Virginia is full of natural wonders, but did you know there’s another world to explore in the mountains? We’re not talking about the views from the top either. In fact, we’re talking about the world that exists underneath the ground. Virginia is home to some of the most impressive, expansive caverns in the whole country and they are a great place to explore year-round, since the temperature inside them stays in the mid-50’s, no matter what the season.
Luray Caverns, Luray
If you’ve heard of any caverns in Virginia, you’ve probably heard of Luray Caverns. Not only are they the largest caverns in the eastern United States, but they are also considered a national landmark. Everywhere you look here, you’ll see breathtaking clusters of stalactites hanging down from the ceiling of the caves and stalagmites growing up from the floor. One of the most impressive features at Luray – Empress Column – was formed when a stalactite and a stalagmite grew together to form one giant golden column. Other points of interest here include a lit green pond known as the “Wishing Well,” the Giant Hall – a vast open area that is ten stories tall and filled with golden columns, and the Stalacpipe Organ – the world’s largest music instrument which uses stalactites as the organ pipes!
Shenandoah Caverns, Quicksburg
The only caverns in Virginia with an elevator are the Shenandoah Caverns, located in Quicksburg. When you visit, you’ll start out in the gift shop where you can pick up a souvenir or two before boarding the small elevator that will take you down into the caverns to start your tour. There are seventeen different underground rooms to explore, where you’ll see natural wonders including the formations that look like bacon, Long View Hall, which is a large, open room and Rainbow Lake, a site you have to appreciate in person. While you’re there, make sure you save yourself some extra time to visit their other on-site attractions like the Yellow Barn, Main Street of Yesteryear and American Celebration on Parade, where you can see massive parade floats that have been retired up close.
Skyline Caverns, Front Royal
Located in the small mountain town of Front Royal, VA, Skyline Caverns takes visitors on tours that reach more than 250 feet underground. It is located right off of Skyline Drive, so you can stop in while you’re touring the scenic Virginia highway. Here, you’ll see plenty of stalactites and stalagmites, but you’ll also catch a glimpse of a rare sight that can only be found in a few places in the world, Anthodites. These are delicate formations that resemble flowers and are referred to as the “orchids of the mineral kingdom. You’ll also want to snap a photo of Fairyland Lake, an amazing underground lake that’s lit with rainbow-colored lights.
Caverns at Natural Bridge, Natural Bridge
The Caverns at Natural Bridge are the deepest caverns on the entire East Coast, delving down a whopping 34 stories below ground. If you’re brave enough to head down there, you’ll see a variety of different landscapes including stalactites, stalagmites, underground pools, Mirror Lake and the Colossal Dome Room, which is one of the largest dome-shaped flowstones in the Eastern U.S. While you’re there, you can also check out the Natural Bridge and save yourself a little bit of cash on both attractions.
Endless Caverns, New Market
Endless Caverns in New Market earned their name after numerous expeditions failed to find an end to the complex system of caverns. So far, they’ve been mapped out for over five miles! Often noted as the most “authentic” of the Virginia caverns, the Endless Caverns are virtually untouched. You will need to be careful of slippery walkways and bring a jacket for the cool temperatures, but while you’re on your tour, you may just get to spot a bat or two who make their home deep in the caves.
Gap Caverns, Ewing
If you want to add another level of adventure to your cave visit, check out Gap Caverns in Ewing, where they offer the only lantern-led cavern tour in Virginia. This majestic world beneath the Cumberland Gap National Historic Park includes five different levels of dripstone formations, which are accessed by 183 steps, so make sure you ready for a little exercise. While you’re there, make sure you also check out Sand Lake – another natural formation that features a ceiling with over twenty different colors.
