However their close proximity to Natural Bridge and our hotel made them an attractive diversion on a very rainy morning. The 45 minute tour started with a walk down a 900 foot man made tunnel to the caverns. Groundwater dissolves limestone and other minerals. This mineral laden water seeps into the caves. Stalactites and stalagmites form when dissolved minerals harden on the floors and ceilings of the cave.
Stalactites hang tight to the ceiling.
Stalagmites, rise from the floor and might reach the ceiling someday. When the two meet, they form a column like the one shown on the left. Our tour concluded with a very lame ghost story. It was so corny and predictable. We walked back to the hotel and packed up our bikes.