If you are a Fraternity Brother or early 20 year old spelunker:

for the love of caves..

-have a Sign Out or Call Out

-fill out a permit

-pack at least 3 sources of light (no your phone does not count)

-Live, Laugh, Love wearing a Helmet

Get a Permit !! otherwise you are literally trespassing !!

If you want a map to New River Cave, please email the New River Cave Preserve Manager or become a VPI Member.

Rules for visitation:

-Min group size is 3
-Max group size is 15
-Maximum daily groups allowed is 4 per day
-Have a copy of the permit displayed on the dash of your vehicle
-One to two experienced cavers are highly recommended depending on group size
-Adhere to WNS decontamination protocols
-Follow NSS safe caving guidelines
-You must have a callout person and a return time before entering the cave
-Between November 1st – April 15th, the number of groups allowed to visit will be limited during the bat hibernation period. During this period the upper section of the cave known as the “Attic” beyond the “BFR (Big Friendly Rock)” is closed to visitation as to not disturb the colony of endangered Little Brown bats.

Minimum equipment recommended for caving includes but is not limited to:

-Helmet with chinstrap (Headlamp Included)

-Clothing that is appropriate for caving and the cave conditions

-Three sources of light per person

-Enough food and water per person to be self-sufficient for 24 hours

-One first aid kit appropriate for the group size or a personal first aid kit for each caver

-Pack to carry the above items and keep hands free