Though the Shenandoah Valley area is best known for its mountain peaks and incredible sunsets, an equally amazing sight awaits underground. Luray Caverns, the largest cavern system in the eastern United States, draws visitors from across the globe to marvel at its soaring formations and unusual geology.
To help you plan your first trip to this incredible place, we’ve put together a guide on everything you need to know about Luray Caverns, including when to visit and what you can expect to discover here. Book your stay with Blue Maple and read on to plan your trip.
Getting to Know Luray Caverns
- 101 Cave Hill Rd, Luray, VA
- luraycaverns.com
- Tickets required for ages 6 and up
Discovered by a group of intrepid locals in 1878, Luray Caverns is located near the town of Luray, Virginia. Numerous unique geologic formations make up the caverns, including dripping stalactites and stalagmites, stone columns, and crystal-clear pools. A U.S. Natural Landmark, the cave is estimated to be some 4 million centuries old and comprises an awe-inspiring array of sights and sounds, sure to impress visitors of all ages.
Luray Caverns features accessible walkways that allow everyone to enjoy this breathtaking destination. You could easily spend hours admiring the cathedral-sized rooms in this “Geology Hall of Fame,” even listening to the musical sounds that surround you. Suffice it to say, there’s nothing else on Earth quite like Luray Caverns.
When to Go to Luray Caverns
Winter at Luray Caverns
Winter in Luray can be quite chilly, with highs in the 40s and 50s and lows in the 20s and 30s. It’s also not unusual to see the occasional snow shower or storm at this time of year. But far underground, the conditions are quite different.
Luray Caverns is open every day of the year, and temperatures are always at an even 54 degrees Fahrenheit. You can ring in the season at one of the following events:
- Shriners Caroling in the Caverns
- Luray Christmas Tree Lighting (in Luray)
- Christmas Parade (in Luray)
Spring at Luray Caverns
In spring, the temperatures aboveground will begin to warm. New greenery appears on trees throughout the Shenandoah Valley, including along Skyline Drive at Shenandoah National Park, a 15-minute drive from the caverns. Temperatures range into the 60s and 70s, with lows in the 40s and 50s and the occasional rain shower.
Belowground, of course, little changes in the weather. But it’s well worth swinging by Luray at this time of year to check out the Festival of Spring, a fun celebration of the season that takes place downtown.
Summer at Luray Caverns
When the weather aboveground warms up into the 80s, there’s no better place to cool off than down in the caverns. The balmy temperatures in the caves will likely keep you around for much longer, and visiting Luray Caverns is a great way to escape the summer heat.
As you plan your summer visit, you may want to save some time to check out these fun events:
- Fourth of July (in Luray)
- Discovery Day
Fall at Luray Caverns
Daytime temperatures up in the Shenandoah Valley will cool slowly. Highs stay in the 70s and 80s well into October before reaching the 60s in November. Throughout the region, leaves change color in a jaw-dropping show nearly as exciting as the one happening belowground throughout the year.
Naturally, the fun doesn’t stop down in Luray Caverns. Check out these annual events during your fall trip:
- Homeschool Week
- Page County Heritage Festival (in Luray)
Things to Do at Luray Caverns
Luray Caverns is a geological wonderland bustling with exciting activities for all ages. You’ll never be bored during a visit to Luray Caverns, so let’s touch on some of the can’t-miss things to do while you’re here:
Take a Discovery Tour
Many visitors to the caverns will opt for the self-guided tour, but we recommend you wake up early and purchase tickets for the Discovery Tour, a one-hour experience led by a guide dressed in 1800s-era clothing. After all, to get the full discovery experience, you’ll have to travel back in time to the day that discovery was made.
During the tour, you can learn much more in-depth information about the caves’ history and fascinating geological formations, including Titania’s Veil and the Great Stalacpipe Organ. Afterward, take your time meandering through the cave network and underground lakes to make sure you don’t miss anything. Space fills up quickly, so try to book your tour ASAP.
Check Out the Car & Carriage Caravan Museum
Part of Luray Caverns’ enduring appeal is that there’s much, much more to do here than simply admire the caves. Though you might be tempted to spend all day looking at the rock formations, set aside some time to check out the Car & Carriage Caravan Museum, an enviable display of automobile history that will wow any car buffs in your group. These rare and vintage vehicles have been restored to their former glory to chronicle the history of transportation in America.
Go Back in Time at the Shenandoah Heritage Village
Aboveground, you can learn more about the region’s first settlers at the Shenandoah Heritage Village. This faithful recreation of historic buildings from a 19th-century farming town includes the red-brick Meetinghouse, the Luray Valley Museum, gardens, and a vineyard, the perfect place for a relaxing stroll.
The kids will love the gem sluice, which teaches little ones the basics of mining for precious metals and shares the history of the practice in the region.
Soak Up the Sounds at the Singing Tower
The 117-foot-tall Luray Carillon Singing Tower provides a counterpoint to the underground Luray Caverns. The site of regular free recitals, the Singing Tower contains 47 different bells that ring out over the gorgeous Shenandoah Valley landscape. Drop by to admire the tower silhouetted against a backdrop of the neighboring Blue Ridge mountains, and try to catch a recital if you can.
Get Lost in the Garden Maze
The Garden Maze delivers plenty of fun for everyone. Spread out over an acre, the maze consists of more than 1,500 evergreen hedges that form a half-mile, handicap-accessible pathway. You’ll have to spend at least a little time figuring out all the different points of this picturesque attraction, but you won’t have to worry about getting lost on hot days—cooling mists help you beat the heat as you make your way through the hedge maze.
Other Nearby Places to Visit
Outside of Luray Caverns, you’ll find a plethora of different activities and destinations. You could spend your day right in Luray: souvenir-shopping, munching on food at different restaurants, and people-watching the friendly locals.
For those who want a little more adventure, options extend far beyond the caverns. Take a hike to Hawksbill Mountain or Stony Man, or book a fly fishing tour with a local charter to catch native brook trout in nearby streams.
During the warmer months, you could also go tubing, kayaking, or rafting on the Potomac or Shenandoah Rivers. Your choices are truly endless here, so while the caverns might be your number one destination, make sure you set aside some time for the many other worthwhile attractions in the area.
Stay Near the Luray Caverns
Now that you’ve learned all you need to know about Luray Caverns, it’s time to book your stay with Blue Maple and finish planning your itinerary. You might just spend hours exploring the nooks and crannies of the cave system, so why not stay nearby? That way, you can take as much time as you’d like in the caverns.
Whether you’re interested in the geology of the caves or simply want to marvel at these natural wonders, Luray Caverns won’t disappoint. Get ready for a mindblowing trip to the Geology Hall of Fame—we hope you enjoy the views!