Pennsylvania officials on Monday announced the opening of Laurel Caverns State Park, marking the commonwealth’s first subterranean state park and its 125th state park overall.
The 435-acre park in Farmington, about 50 miles from Pittsburgh, centers around Pennsylvania’s largest and deepest limestone cave.
The underground system features four miles of passages extending as deep as 476 feet and houses the largest bat shelter in the Northeast, according to Monday’s announcement.
The state park officially opens to the public on Earth Day, April 22, and will remain open until October.
“Parks like Laurel Caverns give our kids a new place to learn, our families a place to make memories, and all of us a chance to get away, take a breath and just enjoy nature,” Gov. Josh Shapiro said at Monday’s event.
“Pennsylvania’s state parks are an incredible asset to our Commonwealth and our economy — and when we invest in outdoor recreation, we not only create good paying jobs, but by bringing people together, we also invest in the wellbeing of our neighbors and the future of our commonwealth.”
The designation represents Pennsylvania’s first new state park since 2022.
Pennsylvania opening 125th state park — its first that’s subterranean
David and Lilian Cale donated the property to the state after the Cale family opened the park in 1964 and created the Laurel Caverns Conservancy in 1986 to manage operations.
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said the park enhances Pennsylvania’s state park system.
“We are excited to open this new park and welcome all visitors to experience the uniqueness of our 125th state park up close — whether it’s the hiking trails and recreational opportunities, or the geological splendor of the caverns,” she said.
Under the Cale family, the park has attracted 50,000 annual visitors.
DCNR plans several improvements, including electrical upgrades, improved accessibility in parking spaces, entryways and bathrooms, and updates to the visitor center’s foundation and structural system.
Fayette County Commissioner Vince Vicites noted the economic potential.
“Laurel Caverns already brings about 50,000 visitors each year and today’s designation will help bring even more — that means more support for our local businesses, restaurants, and workforce,” he said.
Pennsylvania opening 125th state park — its first that’s subterranean
Muriel Nuttall, executive director of the Fayette Chamber of Commerce, said the designation adds to the county’s appeal: “With Laurel Caverns’ state park designation, we’re adding something that is truly one of a kind to Fayette County.”
Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation economy contributed $20.4 billion to the state’s economy in 2024 and supported approximately 177,000 jobs.
Entrance and participation in recreational activities such as hiking, birding and picnicking will remain free at Laurel Caverns, consistent with all Pennsylvania state parks. However, fees to enter the cave for guided or self-guided tours will remain in place throughout the 2026 season as management transitions to DCNR.
Shapiro’s administration has completed $228 million in infrastructure improvements across Pennsylvania’s public lands since 2023, according to Monday’s announcement.
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