Merlin's Cave Preserve consists of 35 acres and is located in the town of Canaan in Columbia County, New York.
  Merlins Cave currently exists in nearly pristine condition. Therefore, the cave is currently open only for survey, exploration, documentation and very small group guided trips at the discretion of the Preserve Manager. All trips require qualified leaders who are thoroughly familiar with the cave and have participated in leader-training exercises. Leader trainings are held periodically and will be announced via the NRO/NSS and Northeastern Cave Conservancy list-serves (link to the following: http://www.necaveconservancy.org/subscribe.php).

Cavers visiting Merlin's cave should be aware of areas marked by caution tape, as these areas are either particularly fragile or unstable. A trail is marked from the parking area past the Dragon Bones Cave entrance to the Merlins Cave entrance. Established trails should be used to access the caves.

Due to the nature of the cave, at this time institutional users may give surface tours of the property only. Please contact the NCC special use coordinators for more information.

• Minimum group size is 3; maximum group size is 8; maximum number of simultaneous trips is 3.
• All persons entering the cave must have at least the following minimum equipment: helmet with a chin strap; three (3) sources of light, one of which must be helmet mounted; and knee pads. In addition, some parts of the cave also require vertical gear to safely negotiate.
• All cavers are expected to abide by the normally accepted rules of safe and conservation minded caving as outlined by the National Speleological Society, 2813 Cave Avenue, Huntsville, Alabama 35810-4431.
• Merlin's Cave must be treated as a unique natural resource, and nothing should be taken out of the cave except trash.
• All work projects must be clearly defined and authorized beforehand.
• Each group is expected to clean up any trash in the cave or on the property.
• Periods of Access: At the present time Merlin's Cave and Dragon Bones Cave are closed from October 1st until May 15th as the caves are both bat hibernacula.

• Institutional groups: Insurance or certificate thereof may be required for private groups such as schools, camps, and scouts. A special parental permission form must be signed for each and every minor. Groups such as the Boy Scouts will be required to show proof that they are complying with their own rules regarding caving.

If you have questions about this preserve, please contact the Merlins preserve manager at merlins@necaveconservancy.org