Exploring New Braunfels, Texas: Natural Bridge Caverns

Have you ever heard of Natural Bridge Caverns? Since Natural Bridge Caverns is located in New Braunfels, Texas many Texans enjoy regular visits. However, it's also a great place to explore if you're from another state or country. Whether you desire a family trip or you're the solitary type, Natural Bridge Caverns is something that you'll want to see. In this article, I will discuss what you can do at Natural Bridge Caverns.

Natural Bridge Caverns is located in south Texas near the cities of New Braunfels and San Antonio. As with many parks, you do have to pay a fee to gain admittance to Natural Bridge caverns, and they are open daily. You can learn more about the fees and hours here.

What is there to do at Natural Bridge Caverns, you ask? For the most part, you will spend your trip underground in the company of a guide. When you are underground, you will bare witness to marvelous stalactites and stalagmites. It's a very interesting experience. You may also notice the occasional group of bats, which is probably the only type of animal you will observe. This underground park is mostly about the rock formations.

And the rock formations really are something you will want to see. Over the centuries, mineral water has dripped down from the ceiling of the caverns to create the stalactites and stalagmites. These rock formations can become monstrous, over time. I remember a stalactite that must have been around twenty feet high or more, and it was about five to ten feet wide. Perhaps more. Oh, and be sure to bring your camera because you will take lots of photographs.

However, there are some rules you need to follow when it comes to photography and other things. First of all, don't use your camera flash. The camera flash can literally kill the stalactites and stalagmites. I don't know how or why, but it does happen. The guide who accompanied my group even showed us some stalactites and stalagmites that had been killed by camera flash. Also, touching the stalactites and stalagmites is just as bad as camera flash so don't do it!

If you follow the above two rules, you should be just fine. Some areas are brighter than others, so you should have numerous opportunities with your camera. And be careful not to slip and hurt yourself. There is a lot of moisture on the steps and other areas, due to condensation. It is also noticeably cooler when you are underground, which can be a blessing in the Texas heat. You may want to take a light jacket or sweater with you, due to the temperature change.

After your tour is over, you will be shown the standard gift shop and food areas. Feel free to browse amidst the wares and buy something to remember your trip by. Though, in reality, the memories you take with you will be the best souvenir you could have.