The Shenandoah Valley is home to many places that would make any intrigued explorer positively giddy with excitement. The natural jewel of Front Royal, Virginia, the valley itself is beautiful during every season of the year. While the least visited season is the winter, it's still just as lovely under a blanket of snow as it is when the sun is shining high over grassy pastures.

The surrounding landscape is known as the Blue Ridge Mountains and where there are mountains, there are bound to be caverns. The Shenandoah Valley happens to be abundant in underground caverns, and Luray Caverns and Skyline Caverns are two of the most popular. Both take visitors on a journey into the earth that shows off some of Mother Nature's most stunning handiwork. With the two cave systems being only 30 minutes apart, visitors often wonder the differences between Skyline Caverns vs Luray Caverns and what they each have to offer. Let's find out!

UPDATE: 2023/05/21 22:37 EST BY JAIMEE TERESE

The best caverns in Virginia: Skyline Caverns vs Luray Caverns, and more!

Luray Caverns and Skyline Caverns are known as the best caverns in the Shenandoah Valley. This article has been expanded with additional information about these caverns in Virginia, as well as a few more caves in Virginia worth exploring such as Shenandoah Caverns, Endless Caverns, and Grand Caverns.

Related: Skyline Drive: The Complete Guide To Driving This 105-Mile Scenic Mountain Road

Luray Caverns: The Biggest Caverns in Virginia

Of these two stunning underground caverns, Luray Caverns is the larger; it is in fact the largest underground cavern in the eastern U.S. Visitors will gain full insight into how a cave such as this forms, with a variety of examples at which to observe. Therefore, those looking for a fully-immersive experience, and perhaps first-timers, should head to Luray Caverns. Its sheer magnitude is also why Luray Caverns has gained such a reputation as being one of the most-visited underground caverns in the country. .

Due to this ever-growing popularity, visitors should also expect crowds during peak season at Luray Caverns.

The wishing well in Luray Caverns

Photo by Robert Thiemann on Unsplash

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The wishing well in Luray Caverns

The Luray Caverns cave system is estimated to be about four million years old and many of its features have been forming for thousands of centuries. As a result, Luray gives way to rooms that are the size of cathedrals with ceilings that reach ten stories high.

Many of its features are seemingly almost too perfect, thanks to being untouched for so many years and maintained by the delicate environment of this massive cavern. Guests will also find themselves dazzled by an array of underground pools, as well as optical illusions which leave one wondering if the room is upside-down or right-side-up.

  • Fun Fact: All the formations within Luray Caverns are calcite, which is a crystalline form of limestone.

Defining Features Of Luray Caverns

While visitors will see multiple wonders on their tour of this cavern, there are some main features that stand out for just about everyone who visits.

impressive formations inside Luray Caverns

Photo by Ravi Palwe on Unsplash

 
impressive formations inside Caverns
  • Giants Hall: Giant's Hall is the perfect room to take Luray Caverns' jaw-dropping magnitude. Visitors will feel like tiny people in a giant's home in this massive stone hall filled with delicate stone formations, majestic columns, and reflecting the light of magical underground pools.
  • The Double Column: This massive column results from both a stalactite and a stalagmite coming together. It reaches a total height of 47 feet and is one of the most notable features in the entire cavern due to its sheer size and unique composition.
  • Dream Lake: This lake makes justice to the name with its dreamy ambiance: the largest body of water in the Luray Caverns, Dream Lake also creates a stunning optical illusion, reflecting the cave ceiling in a mirror of the dozens of stalactites that characterize Luray Caverns.
an optical illusion in a reflection, Luray Caverns

Photo by Robert Thiemann on Unsplash
an optical illusion in a reflection, Luray Caverns
  • The Great Stalacpipe Organ. Perhaps one of the most unique features of any cavern in the world - not just in Luray - is the Great Stalacpipe Organ, the world's largest musical instrument. This incredible instrument allows guests to hear what a stalactite sounds like thanks to its ability to gently tap on formations spread throughout three acres underground. The result is something altogether eerie and incredible.
  • Titania's Veil: Arguably the most impressive of the multitude of calcite folds in Luray, Titania's Veil resembles a frozen waterfall with its pure white limestone drips hanging high above visitors' heads.

Visiting Hours & Admission

Other-worldy stalactites in Luray Caverns

Photo by Robert Thiemann on Unsplash

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Other-worldy stalactites in Luray Caverns
  • Hours: Daily from 9 AM - 4 PM
  • Admission: Adults – $32 USD, Children (6-12) – $16, and free under age 6
  • Things to do near Luray Caverns: Beyond tours of the cavern, the Car & Carriage Museum, Toy Town Museum, and Luray Valley Museum
  • How far is Luray Caverns from Washington DC?: xxx

Skyline Caverns

Just a few minutes away from the scenic Skyline Drive, Skyline Caverns is a much smaller operation in comparison to Luray Caverns, which does mean that its tours might not have the glitz and glamour that the Luray Caverns seem to have. With that being said, the Skyline Caverns are less crowded, tour groups are smaller, and can often be more informative, as there's more time to spend on the cave's unique features.

  • Fun Fact: Skyline Caverns is the only cavern system in the world with a full display of Anthodites, a unique type of crystal growing in needle-like lines from a common base. The Anthodites of the Skyline Caverns are made of pure Calcite, and are protected by Virginia State Law; they're the reason Skyline is a world-class destination in terms of cave formations.
Looking up from beneath stalactites 

Photo by Jakub Mičuch on Unsplash

Looking up from beneath stalactites 

Skyline Caverns is estimated to be about 60 million years old, thus giving it a slight edge over Luray's history. It was discovered in 1937 by a man named Walter S. Amos, who had done rigorous topography research before finally unearthing this incredible cave system. The cavern has been open since 1939 and since it is smaller, guests might find themselves in a group of three or maybe even fewer!

The area around the caverns is also home to a nature trail, a miniature train rail, and the Enchanted Dragon Mirror Maze, perfect for families and children. At Skyline Caverns, something can be found for all ages above the ground, as well.

Defining Features: What Makes Skyline Caverns Special?

The Skyline Caverns consist of a series of rooms connected by tunnels and pathways. When the underground caverns were discovered in the 30s, most of these rooms were cleared and naturally accessible. Each of these "rooms" along the route of Skyline Caverns gives way to unique formations, such as: The Capital Dome, Rainbow Trail, The Painted Desert, The Wishing Well, The Grotto of Nativity, Cathedral Hall, Fairyland Lake, and The Shrine.

Stalactites and Stalagmites

Photo by Laurenz Krabisch on Unsplash

Stalactites and Stalagmites

Here are a few other standout features:

  • Rainbow Waterfall: This incredible underground waterfall cascades down 37 feet, and is one of several underground streams and reflecting pools that visitors will see on the tour.
  • LED Light Show: The natural spectacle at the Skyline Caverns is enhanced with colorful LED light displays that bring out the cavern's magical, other-worldly views in places such as the Fairyland Lake, the Painted Desert, the Rainbow Trails, and more.
  • The Anthodite Room: Protected by law, the anthodites of the Skyline Caverns are exhibited behind a protective net. The crystals occupy the walls of the cavern in a uniquely stunning fashion.

Hours & Admission

Mesmerizing underground stalactites

Photo by Shalev Cohen on Unsplash

Mesmerizing underground stalactites
  • Hours: Every day, 9 AM - 4 PM. The hours for Skyline Caverns can vary throughout the year so check their website for more info before visiting
  • Admission: Adults – $28 USD, Children (6-12) – $14 USD, Children 5 and under - Free
  • Other Attractions: the Dragon Mirror Maze and Miniature Train ride at $7 USD per person, and the nature trail at the mountain base

Related: Here's What You Can Do In Shenandoah (Besides Hiking)

Which Caverns are Better: Luray or Skyline?

When it comes down to choosing between the two, it's a matter of personal preference. For those who are ready to be humbled by incredibly massive cavern formations and don't mind larger tour groups, Luray Caverns is the way to go. It's also a great option for adults as there is some walking involved, and the additional museums cater to a generally older crowd.

Walkway through Luray Caverns

Photo by Robert Thiemann on Unsplash

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Walkway through Luray Caverns

For those who appreciate a smaller, more intimate tour and are more concerned with seeing smaller, unique formations, then Skyline Caverns is a great option. It's also perfect for those with children, as the outdoor activities are just as engaging and fun.

When visiting either of the caverns, visitors should be sure to also take advantage of the amazing views and fun hiking adventures in the Shenandoah Valley that await in the stunning region too. There are plenty of other things to do in Luray, Virginia, and in Front Royal as well. There are some of excellent wine trails and wineries as well as scenic drives dotted with charming towns.

Looking for More Shenandoah Valley Caverns to Explore?

Luray Caverns and Skyline Caverns aren't the only caverns in Virginia. There is an extensive network of caves in Virginia, and the state is home to eight caverns that are open to the public. The majority of these caverns are dotted throughout the mountainous regions of the Shenandoah Valley. There is also Crystal Grottoes Cavern in Boonsboro, Maryland, which is just outside of Virginia.

After choosing a winner between Luray Caverns vs Skyline Caverns, cave enthusiasts can set out to explore some more of state's natural wonders and crown their ultimate winner of the best caverns in Virginia.

Eerie stalactite cascade in a cavern
Image by Hans from Pixabay 
Eerie stalactite cascade in a cavern

Shenandoah Caverns

  • Location: 261 Caverns Road, Quicksburg, Virginia
  • Highlights: Shenandoah Caverns is the only cavern in Virginia with elevator service, so some (not all) parts are ADA-accessible. Open 7 days a week with no reservations required.

Endless Caverns

  • Location: 1800 Endless Caverns Road, New Market, Virginia
  • Highlights: Endless Caverns also has campgrounds for those wishing to stay on-site, and Massanutten ski resort is located just a few minutes away.

Grand Caverns

  • Location: 5 Grand Caverns Drive, Grottoes, Virginia
  • Highlights: Open for tours since 1806, it is the oldest continually-operating cavern in the United States. It is especially renowned for its unique shield formations.

Natural Bridge Caverns

  • Location: 15 Appledore Land, Natural Bridge, Virginia
  • Highlights: Dropping 34 stories beneath the surface, these are the deepest caverns on the entire East Coast.

Gap Caverns

  • Location: Route 58, Ewing, Virginia
  • Highlights: Gap Caverns is multi-level and there are several waterways that run through it, including Gap Creek that flows through the lower level. Gap Caverns is also home to various animals.
body of water and stalactites in a cavern
Image by LEEROY Agency from Pixabay 
body of water and stalactites in a cavern

Dixie Caverns

  • Location: 5753 West Main Street, Salem, Virginia
  • Highlights: Discovered by a dog named Dixie in 1920, Dixie Caverns has now been in operation for over a century. The Magic Mirror Room is one of the cavern's most spectacular features.

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