The Geology of Secret Caverns

Creation:

The caverns in this area were formed largely during the last Ice Age about 38,000 years ago. At that time, gigantic waterfalls pouring off the melting glaciers bored out great holes (glacial potholes) into the ground. Whenever these potholes formed over crevices in the bedrock, the slightly acidic meltwater eroded the rock, leaving the network or caverns below.

What is the cave made of?

The rock in secret caverns are found to belong to the lower Devonian Age (Coeymans Limestone), and the upper Silurian Age (Manlius Limestone). As one takes the 85 foot descent down the stairs into the cavern you can see the transition between the rock from the two periods as a layer of large brick like stones. This transition period, known as the line of cleavage, represents the ancient oceans receding and the ocean floor drying out for 40 million years (give or take a couple million) before being submerged again. The majority of our fossils of prehistoric sea life are easily found in the younger upper layers of Coeymans Limestone. Watch for fossils as you go up and down the top 50 stairs!

Formations:

For thousands of years mineral laden (a.k.a. "hard") water has been precipitating on the walls, ceiling, and floor of the caverns, leaving behind great deposites of golden calcite. When these deposits hang from the ceiling like icicles, they are called stalactites. When they build up from the floor, they are called stalagmites. Calcite forms at an incredibly slow rate of one cubic inch every one hundred years. The growth of calcite is impeded by the oils on hands, so please respect nature's work and don't touch!