Deer Lick Cave

Millions of years ago an ocean covered what is now Ohio. Salt from this ocean was trapped in the sands along the ocean’s shores. The salt became embedded in the sandstone that formed from these ancient sands. White-tailed deer need salt but don’t get it from the plants they eat, so they lick the salt from the sandstone, giving Deer Lick Cave its name. Deer Lick Cave is not a true cave. It’s actually a rock overhang formed through erosion of Berea sandstone by water. Explore this beautiful geological site in any season. Flowering trees in spring, cool shade in summer, spectacular color in autumn and fragile icicles in winter make this unique feature a peaceful place to enjoy nature’s past and present.