The Texas Underground
As hot as Texas can get on the surface, below the ground is another world - one of mystery and beauty and cool, dark respite. Discover the amazing underground world of the Lone Star State
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By Logan Hawkes
 Someone very famous once said that you can't judge a book by it's cover, and nothing could be closer to the truth when it comes to the hidden depths of Texas, which are often tucked carefully out of obvious sight and obscurely located in most every corner of the Lone Star State.
The Texas Underground, in fact, is so riddled with beauty that it even rivals the raw and natural splendor of surface Texas. And that's a tall order!
Of course, some might argue that driving across the miles and miles of barren countryside in far West Texas can be a road trip without significant event or special scenic wonder. There are, of course, some of us - myself included - that happens to think miles and miles of fenceless, open air space is about as beautiful as it gets.
But a trip to the Caverns at Sonora - out where the tumbleweeds blow - will convince even the toughest open range critic that West Texas holds some remarkable spots of beauty - in this case, beneath the arid surface.
In fact, the state's remarkable cave system offers about as much diverse beauty as their "top side" counterparts. From West Texas to the cave-rich central Texas region, there are plenty of public caverns to explore, each with their special brand of underground awe.
And for every cave that John Q. Public can explore, there are a thousand more hidden away forever on ranches, open ranges and private property all across the state.
Next time you're struggling to come up with that perfect Texas road trip, consider taking to the "unofficial" Texas Cavern Trail. It doesn't really matter where you start as long as you can get in at least a trio of these remarkable caverns. Get ready to enjoy Texas underground.
 The Caverns of SonoraThis cave has some wonderful formations and scenes throughout the tour. Bill Stephenson, founder of the National Speleological Society, says, " The beauty of the Caverns of Sonora cannot be exaggerated, not even by a Texan." From pure white-walled cavern rooms to a special room full of helictites, mystery and beauty abound beneat the West Texas ground. The cave is a short drive from the town of Sonora, Texas. Visit the Official Web Site.
 Longhorn CavernsThis remarkable cavern, once formed by an underground stream that cut its way through the soft limestone of the Texas Hill Country, has been used by man for many a year. The Commanche used it as a council chamber. Outlaw Sam Bass used it as a hideout. The Conferate Army manufactured gunpowder there and even a local church used the cave as a place of worship. Remarkable natural beauty! Visit the Official Web Site.
 Natural Bridge CavernsThe Hall of the Mountain Kings resides deep in the earth at this remarkable cavern, the largest commercial cave operation in Texas. The Hall is larger than a Texas football field, so get ready to have your breath taken away! The cave is also full of remarkable formations including draperies, columns, stalagmites, and stalactites. Located north of San Antonio and south of New Braunfels, the cavern is well worth the visit. Visit the Official Web Site.
 Cascade CavernsLocated near Boerne, just north of San Antonio, this remarkable cave sports a 90-foot waterfall in its largest room during the wet season. The cave was once full of water, and it's not unusual to step through puddles of clear, fresh water as you explore it. A living cave, this cavern offers amazing formations that continue to develop year after year. If you're part of the RV crowd, there's a great park on the cavern property and run by cavern operators. Visit the Official Web Site.
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