Ultimate Guide to King Philip’s Cave, Massachusetts (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)
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King Philip’s Cave is in Norton, where the 17th century and their chief took shelter during the bloody war in 1675. It is a historical landmark and preserved by the historical commission as an important local history site.
King Philip’s Cave, Massachusetts
Many people would opine that it is not a worthy destination, but it would be a great stop if you are somehow located in any nearby town. A very short trail leads to a residential street near the cave, but it is not worth hiking.
History of King Philip’s Cave
Our history isn’t always a nice one – and this story clearly talks about the fight between Native Americans and the invading Europeans.
The Native American Sachem, Metacomet aka King Philip by the English, was the chief of the Wampanoag people who used this area as a stopping place. He is remembered throughout Massachusetts for the war that killed 3000 Native Americans and 600 English colonists.
He led his people in defending the land against English encroachment. It was a hard-fought battle that resulted in defeat for the Wampanoag tribe in 1676.
It is believed that the cave was the spot where King Philip spent one of his final nights. Sadly, he was slaughtered by one of his men and was later beheaded by the English settlers in 1678 in the war with the Algonquin nation fighting against the white settlers.
Geological Cave Formations in the cave
The cave is a natural stone formation created by the movement of ice sheets in the last Ice Age, about 13,500 years ago. The glaciers were over 100 miles in width and a mile in thickness. It carried a huge amount of soil and rock deposited in this area.
The large stones and boulders the cave formed are called pudding stones or conglomerates. The stones are glacial erratics left behind when the ice sheets melted and retreated.
Wildlife in the Cave
The area near the cave has a fair share of insects and small critters, which you will encounter when you explore the cave and on the trail.
Is King Philip’s Cave Haunted?
The cave is so named because Metacomet, the Wampanoag Sachem, also known as King Philip, spent his final nights here. However, the leader was killed by his men. When people come here, they claim that they feel a kind of eerie chill in the air. The locals have also reported spotting strange activities in and around the swamp.
How Big is King Philip’s Cave?
It is a small cave, but no exact dimensions are available.
King Philip’s Cave Tours
King Philip’s Cave is so named because Metacomet, the Wampanoag sachem, hid in this cave towards the end of King Philip’s War before meeting his death in Bristol. The cave has beautiful rock formations. However, it is difficult to call this structure a cave as it looks like two boulders have crisscrossed on top of one another, creating a gap beneath them.
There is a 1.5-mile hike to the cave, which you can take, but it is not worth your effort. Experts have pointed out that calling the formation a cave is a misnomer. The huge boulders have just come together to form a tunnel with an opening on both ends. But it can be said that the cave is a unique geologic structure shaped centuries ago through a geological formation.
King Philip’s Cave Tour Prices and Discounts
Entry to the cave is free.
Is King Philip’s Cave Cold?
There is no marked difference between the air temperature of the surrounding area and the cave.
What to Wear?
You can wear clothes in which you are comfortable but do wear proper hiking or walking shoes as a little bit of walking is involved here.
King Philip’s Cave Hours
The cave is accessible 24 hours a day.
What to Do at King Philip’s Cave (Beside Tours)
The cave is the focal point of attraction in the area, which schoolchildren mainly visit. Once you are here, you can check out Lake Winnecunnett, a great recreation spot.
Best Time to Visit King Philip’s Cave
You can visit the cave any time of the year.
How to Get to King Philip’s Cave
King Philip’s Cave is in Norton near Lake Winnecunnett. The cave can be accessed from Stone Run Drive off Plain Street near Bay Road. It is on a 7-acre land that Land Preservation Society owns.
Hotels near King Philip’s Cave
There are hotels like Clarion Hotel & Conference Center and Fairfield Inn & Suites within 6 to 8 km of King Philip’s Cave.
Places To Stay Nearby
Cave Fun Facts
- The Land Preservation Society of Norton preserves King Philip’s Cave.
- Parking is available on the cul-de-sac but is not easy and very tight.
- It was the site where King Philip hid before meeting his death.
King Philip’s Cave Details
- Length:
- Time Recommended: 1 hour
- Difficulty: Easy
- Kid-friendly: Yes
- Dog-friendly: Yes
- Fees: Free
- Hours: 24 hours
Download our King Philip’s Cave Guide (Unofficial)
Visiting the Cave
Do you need more information before visiting the cave? Call (508) 285 – 9852 for an information packet.
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