I Made It All the Way to Luray Caverns and Got Too Claustrophobic to Tour the Caves

Luray Caverns is one of Virginia's most treasured natural wonders. It's the largest cavern in the Eastern U.S., covering 64 acres and offering 1.5 miles of paved walkways. Some of the rooms are cathedral-sized, and the walkways are illuminated, guiding you through subterranean spaces with unearthly rock formations. It's estimated that some of the oldest of these bizarrely shaped rocks date back seven million years. But the caves are still being formed today; scientists refer to Luray as an "active cave" because the dripping water slowly deposits minerals that build up over time. About half a million tourists travel to Luray Caverns each year to marvel at the spacious rooms, stalactites, and stalagmites.

A few years ago, I had the chance to tour Luray Caverns. Despite living in Virginia for most of my life, I'd never visited this famous attraction, and I was excited to tour the place I had seen photographed so many times. My husband and I arrived at Luray Caverns, a short drive from our picture-perfect cabin stay at Shadow Mountain Escape. The large parking lot was easy to navigate, as was check-in; the friendly staff helped us process our tickets for a morning tour. (Tickets can be purchased in advance or on-site the day of).

After a short wait, we descended the stairs to the cavern's main entrance, where about 20 other tour-goers of all ages were waiting. The caves are naturally a bit chilly, maintaining a temperature of 54 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. I can't explain exactly why I suddenly felt claustrophobic, but after listening to the informative introduction speech, I was suddenly overwhelmed by the cave's immenseness. Claustrophobic isn't quite the right word; perhaps it was intimidation of this landmark's enormity that prevented me from completing the tour.

I can't explain exactly why I suddenly felt claustrophobic, but after listening to the informative introduction speech, I was suddenly overwhelmed by the cave's immenseness.

I imagine the group of unsuspecting explorers who first stumbled upon Luray Caverns in 1878 also felt astounded by their discovery. On that fateful August day, three men were walking in a field when they felt a sudden rush of cold air coming from a sinkhole. They had a feeling a limestone cave must be nearby and after removing rocks and sticks for four hours, they used a rope to descend into the cave with candles in hand. What they discovered would be known as the largest series of caverns in the region.

Had I explored the caves, I would have almost certainly been amazed by their ethereal beauty. Some of the rooms have "ceilings" that are 10 stories high. I've also learned that since my visit, they've added an accessible entrance to the cave, an alternative to the stairs. The tour is mostly self-guided, with experts stationed at various points along the trail to offer additional information about the caverns. The entire pathway is wheelchair and stroller-friendly, easy to follow, and well-maintained. Travelers agree that the caverns feel spacious, although a handful of spots can feel a little cramped.

Pulling away from Luray Caverns, I felt regretful; I had traveled all this way and failed to actually experience the cave. But that's the wonderful thing about Virginia's natural wonders; hopefully, they're not going anywhere. Luray Caverns is open all 365 days of the year, and I know that the next time I'm in the area, I will absolutely try again. I'm especially interested in seeing some of the cavern's most famous features: the underground organ, the reflecting pools, and the wishing well. (Fun fact: The wishing well has accumulated over one million dollars—and wishes—and the money is donated annually).

In addition to the caverns, there are lots of family-friendly attractions to explore at Luray Caverns, including the Garden Maze, Rope Adventure Park, a Car Museum, and even a Singing Tower. If you visit, plan to spend about two or three hours exploring all that there is to see. Visit the official Luray Caverns website to learn more about this fascinating cave system and plan your trip. General admission tickets are $34 for adults; children under five are free.

If you plan a trip to Luray, there's plenty to do beyond the caverns. Shenandoah National Park is just a quick drive away, and Stony Man Trail is a great option for a post-cave-tour mountain adventure. Hawksbill Brewing Company also makes for a fun stop, serving local brews alongside local food trucks.