Luray Caverns, Virginia – Kingsnake's Home Den

The Great Stalacpipe Organ, listed by Guinness as the world's largest musical instrument, occupies 3½ of Luray Cavern's 64 acres. The organ was created by Leland Sprinkle, who spent three years selecting and tuning the stalactites which serve as its "pipes". My video's (below) music was played on the organ by Monte Maxwell.

Our usual Hagerstown hotel used to have a rack of tourist brochures, and at some point I grabbed one for Luray Caverns, down in Virginia. It’s been a least five years since the brochure rack disappeared, but I somehow still had the brochure. So, for our annual Easter trip, we planned an expedition to the Shenandoah Valley.

Dream Lake reminded me of Gollum's lair beneath the Misty Mountains in "The Hobbit". Luray Caverns visits are mostly self-guided. — Dream Lake reminded me of Gollum’s lair beneath the Misty Mountains in “The Hobbit”. Luray Caverns visits are mostly self-guided.

Luray Caverns was discovered in 1878 after locals found cool air issuing from a limestone outcropping on the slope of what is now named Cave Hill, near the South Fork of the Shenandoah River. Luray Caverns have been a tourist attraction ever since, and now attract over a half million yearly visitors. The parking lot was certainly full when we were there. The bathrooms too.

A Twitter follower wrote that "Last time I went to Skyline Caverns and it was more like they were decades ago, cool, damp, single file and guided. Anthrocites are there and swimming blind fish." Other area caves include Shenandoah Caverns, Endless Caverns, Grand Caverns, and Dixie Caverns. — A Twitter follower wrote that “Last time I went to Skyline Caverns and it was more like they were decades ago, cool, damp, single file and guided. Anthrocites are there and swimming blind fish.” Other area caves include Shenandoah Caverns, Endless Caverns, Grand Caverns, and Dixie Caverns.

The caverns are the main attraction, and were also quite crowded. Currently $34 for adults, general admission includes the caverns, Car & Carriage Caravan Museum, Shenandoah Heritage Village, and Toy Town Junction. Other attractions in the Luray Caverns facility — the Gem Sluice, Rope Adventure Park, and Garden Maze — have additional fees. Discounts are available for seniors, children and military.

Stalagmites, stalactites, flowstone, columns, drapers, and straws … oh my!

It was a long drive from Hagerstown to Luray Caverns, at least 90 minutes on packed I-81. By the time we got there, short attention span teenager in tow, we decided to just do the underground bits. I should have read more of the info signs, but I was trying to avoid path-blocking selfie takers, while looking for visually interesting perspectives and formations.

Saracen’s Tent. The last time I was in a proper cave was when I camped in one with the Cub Scouts, 50+ years ago in Wisconsin.

Other notable Luray Caverns formations include Leaning Column, Empress Column, 60 ft. tall Double Column, Giant’s Hall, snow white Pluto’s Ghost, Brand’s Cascade, Hovey’s Balcony, Broaddus Lake, Castles on the Rhine, Dream Lake, and Fried Eggs (which I thought looked more like clams). Check out The Great Stalacpipe Organ in the video below! 👇

Luray Caverns Directions: From I-81, take exit 264 east onto US-211. In 0.3 miles, in “downtown” New Market, turn left on US-11. In 0.2 miles, turn right on US-211. Follow US-211 for 12.5 miles, through twisty New Market Gap over Massanuten Mountain, to Luray Caverns, which are opposite Luray Singing Tower. Your route may vary, especially if you are driving from eastern Virginia. Parking is free.

Distance: 1.50 mi.

AEG: ~200 ft.

Time: ~1h 15m

Rumble Video

Vimeo Video

Luray Caverns, Virginia from Preston McMurry on Vimeo.