If you’re been reading this site for a while, you’ll know that I love waterfalls. So, when I found out that there was a cave in central New York with an underground waterfall, I knew I needed to visit.
Secret Caverns is located in Schoharie County, only a two-mile drive from the popular Howe Caverns. While Secret Caverns isn’t as large as its neighbor, it has something that cave doesn’t have: a 100-foot waterfall.
Secret Caverns was discovered in 1928 when what they call a “renegade bovine” fell into the cave opening. The cave was first opened for visitors in 1929 after the farmer sold his land to Roger Mallery, who had just finished renovating Howe Caverns.
Mallery’s family still owns the cave as of 2026.
Tours of Secret Caverns start at the new cave entrance just next to the original opening and last about 45-60 minutes. There are a total of 103 stairs (or petrified escalator as they call it) that lead into the cave. Note that you will have to both descend and ascend these stairs, so make sure that you are capable of doing this before you visit.
The cavern itself consists of a quarter-mile of passageway that dead ends at the waterfall. While you can’t tell being underground, the passage crosses under the road and into the nearby forest
As you walk through the cavern, guides offer information on the history and geology of the cave, pointing out formations, fossils embedded in the walls and more. They even telling some cave jokes along the way.
One thing that I thought was really cool about Secret Caverns is that, unlike basically every other cave I’ve been to, they let you touch the formations. While this probably isn’t good for their long-term health, it is neat to have a chance to do that and really feel what they are like.
The majority of the walk to the waterfall in Secret Caverns passes through narrow corridors. Some of these are tall, while others will require all but the shortest visitors to duck. These winding paths really give you a sense of exploration and add to the anticipation of the waterfall at the caves end.
Soon, you’ll reach the 100-foot waterfall in the cave. It truly is an awe-inspiring sight.
While you can’t see the entire waterfall, how much of it you see depends on exactly where you stand, so I encourage you to move around to get the best possible glimpse of this beautiful underground waterfall.
One thing that I really appreciated here was that guides actually let you walk on your own back out of the cave. That means that people can get a look at the waterfall, and then leave the area so that others can experience it.
I personally just hung out at the back of the group so that I could get a chance to better experience this beautiful waterfall with only a small group.
After leaving the cave (or before your tour depending on how your schedule works), make sure to check out the ice mine, which is a short walk to the side of the cave.
While not as impressive as some I’ve seen over the years (like the Coudersport Ice Mine in Pennsylvania), this is a unique spot that produces more ice the warmer it is outside.
Also worth spending some time in is the gift shop and visitor center. This spot is decorated with some really fun folk art that I really enjoyed taking a few minutes to appreciate.
There is also a nice selection of local gifts, snacks, and more.
Overall, while it might not be as popular as Howe Caverns, the huge underground waterfall and quirkiness of the site meant that I personally enjoyed Secret Caverns more.
That being said, I highly recommend visiting both while you’re in the area as they are very different from each other.
A Few Notes About Visiting Secret Caverns
There are a few things to note about visiting Secret Caverns.
First, at the time of writing, their website isn’t very good, so it can be difficult at times to figure out when they are open, especially early or late in the season, so calling ahead is a good idea.
Generally, they are open from sometime in April to sometime in November, though the exact dates are weather dependent.
During the summer months, they are open seven days a week from 11a-3p Monday-Friday and 10a-4p on Saturdays and Sundays. During the ends of the season, they are only open on weekends.
Tours leave on the hour every hour and last about 45-60 minutes. It averages about 50 degrees in the cave, so you might want to bring a sweatshirt or light jacket with you.
Also worth noting is that they are cash only, and there is no ATM on site, so make sure to plan ahead. Adults are $20 and kids are $10.
Secret Caverns is located at 671 Caverns Rd, Howes Cave, NY 12092.
Looking for more things to do nearby? Check out the the covered bridges of Schoharie County, Plotter Kill Preserve, and Yatesville Falls.
