cherney maribel caves

My mother played at these caves may years ago. They were a favorite memory of her childhood. As a child, I visited this area many times. Flash forward to the present. It is still a nice place to take a hike along the river. The woods are lush and green; and the hiking is easy. Nice place to birdwatch. There is a group of stalwart volunteers who are working very hard to clear the caves. This is not an extensive cave system......yet. Who knows what discoveries await. If you want to get into the caves, you will have to make arrangements or go there when you can catch someone who has access. The old hotel has burned and the walls are barely there. Too bad someone didn't pick up the torch and do something with that place. The only downside to the trails is bicyclists are allowed. Nothing like having someone come screaming down the trail at 25 miles an hour. There are some places bicycles should be banned. This is one of them. Alas, recently a tornado tore through the park. It may take a generation to recover. Still a nice place to go.

I pray that the community and the state gets together to restore such a wonderful landmark. So sad to look at it now.

I met a friend at the County Park and we set off to see what we could see. The caves are small and locked shut, which suited us fine. The trees are tall and mossy rocks line the trails. There are sturdy bridges over the small creeks and a nice trail runs along the West Twin River. There are no benches and few signs which is why they didn't get highest marks, but the bathroom was clean and well supplied, there's a nice playground area for picnics and playing, and a shelter for groups. I'd go back.

This is a wonderful place, right in our back yard. I loved going there as a kid.Now there are tours available and the caves are being excavated so hopefully they can be enjoyed by more people in the future