Day 23: Coral Caverns & Shawnee State Park, Pennsylvania

Tucked away in rural Pennsylvania sits a small cave waiting to be explored, off the beaten path  in the bank of the small mountains of Manns Choice, PA. The cavern is a bit difficult to find and is a fairly small opertion, but what you will find in the cave is a geologist’s candy. It is probably hinted at in the name of the cave, Coral Caverns, but what you will find inside are clear examples of a stromatolite coral reef from the days of the Devonian.

Stromatolite in Coral Caverns, Manns Choice PA, May 31, 2011

Coral Caverns is a privately owned cave. Small and quaint, what it lacks in the generic souvenir and touristy type shop it makes up for with an enthusastic cave owner who shows the cave with pride. Coral Caverns has been in operatiohn since 1932, a small cave discovered by accident when a quarry found the opening in 1928. The limestone is vertically bedded here, and the inside of the cave has some very well preserved stromatoporoid reefs, along with a moderate display of speleothems.

Coral Caverns May 31, 2011

The visitor center has several interpretative displays that can help teach about fossils and other cave life, especially helpful for kids who are thirsting for knowledge. The caverns are open on the weekends for the public to tour, so try to plan accordingly, although if you are organizing a group I am sure a quick call to the owner could arrange a tour time that is conveinent.

Coral Caverns, Manns Choice, PA May 31, 2011

Very near the cave is a wonderful state park that has camping amenities, Shawnee State Park . The campgrounds are large and beautiful, offering access to a large lake where you can canoe, fish or swim. The views are beautiful, as you can gaze across the lake towards the appalachian mountains in the distance.

Shawnee State Park Pennsylvania May 31, 2011

I could go on and on about how beautiful Coral Caverns was, or about the scenery of Shawnee State Park, but I think this is one of those times where the pictures should do the talking. Enjoy!

Coral Caverns in Manns Choice, PA. May 31, 2011
Coral Caverns in Manns Choice, PA. May 31, 2011
Looking up in a Coral Caverns Chimney in PA. May 31, 2011
Coral caverns May31, 2011
Hey geology buffs, can you determine tops? Pen for scale. Coral Caverns, May 31, 2011
The lanterns lining the entrance of Coral Caverns in Manns Choice, PA. May 31, 2011
Looking up in Coral Caverns. PA, May 31, 2011
The baby robin, newly hatched, in front of Coral Caverns. May 31, 2011
Shawnee State Park, Pennsylvania. You can rent boats for the lake. May 31,2011
Shawnee State Park Pennsylvania. May 31, 2011

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