While I’m always up for going somewhere new, it’s always more special to me when we can forget the artificial wonders and explore the world’s natural beauty.
Besides visiting parks, forests and oceans, as a family we’ve started to visit more caves. Being Virginia residents, we decided to start visiting some of the best caves in Virginia.
The kids think it’s so cool to go beneath the earth’s surface and I was surprised to see how much this peaked their interest.
They’ve wanted to learn more about cave systems and nature in general which has been so neat to see.
While there’s certainly some popular caves in Virginia, I’ll also share some you may not be familiar with.
So grab your jacket, and some sturdy shoes, and get ready to explore the awe-inspiring depths of Virginia’s caverns.
#1 Luray Caverns
101 Cave Hill Rd, Luray, VA 22835
​Luray Caverns are one of the most popular Virginia Caverns and for good reason. With cathedral-sized rooms, the largest caverns in the eastern US and a national natural landmark, it doesn’t take long to figure out why.
READ: 35 Fun Things to Do in Luray
You’ll walk along lit pathways as you look up at 10-story ceilings and towering rock formations in the cavern’s massive chambers. The main attraction is the Great Stalacpipe Organ, the world’s largest musical instrument.
The instrument has these towering organ pipes that are really neat to hear. This also spans over 3.5 underground acres which is really unbelieveable.
Did You Know?
Luray Caverns is not only the largest caverns in the Eastern US, it’s also a National Landmark.
Just an hour drive from the Shenandoah Heritage Village, Luray offers plenty for the whole family to enjoy above ground too.
Let the kids run wild in the garden maze at Toy Town Junction or explore Luray’s heritage at the Carriage Caravan Museum, one of Virginia’s several car museums.
We visit with my uncle who is a complete history buff and he really appreciated the valley’s stories showcased at the Luray Valley Museum.
If you don’t want to wait for a tour you can even take a self-guided tours (although our tour guide was fabulous!) including the toy town junction museum, Luray Caverns and the surrounding area.
#2 Shenandoah Caverns
Looking for a one-of-a-kind adventure along Skyline Drive? Then be sure to visit the incredible Shenandoah Caverns, one of the most popular caverns in Virginia! For almost 100 years, this great place has been thrilling visitors with its breathtaking underground rooms and formations.
Known as Grotto of the Gods, you’ll be amazed by the famous Breakfast Bacon formations that appeared in National Geographic. Marvel at soaring spaces like Capitol Dome and gaze in wonder at Diamond Cascade and Rainbow Lake’s vibrant colors; it’s known to give you good luck! The variety of unique formations is unbelievable!
After exploring the caverns, head up top to experience the Main Street of Yesteryear and the charming Yellow Barn. With Shenandoah National Park nearby, it makes for an unforgettable day!
Shenandoah Caverns has the ease of elevator service and is located right off I-81, under 2 hours from DC. Don’t miss out on this can’t-miss adventure in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley.
Did You Know?
The Virginia big-eared bat uses caves to hibernate in the winter. white-nose syndrome showed up in 2009 and has killed many bats. Don’t worry though, you can’t catch this syndrome.
#3 Endless Caverns
Imagine stumbling upon a pitch-black hole leading to a maze of subterranean chambers and passageways. That’s how this stunning underground wonder was discovered back in 1879!
Nestled beneath the Massanutten mountains, this Little Brown Bat-filled 5.5-mile-long cave system has fascinated visitors to New Market for over a century.
READ NEXT: 7 Caves Near Hershey PA: Where to Go & Unique Experiences
As you traverse shimmering rooms linked by Caverns Road, you’ll find yourself transported to another world. With areas still unexplored, who knows what other natural marvels hide in its depths? Be sure to check for additional information on touring this magnificent creation.
#4 Skyline Caverns
In 1937, geologist Walter S. Amos uncovered a rare scientific gem – the awe-inspiring Skyline Caverns hidden beneath the Shenandoah Valley for 60 million years!
Tip: Allow extra time when visiting a popular attraction like Skyline Caverns – it’s the state’s longest cave system! Knowledgeable tour guides will lead you through the winding tunnels with cool information signs explaining the type of cave, rock formations, and more.Â
Here you can venture down to see the magnificent Anthodite formation of crystals and more.
Don’t miss the illuminating Nature Trail above ground either. And the Gift Shop lets you take memories home! Walter S. Amos was right – the caverns are truly an only place like no other.
#5 Natural Bridge Caverns
The tours at the Natural Bridge Caverns last 45-minutes and the caverns themselves are the deepest commercial caverns on the East Coast. Pretty cool!
The tour guides talk about the different rock formations you see, the history of the caves, wildlife found in and around the caverns and of course…wil answer any questions you have.
#6 Gap Caverns
At Cumberland Gap National Park, you can join rangers to explore a 5-level cave called Gap Cave. We hiked the historic Wilderness Road to get there, then descended 183 steps into an insane cathedral with underground rooms.
It’s a 1.5-mile trek through pitch-black passages and wild cave rooms. A bit spooky but so cool! Just be prepared – no kids under 5 are allowed. Tickets are pretty inexpensive too.
Plus, you can spend the rest of the day exploring the rest of Cumberland Gap National Historical Park.
#7 Sand Cave
I just hiked to a secret cave called Sand Cave in Virginia. You’ve got to add this to your list! The 250-foot half dome was carved by wind and time, and inside is an entire beach of soft sand. So wild.
We trekked from the Civic Park parking area to reach it. I’m not going to lie, it was a bit of a haul. But it is so worth it once you step into the sandy acre cavern. The stars on AllTrails don’t lie – it 100% lives up to the hype.
If you want a hike to remember, put Sand Caves at the top. The payoff is just unreal. Pack a picnic, and make a day of it!
#8 Grand Caverns
Let’s take a walk back in time, my friend! At Grand Caverns in Virginia, you can explore America’s oldest show cave, operating since 1806. It’s insane to think what these walls have seen.
As we go down, check out the wild rock formations and shields – so cool! And don’t miss the stunning Cathedral Room or the Bridal Veil cascade. There are great educational books too, like how the caves were used in the Civil War.
With hiking, mini golf, and more topside, Grand Caverns makes for an unforgettable trip through history.
#9 Dixie Caverns
This cave was literally discovered by a hound named Dixie back in 1920. Dixie Caverns has guided tours to see all the crazy formations he uncovered.
As you go down into the chambers, keep an eye out for the huge bell-shaped Wedding Bell flowstone. People even get married under it. And look out for the whimsical Turkey Wing formation too.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Dixie Caverns is not to miss. They’ve got something to wow everyone, plus a cool gift shop.
#10 Breathing Cave
Butler Cave in Virginia hides a secret world with waterfalls, bridges, underground lakes, and the sparkliest floating crystals you’ve ever seen. Just watch your head as you enter – it’s pitch black!
It’s a pretty cool cave that offers a different experience from the rest.
Visiting Caves in Virginia
So, what do you think? Ready to check out some of these caves?
Whether we start with the well-known ones like Luray or go straight for the hidden gems, I feel like each one has something cool to offer.
The caves are so much fun for the kids and it’s fun to watch them explore and ask the guides questions as their interest gets peaked.
Some of the caves have some additional activities or are close to other activities so you can make an entire day out of it!
