Ohio is home to more than 200 caves ranging in length from 10 feet to over 3 miles. Caves have been documented in 27 of Ohio's 88 counties and can be classified as either carbonate or non-carbonate caves, depending on the bedrock in which they develop.

Carbonate caves are found in the dolomite and limestone of western Ohio while non-carbonate caves occur in the sandstones and conglomerates of eastern Ohio (map).

Despite the relatively small size of most Ohio caves, many animals are dependent on these caves for some part of their life history including salamanders, bats and insects. In fact, four cave-dwelling organisms have been found only in Ohio and nowhere else in the world.

For more information about Ohio's caves or how to get involved with your local grotto (caving club), contact the Division of Wildlife at (614) 265-6452.