A few miles from where the Suncoast Parkway ends on Highway 98 north of Brooksville lies a group of these dry caves known as the Dames Caves in the Citrus Tract of the Withlacoochee State Forest. The Dames Caves are a network of caves located near each other. The four larger caves are Vandal Cave, Danger Cave, Peace Sign Cave and Sick Bat Cave.
Vandal Cave
The largest of these is Vandal Cave, so named due to the large amount of graffiti that decorates the cave walls. Vandal Cave has an annex that serves as a relatively gentle opening into the cave. The cave floor is mud due to infilling from rainwater and sediments from the nearby dirt road trail. Over the past couple of decades the deterioration of the caves has resulted in the opening of karst windows in the cave and the filling of some of the mapped areas of the cave.
Exploring the opening of the cave is not rigorous and can be easily done without specialized equipment. Children frequently climb down the side annex into Vandal Cave although the mud slopes must be navigated with some caution. The low overhanging karst roof requires a visitor to remain vigilant of the limited head space in the annex if not wearing protective head gear. The caves are well illuminated and can be visited without additional lighting. A word of caution, exploration beyond the entrance to any of the caves is not advisable without proper conditioning and knowledge as the passageways are narrow and adventurous youths have become stuck in the past requiring rescue.
How to Reach the Dames Cave System
While certainly not the largest caves in the state, they are remote enough to allow a feeling of discovery and accessible enough for the sense of discovery to be shared with young explorers. The easiest route to reach Dames Caves is Trail 22 in the Citrus Tract of the Withlacoochee State Forest. The entrance to Trail 22 lies on the east side of Citrus Way across the street from W Lone Ct., just north of W Stage Coach Trail. Trail 22 is a maintained unimproved dirt road and a relatively gentle hike with only slight changes in elevation. A round trip hike to Vandal Cave and back is less than a mile making an easy hike for families with children. A safety rope lines the trail next to Vandal Cave. Children should be closely attended due to the natural hazards such associated with caves. The graffiti and litter in the area allow for a lesson in the importance of stewardship. A dumpster is located at the parking area allowing for environmentally and civic minded individuals to easily remove refuse on the way out.
David Chandler - David Chandler is a freelance writer living in the southeastern United States. After serving as a Reconnaissance Marine, he graduated from ...
