Imagine a world of underground lakes, gravity-defying columns, and seemingly endless natural rooms. Want to turn your imagination into reality? Then head on out to Skyline Drive in the Shenandoah National Park of Virginia. Explore some of the region's captivating caverns for a one-of-a-kind adventure.
Near the southern end of the byway and a few miles north of Waynesboro, you’ll find Grand Caverns, America’s oldest public cave. Discovered in 1806, Grand Caverns has one of the largest cave rooms of any eastern cavern. During the Civil War, the Grand Caverns were visited by Confederate and Union soldiers. Now, there are more than 230 Civil War soldier signatures in the cave. Help preserve our natural landmarks by not adding another name to the list. Spend the day with the family at Grand Caverns, take a guided tour, hike and bike on more than 2.5 miles of nearby trails, or picnic at one of the five picnic areas around the caves. Grand Caverns has something for everyone in your family, no matter their age or mobility.
For another cavernous caper, travel north paralleling the byway for about fifty miles to Luray Caverns, prehistoric caverns that were first discovered in 1878. One of the first things you’ll notice when visiting these caves is their array of colors and shades. From white to yellow to red to black, all of these colors are completely natural, caused by the different mineral deposits throughout the caves. Peruse the beautiful formations in a guided tour below ground, or get lost above ground in their full-sized hedge maze or the Car and Carriage Caravan Museum.
Ready for more? Continue north toward the end of the Skyline Drive at Front Royal. A few miles south of Front Royal is Skyline Caverns. Discovered in 1937, these caves stay a comfortable 54 degrees year-round. Here, you will also see an uncommon natural occurrence, known as anthodites. These twisting and turning, tube-like cave structures are rare, and Skyline Caverns are one of the few places on earth where you can view them. Enjoy an expert-guided tour through these fascinating caves. Bring your little ones along! They’ll love the Skyline Arrow, a miniature train that takes you on a tour of nearby natural landmarks.
With its mysterious caverns, underground excursions, and historical hot spots, Skyline Drive will dazzle everyone from the low-key traveler to the avid explorer. Experience some of Mother Nature’s greatest wonders along the awe-inspiring Skyline Drive.
A World of Possibilities on Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway
Skyline Drive Overview