At a glance
#23 of 29 Historical landmarks in Philadelphia #7 of 8 Hiking areas in PhiladelphiaLocalGuideWorld score: 4.51
Rating breakdown
-
5 ★71%
-
4 ★15%
-
3 ★11%
-
2 ★3%
-
1 ★1%
Quick facts
- What is the rating of Kelpius Cave?
- Kelpius Cave is rated 4.5 out of 5 based on 197 reviews.
- How does Kelpius Cave rank in Philadelphia?
- Kelpius Cave is #23 of 29 Historical landmarks in Philadelphia by LocalGuideWorld score (rating weighted by number of reviews).
- Where is Kelpius Cave located?
- Hermit Ln, Philadelphia, PA 19128, United States — 7.5 km from the center of Philadelphia.
- How can I contact Kelpius Cave?
- Phone: +1 856-684-8982 · Website: facebook.com
Kelpius Cave, nestled in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park, is steeped in mystique and history. It is believed to be the 17th-century home of Johannes Kelpius and his followers, America’s first doomsday cult. These mystics, known as the Hermits of the Wissahickon, settled here in 1694, interpreting the Bible’s “Book of Revelation” to mean the world would end that year. The cave, possibly an old springhouse, served as a retreat for the group, who lived a solitary life of contemplation while awaiting the apocalypse. Despite the world not ending as predicted, the group contributed to the community through art, music, and science, leaving behind a legacy of Philadelphia’s earliest settlers.
Finally found my way to the "hermit's cave" while on a hike with a Friends of the Wissahickkon guide. Amazing how this religious man survived in this cave in the 17th century. It appears to have been near a stream which is now dried up. It is a little tricky to find, though we did pass a trail marker.
Wow. This is incredible. Unique history. Quiet spot. Worth the short hike.
The best! I should know as I lived and grew up in the little cottage house shown here from 1966 to 1983 when it had to be taken down but it's ruins are still there!
Phenomenal cave. I walked two hours to get here and it was worth every minute. A kind man even granted my friends and I some alone time with the cave so we could truly savor the experience. Could not recommend enough.
In Wissahickon park, not far or hard to get to. But don’t expect much it’s a tiny single room. Story is interesting and worth a read though. Apparently it was apart of a cult in the 1600’s
Good short hike towards it, can't tell you what the cave looks like from the inside cause I was alone and I'm a big scaredy cat
Explore More
Nearby Places
View Place
Wissahickon Valley Park
View Place
Vicaris St Trailhead
View Place
Walnut Lane Golf Club
View Place
Roxborough Memorial Hospital Emergency Room
View Place
Blue Bell Park
View Place
Blue Bell Field Parking Lot
View Place
Wissahickon Trail Ridge Avenue
View Place
Wissahickon Transportation Center
View Place
Wissahickon R6 SEPTA Station
View Place
Wissahickon
You may also like
Similar Places
View Place
North Woods Loch Waterfall
View Place
Ravine
View Place
Water Hole Trail Head
View Place
Grand Staircase
View Place
Forest Park Hiking Trails
View Place
Forest Park Blue Trail Head
View Place
Breeze Hill Walk
View Place
Marine Park Salt Marsh Nature Trail
View Place
Kissena park trail
View Place