Written by Ryan Salyers
Today w
e visited Little Kelly Cave in Big Stone Gap, Virginia. This was my first experience being underground, and at the start of the trip I felt nervous due to the unfamiliar environment. Reaching the cave required hiking up the mountain through significant blowdown left behind by Hurricane Helene, which added an additional challenge and highlighted the impacts of recent natural events on the landscape.
Upon arriving at the cave entrance, we had to pass through a very small gate opening. This was the most difficult part of the experience for me, as the confined space increased my anxiety. However, once we moved past the entrance and entered the main cave chamber, the environment opened up significantly, with ceilings reaching approximately 20 feet high. At that point, I felt more comfortable and confident, and my initial nervousness subsided.
As we progressed through the cave, the experience became enjoyable and educational. Observing bats within the cave was exciting, and learning about the cave’s history—particularly its past use for mining salt to produce gunpowder—added meaningful context to the trip. The combination of hands-on experience and historical knowledgemade the visit especially valuable.
Overall, this trip was a positive and memorable learning experience. It challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone, allowed me to gain confidence in an unfamiliar environment, and provided insight into both natural cave systems and their historical significance. I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in this trip and consider it a successful introduction to caving.
