Ultimate Guide to Pitts Cave, Mississippi (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)
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Mississippi is one of those states in the US that is not known for its caves. So, it is no surprise that Pitts Cave in Wayne County has been a big attraction in this part of the world. On exploration, it has been found that there are more than 400m of passageways, several rooms, and a stream that calls out to the adventurous. However, people are discouraged from exploring the caves as a human presence can cause severe disturbance to its inhabitants, the bats.
The main entrance to the cave is now gated to ward off potential visitors, but it is big enough to enable the bats to fly in and out of the cave with relative ease. People are advised to come here less frequently so that incidences of the white-nose syndrome can be brought under control.
History of Pitts Cave
Pitts Cave, the largest cave in Mississippi, has an entrance on the side of a hill. Though no specific information is available about the history of this cave, there are a few stories associated with this place. Some people say that many years ago, an Indian lost his dog in the cave, and he went in after it. Unfortunately, he was never seen again, and there is a saying that his skull was found many years later.
The dog, however, came out of another entrance, but the limestone gases stripped off all its body hair. But the most remarkable story is that by Captain L.S. Pitts, who is the father of the present owner of the cave. He decided to investigate the cave many years ago using only twine and candles. He gave up his search for the end of the cave after burning four candles and reaching almost the end of his twine.
By then, he has already covered three miles of the cave. When he came out, his eyes and face were swollen with gas. He firmly believed that the cave stretched under Chickasawhay River as he could hear the sound of running water.
Geological Cave Formations
Pitts Cave in Mississippi is a typical example of a karst cave that has been formed due to limestone formation.
Wildlife
Thousands of bats use this cave as a maternity colony and a hibernaculum in winter. There are fifteen species of bats in the state, and three of those have been listed as endangered. The other species of bats are not endangered, but they are rare and need to be protected. One would find the tri-colored bats hibernating in the cave in the winter.
The cave is also home to the southeast myotis bats, which have a large maternity roost in the summer. Experts have said that around 500 to 700 tri-colored bats visit the caves and almost a thousand Southeastern myotis bats.
Is Pitts Cave Haunted?
The cave is inaccessible to the public, and it has been gated. There are no reports of it being haunted.
How Big is Pitts Cave?
Pitts Cave has more than 420m of explored passageways, but the entire length is speculated to be more than 3 miles.
Pitts Cave Tours
Pitts Cave is the largest in the state, and the entrances are located at the bottom of a drainage area. There are two large openings on the Northside and another on the Southern side. The northern side is very spacious and has a flat ceiling.
After a few meters, the passageway narrows down to a tight but walkable passage. After a few meters, the ceiling rises over a large chamber called the Rain Room. It is so called because water constantly drips from the cave’s ceiling. The lower portion of the chamber, above the Rain Room, is known as the Bottom of the Rain Room.
Tour Prices and Discounts
There are no tours, and there are no charges for this cave.
Is Pitts Cave Cold?
We cannot go inside the cave now, but it can be safely said that the air temperature inside the Pitts Cave is much lower than the surrounding temperature.
What to Wear?
Since entry to the cave is not allowed, you can wear any clothes that you are comfortable in and wear a pair of good comfortable shoes.
Pitts Cave Hours
The cave has no definite timings and can be visited 24/7.
What to Do (Beside Tours)
Pitts Cave is on private land and is not open for public tours. So, there is nothing much to do here after seeing the cave.
Best Time to Visit
You can visit the cave any time of the year as it is gated and closed to the public.
How to Get to Pitts Cave
The cave is located in Wayne County in Mississippi.
Hotels Nearby
There are several hotels, motels, and lodges in Wayne County in Mississippi where you can take a rest.
Pitts Cave Fun Facts
- The cave is home to rare and endangered species of bats.
- Gates have been installed at the entrance to limit the access of humans to protect the bat population.
- It is the largest cave in Mississippi, with more than 400m of passageways.
Pitts Cave Details
- Length: It has more than 420m of the passageway, but it is speculated that the total length is more than three miles.
- Time Recommended: 45 min
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Kid-friendly: Yes
- Dog-friendly: Yes
- Fees: None
- Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Visiting Pitts Cave
Do you need more information before visiting Pitts Cave? You can check the internet for more details about Pitts Cave as contact details are not readily available.
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