coral caverns

Even though it's not listed in the AAA guidebook and their website isn't up/running (at least couldn't get to it through the Bedford tourism site) you can tour--but call first (814-977-9570). We gathered this is a private cave, and the man owning it is there on a limited basis, probably mostly on weekends. But talk to him directly. I give this attraction 3 1/2 stars; if you like caves you'll enjoy it; however, it's small and you will only be in there for about 30 - 40 minutes, unless there's lots of questions (which are encouraged and amply answered). This short time is the disappointing part, because it really is interesting, but of course the cave ends where the cave ends! (There are some plans to extend the tour, but I gathered this is long term.) Definitely try to link other attractions the day you set out, unless it's a close drive. Manns Choice is easily gotten to from the turnpike; we got directions from the owner himself, and there's also excellent, very clear directions in the Visitors Guide for Bedford County--until you get very close. You will be going on side residential streets, and we passed it up. When you see the old rusted train car, there will be a gravel road jutting up the hill. The cave entrance is up there. There definitely needs to be a more prominent sign, but once you look closely you'll see a building with the initials "C C"--use that as a reference; right after that you'll see that gravel road. (You only go a short distance up the hill.) Nevertheless, even if you have to go around a second time, it's only a waste of 2 or so minutes. There were other people on our tour, so the word is getting out--this is a great example of not just relying on the AAA guidebook to find out everything there is to see. (Incidentally, there are restrooms available--and they are clean.)

We called up Coral Caverns on a week day and, even though the advertisements say it's only opened on weekend, Bill opened up the place for our family and gave us a tour. First of all let me say that nothing beats visiting a cavern on a hot summer day. It certainly was a welcomed relief from the heat. But we also found this tour to be very educational as well. Who would have ever thought that you could see the fossilized remains of a coral reef under the earth in Pennsylvania? Definitely a good side trip if you are in the area.

My friend and I stopped here for the afternoon to check it out - It was a really cool place. The gentleman that works there takes you on a personal tour through the cavern and is very knowledgeable of the different types of formations within the cavern - There are cool lights that shine on the formations that he talks about in particular. He was very nice and there was a dog in the main office that's worth the trip in itself! Must see!

You must see this cave. In the little town of Manns Choice, Pennsylvania, just a few miles south of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Coral Caverns has fossil corals from the Ordovician Period along a rock wall. There are other marvels too, Lots of fun, but watch your step on the somewhat slippery surfaces of this "live" cave. Pay attention to the guide and you will be fine. He is very knowledgeable about the geology of the cave. Nice museum with a beautiful and very accurate diorama depicting what the coral reef was like. Helps you envision the muddy looking corals and sponges for what they used to be! We just walked in an hour before closing on a June weekend.

As of August 17, 2013, the caverns were closed for electrical repairs. My family has been going through the caverns for many years and it's a nice little attraction when open.

Wanted a Memorial Day getaway with the kids, and the Pennsylvania Tourism site had this listed, just a few hours from me, but with no website, no way to contact by phone, I couldn't add this to our trip. Possibly closed? Found some reviews on other sites with less favorable reviews, so I skipped it - we went south instead to Smith Mountain lake (and totally skipped caverns).

My husband and I visited Coral Caverns Labor Day weekend. We were on vacation and stayed at the Bedford Springs resort, so this was a short easy trip! This was our first cave experience, and while it is not a large cave it is worth it! The owners are knowledgeable and friendly. It was great to learn a few new things and experience the cave up close.

We went on the tour today. It is a family that owns the Cavern so they are only open weekends. They have five children who are amazingly well behaved and are extremely intelligent when it comes to the Cavern. One of their children lead the tour, I was worried at first because he was young, but there was no need. He knew more than most adults about any question you could ask about the Cavern ( he better get bonus points in Science class). The Cavern it self was beautiful an a great experience, there is an empty bat nest, fossils and formations. If you are from the area it is a shame to NOT go on the tour. It is $12 per adult and if you send a Self Addressed Stamped Envelope you can get free tickets for children. It is cash or check only. The gift shop didn't seem to actually have anything to purchase, but rather an museum and show grade pieces that are a real treat to view.

We visited the caverns on sat. & were very impressed. It was a great find. You could actually walk through and see things up close.I would not recommend flip-flops,the floor is slippery due to the clay floor.That's what makes this place different,its very old time tourist stop. Will be going Back!

I went on a Saturday and found the cavern with no problem, GPS directions work well. I liked that the caven stays true to a cavern feel without too much commercial upgrading. We actually got to walk on the cavern floor and right up to all of the sights inside without being corraled and blocked off with decksand ropes. It was nice to look around the gift shop that is set up more as a museum to stroll through at my leisure with no sales pressure.

Hard to find. Take directions. Interesting railroad car at driveway entrance. Note the hours, only open weekends. The visitors center is small as well as the parking area. Cost was $12 per adult in 2011. Really wasn't that crowded. My group had about eight people. Tour lasts about a half hour. The guide was decent. The fossils were well preserved and very interesting. Bring good solid shoes. As expected terrain inside was damp and uneven. Some areas were slick. You also have to be capable of going up and down wet stairs. just be careful. Overall, decent for a side trip.

As my subject line suggests, a visit to Coral Caverns is a truly unique experience. When my mother found a couple pieces of rock that looked like coral in her yard in Shanksville, I did a quick online search and found Coral Caverns. We brought our samples and discovered that they were in fact coral fossils. As other reviewers have mentioned, the tour is relatively short compared to other cave tours; nonetheless, you won't miss any of the usual stunning formations that you see in bigger caves, AND you will see the fossilized coral wall, which you won't see anywhere else in the world. And the tour is very well designed with just the right mix of science, history, and personal anecdotes to keep things interesting.The cabin/museum where you buy the tour tickets also has a collection of fossilized corals and other marine creatures like trilobites, and a really fantastic (and realistic) three-dimensional floor to ceiling art display of a coral reef with an abundance of colorful prehistoric marine life. Great for kids!I loved this tour and would go back again.

While at a hotel, I noticed this as a nearby attraction. We plugged it into the GPS and visited the site. When we arrived, we noticed a old sign that showed only weekend tours. Just up from that was a truck with a phone number. We called the number but there was not answer.....Could have been fun????

It's a smaller tour, usually a cave tour last about an hour. This one is about a half an hour. Its a nice little pit stop. This is something truly different. For it to be inland as far as it is, you wouldn't think there would be fossils of sea creatures and coral. Especially it being west of the Apps. This was sustained water built up over years. It's a cheap ( you can find coupons on the website if you send a sase you'll get child admissions free). One draw back is that it is in no way modern. It looks like a total hole in the wall, an old shack. Take cash, no phone (don't call for directions, no one answers--its a voicemail, get your directions ahead of time and follow them to a T!!!!) or computer on site for point of sale transactions. We had to write a check. Do take a jacket and comfortable shoes you don't mind getting dirty.