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Ultimate Guide to Horse Caves, Massachusetts (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)

Ultimate Guide to Horse Caves, Massachusetts (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)

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Located in Granby, Horse Caves are a great geological feature in the Holyoke Range. The caves can be best described as a series of ledges. These ledges are found along the New England National Scenic Trail, east of Mount Norwottuck. 

Ultimate Guide to Horse Caves, Massachusetts (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)

Horse Caves, Massachusetts

Horse Caves can be easily reached by the Horse Caves Trail, a 4-mile loop that ends at Amherst in Massachusetts. The view of the surroundings from the Horse Caves is simply out of this world. 

History of Horse Caves

According to historical records, the Horse Caves were used during the Shays Rebellion, which Daniel Shay led in Massachusetts from 1786 to 1787. Shay was recognized as a revolutionary War veteran who played a significant role in leading the rebels against economic injustices and recognizing civil rights. Shay and the other rebels had used Horse Caves as a hiding place after the defeat at the hands of the Massachusetts militia. 

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Geological Cave Formations in Horse Caves

The Horse Caves are a unique geological feature in the Holyoke Range. Although called caves, they look more like rocky ledges along the New England National Scenic Trail. 

Wildlife in Horse Caves

Not much is known about the types of wildlife species you may encounter in the vicinity of Horse Caves. 

Are Horse Caves Haunted?

The Horse Caves are not haunted, and there are no supernatural occurrences here. 

How Big Are Horse Caves?

With an elevation of 833 ft, the cave’s exact length or dimensions are unknown. 

horse caves outside

Horse Caves Tours

There are no official tours.

Horse Caves can be best described as a set of rocky ledges though smaller, cave-like structures are present. You can walk under a large overhand; a huge-looking rock balanced dangerously on top of other rocks. There is also a large ledge under it from where you can have a clear look into the woods and other trails.

The cave is a narrow opening that will eventually lead to another narrow tunnel you must crawl through on your stomach. The cave leads to nothing substantial but a small opening through which only your hand can squeeze in! 

Horse Caves Tour Prices and Discounts

There are no charges for accessing Horse Caves. 

Is Horse Caves Cold?

There is not much temperature difference in the caverns compared to the surrounding temperature. 

What to Wear?

You can wear light, comfortable clothes, but you need a pair of good hiking shoes to walk up the trail to get to the caves. 

Horse Caves Hours

It remains accessible 24 hours a day. 

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What to Do at Horse Caves (Beside Tours)

Horse Caves are the chief attraction here, and you will have difficulty finding anything to do here after exploring the caves. 

Best Time to Visit Horse Caves

It can be accessed any time of the day and year, but spring is usually preferred. 

 How to Get to Horse Caves

Horse Caves is in the town of Granby. To reach here, you must follow the Mount Norwottuck and Horse Caves Trail, a 4 miles loop. If you want to see the caves, follow the red blaze trail along the north portion of the loop, as it is a more leisurely hike.

Provide a safe bat habitat
Provide a safe bat habitat!

Hotels near Horse Caves

There are decent hotels at Granby where one can easily reach Horse Caves. Granby Motel and Howard Johnson deserve special mention as they offer quality accommodation at affordable rates. 

Places To Stay Nearby

Horse Caves Fun Facts

  • The Horse Caves were mainly used during the Shays Rebellion of 1786-1787. 
  • The Horse Caves are a group of rocky ledges that do not look like conventional caves. 
  • Daniel Shays, the Shays Rebellion leader, hid in this cave after his defeat. 
USA Cave list

Horse Caves Details 

  • Length: Not Known 
  • Time Recommended: 1 hour
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Kid-friendly: No
  • Dog-friendly: No
  • Fees: None
  • Hours: 24 hours

Download our Horse Caves Guide (Unofficial) 

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