging to navigate as the mountains that tower overhead, nearly 200 caverns and karsts beneath the Adirondack Mountains are worthy of exploration. These rock-faced, Precambrian mountains formed billions of years ago, and their caves, crevices, and passages offer un- common adventure for every ability level – and for every age. While many Adirondack caves center in the southern and east- ern region of the Park, the North Country offers a wide range of underground opportunities throughout the Park's seven counties. Commercial operations like Natural Stone Bridges and Caves in Pottersville can provide easy access to impressive pre-glacial caverns ripe for exploration within a controlled en- vironment. Its marked walking trails and educational signage provide easy self-guided exploration. Those seeking a more rugged wilderness experience need not look far. Be forewarned: crawling down a hole whose bottom is not clearly evident, immersing oneself in complete darkness save for the headlamp that sits one one's hardhat, or stoop- ing through tight spaces may not appeal to everyman. But for those seeking an extra-ordinary sense of adventure or an uncommon thrill, the caves of the Adirondacks will not disap- point. For the caving novice eager to explore on her own, Kunjamuk Cave makes for an ideal destination. Its small bear-den-like cavity requires crouching to enter, yet is tall enough to stand up in, and cozy enough to accommodate a family of five. An alcove window above the entrance provides just enough light to prevent the mind from imagining creepy crawlers and other creatures that go bump in the night. Except for public speaking and debt, the sport of caving of- ten involves facing many of our worst fears: darkness, tight spaces, heights, spiders, and water among them. Rather than a deterrent, cave exploration – Kunjamuk Cave included – is an exceptional way to overcome fears while building time-tested character. When combined with other recreational pursuits, exploring Kunjamuk Cave makes a gratifying full-day activity. The cave (claimed by some to be an abandoned mine) is located on the grounds of the Speculator Tree Farm, for which the public now enjoys public access rights. Many visitors choose to mountain bike the logging roads, dismounting to take the short path at a clearly marked sign on Pine Lakes Road. My favored activity is to make the cave exploration a rest break on an out-and- back kayaking trip on the incredibly scenic Kunjamuk Creek. Add a few miles of paddling on the lazy East Branch of the Sacandaga River from Lake Pleasant for maximum eye candy. For the caving enthusiast in search of the optimal Adirondack underground experience, it will be hard-pressed to compete with Eagle Cave. Located just south of the town of Indian Lake, Eagle Cave contains over 1,850 feet of passage with no less than five-tiered levels of crawl space stretching 130-feet underground. It is easy to spend five hours or more in non-re- petitive exploration. Getting lost is a real possibility. Know how to read a cave map, pay careful attention to surroundings, and always share plans with someone back home before heading into a cave. Hire a guide when in doubt of one's abilities. Eagle Cave is uniquely designed to test one's caving prowess from the start. The entrance requires a belly-shimmy through a tight, graded slope, followed by a twenty-foot drop. Wear tight-fitting clothes you do not mind getting dirty. Be pre- pared for abundant sand and mud, and occasional ice in any season. Caving For The Ages Adirondack Caves Offer Beneath-the-Surface Adventure Opportunities Story and photos by Mike Kelsey

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