Luray Caverns
On Sunday, April 24, 2022, I got up early to pack and check out of the hotel before heading to Luray Caverns, just a two-minute drive away. I arrived around 9:00am. In April 2022, general admission was $32 for adults. One thing to note is that the temperature inside stays around 54°F year-round, so I was glad to have a light jacket with me.
Discovered in 1878, Luray Caverns is the largest caverns in the eastern United States and a designated National Natural Landmark. The walk through the caverns is about 1.25 miles along paved, well-lit pathways, winding through enormous underground chambers filled with stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and other formations.
Two of the most memorable features were Dream Lake, where the still water creates an almost perfect reflection of the stalactites above, and the Great Stalacpipe Organ, which produces music by tapping stalactites throughout the caverns.
I really enjoyed visiting the caverns and thought it was a great way to spend my final morning in Luray.
Overlooks on Skyline Drive
After leaving Luray Caverns, I drove about 20 minutes to the Thornton Gap Entrance of Shenandoah National Park. From there, I continued south along Skyline Drive toward Rockfish Gap, stopping at several overlooks along the way, including Bacon Hollow Overlook, Two Mile Run Overlook, Rockytop Overlook, Big Run Overlook, and Crimora Lake Overlook.
I reached the Rockfish Gap Entrance around 12:30pm, marking the end of my drive through Shenandoah.
Charlottesville, VA to Chicago
From there, I continued back toward Charlottesville and arrived at Enterprise around 3:00pm to return my rental car before heading to the airport for my flight home.
It was a wonderful long weekend in Shenandoah National Park and a great first visit to the park.
