Grand Caverns

America's oldest show cave

Grand Caverns is open to the public seven days a week year round with the exception of certain holidays. Guided tours are given seven days a week from April 1st – October 31st. From November 1 – March 31, tours are offered on weekends. Reservations for groups will need to be made in advance for weekday tours during this winter period.

In addition to the caverns, other activities to be enjoyed while at the park are hiking, picnicking, swimming (seasonal) and mini golf (seasonal). Be sure to call to make your group's reservation! Incredibly, the scenic grandeur of the Shenandoah Valley is matched - even surpassed - below the surface of the earth. Grand Caverns, one of the most spectacular Virginia caverns, has offered the public a breathtaking panorama of subterranean beauty since 1806 - making it America's oldest show cave.

Grand Caverns is a stately and powerful example of Nature's handiwork. Gigantic stalactites point down from above. Equally imposing stalagmites thrust upward from the caverns floor. Cathedral Hall, 280 feet long and over 70 feet high, is one of the largest rooms of any cavern in the East. Massive columns, beautiful draperies rippling flowstone, and rare "shield" formations create a variety of fascinating sights. The famous Bridal Veil, Stonewall Jackson's Horse, and a peek at Dante's Inferno provide memories too good to miss.

Grand Caverns is the ideal stop for a family vacation, a school group (field trip), a youth group or an individual to become steeped in natural beauty, geology, and civil war history.

Swimming

There is an olympic-sized pool at Grand Caverns. Pools are open from Memorial Day Weekend until Labor Day each year. Grand Caverns' pool is open to the general public for a small fee per adult or child. Day visitors pay a fee to swim. Season passes are available.

Civil War History

Grand Caverns has been open continually since 1806. During the Civil War, and the "Valley Campaign" the cave was visited by both Confederate and Union soldiers. There are over 230 verified civil war soldier signatures in the cave. The most 'famous' signature is W. W. Miles. This signature is easily seen, and is one of the few pointed out to our visitors. Most of the signatures are very fragile, and are not pointed out in order to protect these historic 'documents.' There are several stories about the visits, but one of the most interesting is one told about the famous Confederate General, Stonewall Jackson. It appears that Gen. Jackson was camped nearby - near Port Republic, a well-known Shenandoah Valley battle field - and allowed his men to visit during a lull in the fighting. Many of them went deep underground to experience the cool and beautiful sights. When asked if he was going to enter the cave, Gen. Jackson is reported to have said, "No, I think not. I fear I shall be underground soon enough, and I have no desire to speed the process!"

Picnicking

There are five (5) picnic shelters available at Grand Caverns, and several freestanding picnic tables available for general use. While there is no charge to use a picnic shelter when it is available, there are fees to reserve shelters. If a shelter is reserved, it is not available for general use. Picnickers are cautioned that shelter reservations take priority, and reservations are not listed in the picnic area. Each Shelter has a water fountain closely associated, and have permanent grills available for the public's use. Most shelters also have electricity and lights. Shelter #2 at Grand Caverns also has a massive stone fireplace.

Hiking/Biking

Grand Caverns has over 2.5 miles of combined hiking and biking trails. Approximately one (1) mile is level and is considered applicable for both walking and biking. This trail meanders along the borders of the park. The park has a river associated with its borders, giving the hiker a cool and refreshing walk beside calm waters. The remainder of the trails are on hills, and are of medium difficulty. There are overlooks giving a peek back down into the valley below. Numerous wild flowers and wildlife is observable while using either trail. It is not uncommon to see a chipmunk or grey squirrel busy about the task of finding food. Both white tail deer and the occasional black bear have been sighted on the park.

Special Events

One of the most unique offerings of Grand Caverns, the Haunted Cave is a 'must see' event. Each year, the cave is decorated with a variety of animate and inanimate objects that just seem to belong there on Halloween.

The 22nd Annual Grand Caverns Bluegrass Festival will be held September 7-9, 2007. Ticket prices, a list of performers, and other related information is available by clicking here.

Call 1-888-430-CAVE (2283) for information.