Has anyone ever uncovered a sinkhole to reveal an opening to a cave? If so, how can I without falling in?

Question

I have a sinkhole I would like to open I'm just kinda skeptical on how to do it. There are around 20 sinkholes on the property. How do I know which ones I can uncover, and which ones I can't. The one I'm planning on uncovering is around 5-6 feet deep. I'm almost certain that this cave will be a beautiful cave I just have to get into it. Any suggestions for me?

Answer 1

Unless you are an experienced spelunker (i.e., cave explorer), I wouldn't recommend that you try. If a sinkhole makes it all the way to the ground surface, then there is likely a large network of holes in the area. You may think that it's just 5-6 feet deep, but one wrong step might reveal that it's 30 or 40 feet deep. It can also be extraordinarily easy to become lost or disoriented in such network because all of the things that you're brain normally uses for orientation (e.g., the sun, the hill or mountain in the distance, the old oak tree by the barn, whatever) are not there.

However, if you're determined to go exploring and don't want to listen to my warning, then at least go prepared. First and foremost, make sure you have a partner with you. This is critical in case you injure yourself and you need someone to go for help or to administer first-aid. Secondly, make sure that you have proper equipment like waterproof lighting, climbing gear, good clothes and footgear, and food/water. Take precautions to mark your progress so you can back-track your way out of the cave.

Remember that a cave like the one you just described is a confined space, and could potentially house harmful gases or substances. Again, I wouldn't recommend you try anything unless you or your partner is an experienced spelunker.