Home / Find A Grotto / Virginia

Caving in Virginia

The spectacular caving in Virginia’s mountains represents some of the best in the country. Did you know the state has the deepest cave in the Eastern half of the country? Our local chapters – known as grottos – are full of members dedicated to exploring Virginia Caves. Grotto meetings are a great place to meet cavers and explore wild caves in Virginia regardless of experience level.

With 8,000 members, the NSS is the world’s largest non-profit organization dedicated to exploring, preserving, and studying caves. Our local chapters provide training, fellowship, and more to cavers regardless of experience level.

Learn about the NSS

Madison University Student Grotto

c/o UREC Bldg. James Madison University Harrisonburg, VA 22807
VIEW DETAILS

Richmond Area Speleological Society

P.O. Box 2740 Mechanicsville, VA 23116
VIEW DETAILS

New River Valley Grotto

PO Box 3056 Radford, VA 24143-3056
VIEW DETAILS
Load More

Get Underground in Virginia

Interested in caves near you? The NSS is a great way to explore and learn about caves in Virginia. Attend a meeting at one of our local chapters, meet other cavers, get training, and see Virginia caves. No experience necessary! We are a national organization dedicated to exploring, protecting, and studying caves.

Getting Started Caving - An Overview of Caving

About the National Speleological Society

The NSS is the largest caving-focused membership organization in the world. We exist to promote fellowship among cavers & protect, explore and study caves. With thousands of members worldwide, being a part of the NSS means being connected to cavers everywhere. There is no better way to get access to trips, training, and fellowship. But the NSS also offers the following benefits:

Join the NSS!

Publications

Get immediate digital access to over 80 years and 1,500+ issues of NSS publications, including the NSS News.  For an additional $10/year, members can receive a printed copy of the News. 

LEARN MORE

Events

Every year the NSS holds a week long convention. Members receive a discount. Members also get access or discounts to regional events held all over the country.

LEARN MORE

Training

Members get discounts on National Cave Rescue Commission training events held throughout the country.

LEARN MORE

Gear

Get 45% or more off outdoor gear from major brands! Additionally, caving-focused vendors like Highline Rope, Inner Mountain Outfitters, and On Rope 1 all offer generous discounts to NSS members.

LEARN MORE

Support Caves!

Your membership dollars support NSS cave preserves, scientific programs, and exploration grants! Be a part of protecting the most fragile ecosystems on earth.

LEARN MORE

Grants

NSS members can apply for the exploration & scientific grants the organization gives out every year. Learn more here.

LEARN MORE

Additional Benefits

NSS Bookstore discounts

Discount on your first Convention

Connect with Cavers through the Membership Directory

Access to NSS Cave Preserves

Free Camping at HQ

Access to the NSS library

Join the NSS!