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Hey all,

I'm heading to western Virginia to explore Norman cave this week. While the primary purpose of the trip is to see how Norman would be for a first time caver, we're also hoping to drop something vertical. Is anyone aware of a drop in the area worth doing? I am aware of Friar pit but do not have the location.

I apologize for the repost but this seemed to make more sense separate from my earlier post.

There is also Grapevine Pit which was the original entrance of Lost World Caverns. It is about a 120 foot rappel. It is also located in Greenbrier County, West Virginia.

Can you still go down the historic entrance? I used to go there in the 60s and wouldn't mind going again.

I'm guessing no but am not sure. Since it's a show cave, it'd be pretty surprising if they allowed cavers to explore it on their own.

Failing anything else, Is anyone aware of vertical sections of Norman Cave? Or have any information on Friar's Pit? Or even something vertical near the RASS field station?

You might try Pig Hole in Giles county, it's a fairly pretty drop (about 120' as I recall) and I think you can still get into it. I haven't been there in years so you probably should get some more current information. The folks at VPI ought to know.

Grapevine is still occasionally dropped by cavers, but rarely. It isn't available for routine trips, and there needs to be, I believe, some special circumstances (or influence).

Far out! I know Mark Passerby has been doing stuff there on Hunt for Batboy, this year will be 50 years since I first went to Grapevine, maybe he can get me in for that! I'll be up in the area for OTR.

Pig hole looks nice! It looks like there's a 180 foot drop in there as well?