The Shenandoah Valley is probably best known for its dense forests, rolling hills, and crystal-clear streams—but fewer visitors know that even more natural wonders await belowground.
The caverns of the Shenandoah Valley must be seen to be believed. Decked with towering stalagmites and dripping stalactites, these destinations stay temperate all year round and offer a rainbow of dazzling sights for those willing to head beneath the Earth’s surface.
This guide will cover seven caverns in the Shenandoah, all of which are less than two hours’ drive from Berkeley Springs. Book your trip with Stay Blue Maple and read on to learn what to explore.
Shenandoah Caverns
- 261 Caverns Rd, Shenandoah Cavern, VA
- Popular cavern with a family-friendly museum
Let’s start with one of the best-known caverns in the Shenandoah region. Shenandoah Caverns is renowned for its one-of-a-kind geological features, including bacon formations—sheets of rock that resemble crispy bacon strips when illuminated.
A guided tour lasts about an hour, and since Shenandoah Caverns is the only cavern in Virginia with elevator service, wheelchairs, and strollers are permitted. After admiring all of the stunning natural displays here, visiting the American Celebration on Parade is a must. And no, this isn’t an event—it’s a massive museum that serves as a tribute to America’s culture and history, showcasing parade floats from the many different festivals that take place across the country.
With any time left over, squeeze in a visit to the gem sluice, where little ones can mine precious stones to take home as souvenirs.
Luray Caverns
- 101 Cave Hill Rd, Luray, VA
- Sprawling caverns with a variety of above- and below-ground attractions
Discovered by a small group of explorers in 1878, Luray Caverns are the largest caverns in the Eastern United States. You can relive that exciting discovery on the Discovery Tour (and during the annual Discovery Day celebration every August), but Luray Caverns is fascinating for much more than its history. The formations here include the jaw-dropping Titania’s Veil, Double Lake, and Stalacpipe Organ, which is every bit as musical as its name implies.
In addition to the caverns, you’ll find a wide variety of different activities that are sure to interest visitors of all ages.
- The Car & Carriage Caravan Museum is a must-see for any car buffs.
- Kids will love Toy Town Junction, the Garden Maze, and the gem sluice.
- If you want to learn more about the history of the Shenandoah region, stop by the Shenandoah Heritage Village, a recreation of a farming community from the 1800s.
Skyline Caverns
- 10344 Stonewall Jackson Hwy, Front Royal, VA
- One-of-a-kind rock formations in a cavern near Washington, D.C.
Skyline Caverns bills itself as the cavern system closest to the nation’s capital, but that’s far from the only reason to plan a trip. The caves here are host to a variety of unique rock formations, most notably delicate structures known as anthodites. These snowflake-like crystals can be found in only a few places in the world, and Skyline Caverns is home to the world’s largest and oldest known anthodite, fittingly called the Chandelier.
Of course, these aren’t the only formations of note at Skyline Caverns. There’s a waterfall thundering 37 feet in height underground, the colorfully illuminated Painted Desert, and the awe-inspiring Cathedral Hall, to name just a few. As for other attractions, a Mirror Maze, miniature train, and a nature trail provide hours more entertainment after you head back to the surface.
Endless Caverns
- 1800 Endless Caverns Rd, New Market, VA
- Six-mile cavern system that is still being explored today
Endless Caverns more than lives up to its name. Though roughly six miles of the caverns have been explored thus far, intrepid spelunkers continue to seek the cavern’s farthest reaches, and no end has yet been found. Though there’s no telling exactly where these caverns might culminate, it’s safe to say that plenty remains to be discovered down here.
Cavern tours last about 75 minutes and take visitors through some of the pathways (not all six miles, thankfully) that have been mapped. All rock formations are presented in their natural coloring. While Endless Caverns might not have all the bells and whistles of, say, Luray Caverns or Shenandoah Caverns, you’ll benefit from fewer crowds and a more personalized touch on the tours.
Grand Caverns
- 5 Grand Cavern Rd, Grottoes, VA
- America’s oldest show cave, with a number of events and attractions
First opened to the public in 1806, Grand Caverns holds the title of the oldest show cave in the U.S. As a result, the operators of this limestone cavern system have had plenty of time to get creative with guest experiences. In addition to 70-minute walking tours of the caves—which are hugely impressive in their own right—Grand Caverns also gives spelunking tours for different ability levels.
If you can, try to snag tickets to one of Grand Caverns’ Subterranean Sound live concerts, an out-of-this-world experience that takes place a few times a month. Outside of the caverns, historical tours, and a gem mining experience await visitors.
Pro Tip: Since Grand Caverns is located on the banks of the Shenandoah River’s south fork, this is also a perfect place to stop for a picnic or get out on the river in kayaks and canoes.
Melrose Caverns
- 6639 N Valley Pike, Harrisonburg, VA
- Scenic caverns with historical significance
Though the rock formations in Melrose Caverns are undeniably impressive, that’s not the most interesting part of this natural landmark. During the Civil War, Union soldiers holed up in Melrose Caverns, eating and sleeping belowground. Many of these soldiers carved their names and drawings into the cave walls, leaving an indelible record of their presence that’s still visible today.
Small, guided tours will show you around the caverns, which are also open for special events and weddings. Though a bit more off the beaten path than other caverns on this list, Melrose Caverns is a truly one-of-a-kind stop if you want to explore fascinating history and cave formations at the same time.
Spelunking in the Caverns of the Shenandoah
Though Shenandoah’s aboveground attractions tend to get most of the attention, these caverns prove that there’s so much more to be seen than meets the eye. And since many of the caverns have additional attractions, you won’t have any problem keeping everyone in your group entertained.
Book your trip dates with Stay Blue Maple, so you’ll be within two hours drive of all these caverns and other unique attractions in the Shenandoah region.