Limestone Cave

 TAKE A HIKE!

While visiting our beautiful limestone park, take a hike to Limestone Cave. 

Getting started: This trail is rated as moderate with some steep sections and rough terrain. 

Be prepared: Hiking boots, sneakers or sturdy walking shoes can keep you from slipping on rough terrain. Plan to explore the cave? Watch your step and be sure to pack a flashlight. The cave entrance is low and narrow, so you'll have to stoop to enter. Inside the 30 foot long cavity rises to more than 15 feet in height. Take some time to explore this natural wonder. Be sure to look for traces of ongoing erosion on the richly coloured rock walls.

Facts about limestone:

What causes limestone caves?

Rainwater seeps through cracks in the rock. As it passes through organic material, it picks up carbon dioxide gas, creating carbonic acid. This weak acid passes through joints and cracks in limestone. The mineral calcite is dissolved from the limestone rock in which a cave is formed.

How long does it take for a limestone cave to form?

Limestone stalactites form extremely slowly – usually less than 10cm every thousand years – and radiometric dating has shown that some are over 190,000 years old. Stalactites can also form by a different chemical process when water drips through concrete, and this is much faster.

What type of rock is limestone?

Limestone is a sedimentary rock. It is formed by layers of small pieces of rock and stones pressed hard together. The stone forms in wet areas which mean it will also contain of shells and waste matter from organisms that live in water.