Virginia is famous for its beautiful mountains, green rolling hills, and sprawling coastline. Yet few people realize there are just as many natural wonders belowground. That’s what inspired today’s feature road trip: a 3-day drive where you’ll tour three of the state’s most impressive cavern systems. But that’s not all; after making your way to each cave, you’ll complete the loop by driving Skyline Drive through Shenandoah National Park. It’s a weekend adventure you won’t soon forget! For the customizable Google Map, click here.
Ready to get started? Adventure awaits!
- Grand Caverns
James Ebersold / Google Grand Caverns, 5 Grand Cavern Rd, Grottoes, VA 24441, USA
Grand Caverns / Google The first stop on our scenic road trip in Virginia is Grand Caverns. Formerly known as Weyer’s Cave, this beautiful underground destination has been in operation since 1806. It also holds the unique title of being America’s oldest show cave. While Grand Caverns is smaller than our next stop, Luray Caverns, you’ll agree there’s something otherworldly about these smaller underground spaces. There’s a lot of history and natural phenomena to appreciate when you tour this secluded cavern in Virginia.
- Luray Caverns
William Sallette / iStock via Getty Images Plus Luray Caverns Service Road, Luray Caverns Service Rd, Luray, VA 22835, USA
OKRAD / E+ Collection via Getty Images Our next stop is one of the most famous natural wonders in Virginia: Luray Caverns. Since its discovery in 1878, this fantastic cave has attracted visitors from around the globe. As you make your way through this underground world, you’ll notice the abundance of stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, and mirrored pools. The famous wishing well with its emerald blue waters is one of the must-see features of the cavern.
Lodging option: Luray River Log Cabins
Nancy / Airbnb Luray, VA 22835, USA
Nancy / Airbnb After you cavern visits, you may be ready to call it a day and enjoy a secluded cabin retreat. That’s where Luray River Log Cabins comes into play! These breathtaking stilted cabins overlooking the river set the perfect tone for your Shenandoah Valley getaway. For more information, check out the official Airbnb listing.
- Skyline Caverns
JB Brown / Google Skyline Caverns, 10344 Stonewall Jackson Hwy, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
I G / Google The last of the three caverns on this multi-day adventure is Skyline Caverns. But your adventure is far from complete! After touring this fascinating cavern system, which was discovered in 1937, you’ll find yourself just a stone’s throw away from the Front Royal entrance to Shenandoah National Park. If you’re someone who’s enthusiastic about geology, you’ll want to take time to notice the anthodites that grow in this cave. It’s one of the only places on earth where you’ll find these crystals.
Lodging option: Skyland
Skyland / Google After having driven a considerable portion of the beautiful Skyline Drive, you may be ready to turn in for the night. Skyland is a great option for families, couples, groups, or solo travelers. It’s high-elevation altitude means you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, possibly even from your suite! When it comes to overnight lodging in Shenandoah National Park, Skyland is a must. Skyland, Skyland Upper Loop Mile 41, Luray, VA 22835, USA
What are your thoughts on this cavern tour that also takes you through Shenandoah National Park? Is this a weekend road trip in Virginia you would consider taking? Let us know in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you!
James Ebersold / Google
Grand Caverns, 5 Grand Cavern Rd, Grottoes, VA 24441, USA
Grand Caverns / Google
The first stop on our scenic road trip in Virginia is Grand Caverns. Formerly known as Weyer’s Cave, this beautiful underground destination has been in operation since 1806. It also holds the unique title of being America’s oldest show cave. While Grand Caverns is smaller than our next stop, Luray Caverns, you’ll agree there’s something otherworldly about these smaller underground spaces. There’s a lot of history and natural phenomena to appreciate when you tour this secluded cavern in Virginia.
William Sallette / iStock via Getty Images Plus
Luray Caverns Service Road, Luray Caverns Service Rd, Luray, VA 22835, USA
OKRAD / E+ Collection via Getty Images
Our next stop is one of the most famous natural wonders in Virginia: Luray Caverns. Since its discovery in 1878, this fantastic cave has attracted visitors from around the globe. As you make your way through this underground world, you’ll notice the abundance of stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, and mirrored pools. The famous wishing well with its emerald blue waters is one of the must-see features of the cavern.
Nancy / Airbnb
Luray, VA 22835, USA
After you cavern visits, you may be ready to call it a day and enjoy a secluded cabin retreat. That’s where Luray River Log Cabins comes into play! These breathtaking stilted cabins overlooking the river set the perfect tone for your Shenandoah Valley getaway. For more information, check out the official Airbnb listing.
JB Brown / Google
Skyline Caverns, 10344 Stonewall Jackson Hwy, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
I G / Google
The last of the three caverns on this multi-day adventure is Skyline Caverns. But your adventure is far from complete! After touring this fascinating cavern system, which was discovered in 1937, you’ll find yourself just a stone’s throw away from the Front Royal entrance to Shenandoah National Park. If you’re someone who’s enthusiastic about geology, you’ll want to take time to notice the anthodites that grow in this cave. It’s one of the only places on earth where you’ll find these crystals.
Skyland / Google
After having driven a considerable portion of the beautiful Skyline Drive, you may be ready to turn in for the night. Skyland is a great option for families, couples, groups, or solo travelers. It’s high-elevation altitude means you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, possibly even from your suite! When it comes to overnight lodging in Shenandoah National Park, Skyland is a must.
Skyland, Skyland Upper Loop Mile 41, Luray, VA 22835, USA
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