A guide to exploring Virginia's otherworldly caverns

Each of Virginia’s 8 caverns is unique, ranging in size, history, and offerings. They’re the perfect place to beat the heat, as their underground location keeps them in the mid-50s year-round. 

Unlike a cave (a large, underground chamber), caverns are defined by one distinguishing feature: the ability to grow speleothems, which are structures formed by mineral deposits from water. Created over thousands of years, these structures arrange into dazzling displays: Stalactites hang from the ceiling like icicles, while stalagmites grow into towering columns as they rise from the cavern floor. Some speleothems form drape-like shapes, while others resemble curvy strips of bacon.

Consider making a day trip out of it and seeing as many of these underground treasures as you can, while also idling at fun pit stops along the way.

If you’re starting from northern Virginia, your first stop will be Skyline Caverns, one of only a few caverns in the world with anthodite formations. These rare, white, 6-sided crystals are made of pure calcite and formed in vacuum chambers, defying gravity as they grow in all different directions. The pièce de résistance of the caverns is the Chandelier: the oldest and longest anthodite crystal known to man. At 18 inches long, the crystal is estimated to be 126,000 years old, with each linear inch taking about 7,000 years to grow. Adult admission starts at $28.

Where to stop nearby: Grab a glass of wine at Muse Vineyards in Woodstock. The family-owned vineyard is famous for its Bordeaux-style Clio, and its chardonnay has won rave reviews. In addition to a tasting room, the property also includes a 3-bedroom farmhouse available to rent.

Next up is Shenandoah Caverns, arguably the most mouthwatering caverns in the state thanks to their bacon formations. The wavy formations are created when water runs down sloped rocks, leaving a long, thin strip of minerals behind. Different minerals lead to the formations’ different colors; the reddish brown is thanks to iron oxide, while the white tan comes from calcium carbonate. Discovered by a farmer and his family around 1884, the caverns officially opened in 1922 and celebrated their 100th anniversary in 2022. Adults, $32.

Where to stop nearby: Catch up on your history at the Virginia Museum of the Civil War at New Market. In addition to the museum exhibits, visitors can also tour the site of the 1864 Battle of New Market and explore walking trails that offer stunning views of the Shenandoah River and Shenandoah Valley. Adults, $12.

As its name suggests, Endless Caverns seem truly endless. While 6 miles of underground passageways have been discovered, many areas of the limestone solution cave have yet to be explored. This is one of the longest caves in the state and also one of the deepest, going down to 160 feet below ground level at its deepest point.

Among the highlights of the 75-minute tour are the Cathedral Room and the Curtain Room, which features rows of dripping formations. As an added bonus, the caverns sit on campgrounds that include a swimming pool and Civil War–era hiking trails. Adult admission starts at $25.

Where to stop nearby: Take in some river views at the Luray RV Resort & Camgrounds, which offers space for RVs and tents as well as cabins for rent. Guests can stretch their legs on the hiking trails or bring their own kayak or canoe for a trip down the Shenandoah River.

Next up is Luray Caverns, the largest cavern in the eastern United States and the most visited in the United States. Designated a registered natural landmark by the National Park Service, these limestone caverns are home to towering stone columns, crystal-clear pools, and cathedral-sized rooms.

But the crowning jewel of the caverns is the Great Stalacpipe Organ, which has the esteemed designation as the world’s largest musical instrument. Debuted in 1957, the working organ covers 3½ acres. When the organ plays, it sends an electrical pulse to a rubber-tipped mallet that then strikes a stalactite, causing it to vibrate and create a musical tone. The result is hauntingly beautiful music. Adult admission starts at $32.

Where to stop nearby: After a day strolling underground, get your heart pumping with a visit to the Massanutten Family Adventure Park in Massanutten, where you can go zip lining, try rappelling, or conquer the climbing wall. Free admission; activities start at $10.

Grand Caverns opened for tours in 1806, making this the oldest continually operating show cave in the United States. In 1973, it was named a national natural landmark. But the cave is more than just a tourist attraction; it’s also a historical site. The cave was visited by both Confederate and Union soldiers during the Civil War. And these troops left their mark—more than 200 verified signatures of Civil War soldiers are scattered amid the speleothem formations. Admission, $30.

Where to stop nearby: Continue the trip through history at the Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton, which re-creates life as it was in the 1700s and 1800s. Exhibits include an early American schoolhouse, a 1600s English farm, a 1700s Irish forge, and a 1700s West African farm. Adult admission starts at $12.

If wildlife is your thing, you’ll love the Natural Bridge Caverns. Sixteen different species of wildlife have been discovered in the caverns, which are home to salamanders, bats, and crustaceans. At 34 stories underground, the caverns are also the deepest in the state. Visitors can look up at the towering formations of the Colossal Dome Room and see the deepest point—at 347 feet underground—in the Well Room. Another notable stop on the tour is Mirror Lake, a pool that not only beautifully reflects the formations overhead but also is where the caverns’ salamanders are born. Adults, $25.

Where to stop nearby: Get your coins and head to the Roanoke Pinball Museum, which features more than 60 playable pinball machines ranging from 1932 to the present day. The museum promotes the fun of the games and the science and history behind them. Adults, $13.50.

Dixie Caverns—named after the dog that discovered it—is one of the smaller caverns in Virginia, but it’s also one of the more unusual: This is the only cavern located in the middle of a mountain. Tourgoers start their trek climbing 48 steps into the mountain before descending into the limestone cave. One of the lowest points of the cavern features the Wedding Bell, a bell-shaped formation that’s been the site of many weddings. Admission starts at $12.

Where to stop nearby: Before there was Nashville, there was Bristol. Through texts, artifacts, performances, and interactive displays, the Birthplace of Country Music Museum tells the story of the 1927 Bristol Sessions recordings, which left an indelible impact on the future of country music. Adults, $13.

For a big finish, complete your road trip at Gap Caverns, located in Cumberland Gap National Historic Park. Embark on lantern-led tours through the 1.5 miles of pathways and underground rooms, and keep your eyes open for salamanders, bats, crickets, and crayfish; bacon-like formations; and the Pillar of Hercules, one of the largest stalagmites in the world.

A place of respite for both Union and Confederate soldiers during the Civil War, visitors might also spot graffiti from soldiers stationed at Cumberland Pass on the cavern walls. Adults, $8.

Where to stop nearby: Explore Cumberland Gap National Historic Park or drive the 4 miles from the visitors center up to the Pinnacle Overlook. Perched at more than 2,400 feet, this scenic spot features lush views of Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Adults, $10.

Betsy Abraham is a freelance journalist with a passion for writing about unique places and people.