FARMINGSTON — Gov. Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced the opening of Laurel Caverns State Park with local leaders in Fayette County. Now the 125th state park and first subterranean state park in Commonwealth history, the Caverns will help expand Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation economy which contributed $20.4 billion to Pennsylvania’s economy in 2024 and supported approximately 177,000 jobs.

Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation industry is made up of 6,400 local parks — including 125 state parks — more than 14,000 miles of trails, and over 84,000 miles of waterways. Under the Shapiro Administration’s leadership, the industry has added $3.5 billion and approximately 12,000 new jobs to the state’s economy.

“Parks like Laurel Caverns give our kids a new place to learn, our families a place to make memories, and all of us a chance to get away, take a breath, and just enjoy nature,” said Governor Shapiro. “Pennsylvania’s state parks are an incredible asset to our Commonwealth and our economy – and when we invest in outdoor recreation, we not only create good paying jobs, but by bringing people together, we also invest in the wellbeing of our neighbors and the future of our Commonwealth.”

Approximately 50 miles from Pittsburgh, Laurel Caverns is a 435-acre park centered around the largest and deepest limestone cave in Pennsylvania, which includes four miles of wide cave passages that go as deep as 476 feet and the largest bat shelter in the Northeast. The Caverns attract 50,000 annual visitors and will officially reopen to the public on Earth Day, April 22, to remain open until October.

“Pennsylvania’s state parks are already second to none and we are improving the system with this addition of Laurel Caverns State Park,” said DCNR Secretary Adams Dunn. “We are excited to open this new park and welcome all visitors to experience the uniqueness of our 125th state park up close–whether it’s the hiking trails and recreational opportunities, or the geological splendor of the caverns.”