Caves Along the Saucony

Crystal Cave has been a Kutztown-area attraction since soon after its discovery on November 12, 1871.  But Crystal Cave is not the only cave in the Kutztown area.

NOTE: The following information was originally published in the Kutztown Area Historical Society’s periodical “Along the Saucony,” Vol 10, No 1, May 1987

Local speleologist David Adam has shared with us a recent listing of Berks County caves and maps of Dreibelbis, Onyx, Dragon, and Schofer’s caves.  The list totals 47 caves as compiled in Spring 1987.

David has answered three questions that are often asked.  Why are there caves along the Saucony Creek?  “The geology was right.  A sandy soluble limestone… a water table provided the energy needed to enlarge existing cracks, and probably minor faulting contributed to the enlargement of the passages.”

Do any caves connect Crystal Cave to Schofer’s Cave? “No.  Caves are formed in isolated pods of a sandy limestone which do not extend under valleys.  Thus limiting cave development to these pods and keeps the caves small and not very extensive.”

What are the possibilities of other caves in the are? “Between Onyx and Dreibelbis there are indications of caves; cracks issuing cold air in summer at several spots.  Between Kutztown and Crystal Cave there are some possibilities but blasting will be required.”

David has briefly described the eight caves in our East Penn area:

1.       Schofer’s Cave – discovered in Quarry – passage length about 2000’ if every small passage is counted.  Two good sized rooms, three deep “wells” interconnected below water.  Several entrances.  Very few formations – some dripstone/flowstone, aragonite, and vein quartz.  Isopods (a white crustacean) only life form currently found in the lake in the first room.  Status – closed.  (NOTE: at the time of publication, this cave was open for exploration.  The main entrance is now caged to prevent entry.)

2.       Dragon Cave – East of Virginville.  Deepest cave in area 100’ deep natural entrance.  One very large room with one side decorated with cave formations.  One stalagmite referred to as dragon.  700+’ of passage.  Status – closed.

3.       Dreibelbis Cave – West of Virginville.  Probably 1500-2000’ of passage.  Close to 100’ deep.  A good sporting cave; some chimneying required – some moderate climbing.  Some areas contain nice formations and nice aragonite crystals.  Death a year ago.  Status – gated (closed).

4.       Merkle Cave – South of Virginville.  Finest formations of any cave in area.  Life magazine showed pictures in 1940s.  Strange “geysers” of water were seen along a flowstone floored passage.  Closed in the 1940’s (mapped in 1987).  Maybe 500+ feet of passage.  Status – closed.

5.       Crystal Cave.  Oldest commercial cave in Pennsylvania, maybe United States.  Abundant dipstone in certain parts of cave.  Some evidence of past vandalism.  Nice small commercial cave.  1800+ feet of passage.

6.       Onyx Cave – Near Dreibelbis Cave, West of Virginville.  Loaded with flowstone mistermed “onyx” actually travertine.  Maybe 2000’ of passage.  Status – closed

7.       Dietrich Cave – Near Ontelaunee. Cave now closed.  Has 50’ drop with perhaps 200’ of passage.

8.       Frazier Cave – Next to Onyx Cave.  Large entrance.  Little passage.

NOTE:  The Kutztown Area Historical Society does not recommend, nor does it condone, exploration of caves that are closed to the public.