Day 4: Luray Caverns and flight back to Chicago
Luray Caverns
On Sunday, April 24, 2022, I got up early to pack and check out of the hotel before starting my day at Luray Caverns. I arrived around 9:00am, and conveniently, it was only about a two-minute drive from my hotel.
Discovered in 1878, Luray Caverns is the largest caverns in the eastern United States and has been designated a National Natural Landmark. Walking underground through its enormous chambers filled with stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and other formations felt almost otherworldly.
Some of the highlights include Dream Lake, a shallow pool whose still water creates a nearly perfect reflection of the stalactites above, and the Great Stalacpipe Organ, a one-of-a-kind instrument that produces music by gently tapping stalactites throughout the caverns.
The walking route through Luray Caverns is about 1.25 miles along paved, well-lit pathways. The temperature underground remains around 54°F year-round, so bringing a light jacket is a good idea.
In April 2022, general admission was $32 for adults, and I thought it was well worth adding to 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.
