Luray Caverns — Attraction in Luray

Visited on Thursday Dec 7, 2023. Gorgeous caves decorated with SO MANY stalagmites and stalactites! I’ve been to other caves, but this has to be among my top favorites. Unfortunately, the experience and care we received left something to be desired. We were coming from Washington DC and our ETA was just before 4:00, which we saw was the last chance for a tour. We called ahead to double check that we’d still be able to enjoy a tour, and an employee reassured us that we would, that we would just have to arrive before 4:00 as that’s the last chance that you’re given to take a tour and that we’d have to be out by 5:00. They did tell us that it would be self guided, which was fine, and that we would see employees behind us but that they wouldn’t be rushing us, they were just checking that we’d be the last people in the caverns and that everyone exited. However, the employees that were following us were LOUDLY talking the entire time, which really detracted from the experience. Not only that, but at around 4:34, some random time, they made an announcement that sounded like it was a pre-recording but it was actually them talking to us; the announcement was said something about how we needed to be done by 5:00 and that we were less than half way through the tour. The fact that the employees were talking the entire time made it difficult for us to realize that they were making an announcement at us, as we thought they were continuing to talk amongst themselves. Further, it felt super passive aggressive as they could have just politely talked directly to us, especially considering they were about 15 paces behind us the entire time. The gift shop was still open after tour which was nice, but it also quickly closed soon after. While it is completely understandable that they have to shut down, I really wish we would have known it’d be this rushed, especially since we called and inquired beforehand. We paid the same fee as everyone else who went that day, yet we were not able to enjoy our tour like everyone else. I also wish they would have told us everything else shut down at 4 and that we wouldn’t be able to enjoy the carriage museum or the maze. Again, while it is understandable that they need to shut down, I do wish this would have been communicated to us when we called to inquire. I would recommend this tour, but I’d recommend you arrive no later than 3:30 so you can have ample time for your tour and to walk around the other amenities. The caves were beautiful, but we did not receive the same $32 experience as everyone else, and for that I am...

So I kind of have two separate reviews. One for accessibility and one for the Caverns themselves.

Luray Caverns has a sign outside the entrance, at the bottom of the ramp, proclaiming itself the most accessible caverns in the world. I have no reason to question that; they are correct that the entire trail is paved and there are no stairs. So if you're pushing a stroller, or if you're in a motorized wheelchair, this is likely doable for you.

I asked at the ticket booth if I could take the tour on a knee scooter. He said yes. He may have been technically correct but it was a little misleading. Accessible and advisable are not the same thing.

The cons: The entire (long) ramp down, and most of the trail inside the cavern, is paved with bricks. So if you're in a wheelchair or using a knee scooter, it's the most teeth-rattling, bone jarring ride. That continues for the whole ride and it's not fun. Additionally, while there are no stairs inside the cavern, some of the ups and downs were REALLY steep and a couple had sharp turns in the middle of a steep downhill. Due to the damp/wet conditions in some areas of the cavern, the brakes on my knee scooter were not s helpful as they could have been and I skidded down a couple hills--it was a little scary. I ended up sitting on my knee scooter with my injured leg out in front of me (because resting it on the scooter was too painful bc of all of the bumps) and having family members push me up hills and be my brakes on downhills.

I'm using a knee scooter now, but just three weeks ago I was still stuck in a wheelchair. I can imagine that seeing the "most accessible" advertising would've led me to believe that my family could push me through in my wheelchair, and that would've been incredibly painful because of all the jarring.

If you're using wheeled mobility equipment for non-injury reasons and you're capable of controlling speed down steep hills and around sharp corners, as well as propelling yourself up the same type of steep hills, then this is absolutely doable for you.

And the review I would write if I weren't mobility impaired:

It's beautiful. The formations are awe-inspiring, mesmerizing, beautiful, stunning. The mirror lake is just plain cool. We only had a couple of hours and so g good not have time to go to the museums or the maze, but I wish we had. The gift shop is full of all kinds of rocks, gems, trinkets, magnets, and every souvenir you could want.

I don't regret going. I enjoyed spending time with my three girls and my husband. But it was still quite a painful...

Stepping into an Enchanted Wonderland

Nestled in the heart of Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, Luray Caverns is more than just a cave – it's a wonderland sculpted by millions of years of nature's handiwork. From the moment you enter, the sheer scale and intricate beauty of the formations leave you awestruck.

A Dazzling Journey Beneath the Earth

Our guided tour took us on a 1.25-mile path through cathedral-like chambers adorned with shimmering stalactites and towering stalagmites. Each turn unveiled a new spectacle, bathed in colored lights that accentuated the natural textures and hues.

Highlights that stole the show:

Dream Lake: This tranquil pool reflects the ceiling formations so perfectly, creating an illusion of endless depth and a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of mirrored stalactites.

Saracen's Tent: Draped with delicate flowstone formations resembling a sultan's tent, this chamber transports you to a scene straight out of Arabian Nights.

The Great Stalacpipe Organ: Imagine a musical instrument sculpted by nature itself. This 37-foot stalactite, when struck, produces a range of musical tones, filling the cavern with an ethereal melody.

Tips for fellow spelunkers:

Wear comfortable shoes: The tour involves some walking on uneven surfaces. Mind the temperature: It's a constant 54°F inside the caverns, so dress accordingly. Capture the magic: Don't forget your camera! The caverns are a photographer's paradise.

Overall, Luray Caverns is a must-visit for anyone seeking wonder and natural beauty. It's an experience that will stay with you long after you've emerged from the darkness, blinking in the sunlight, forever enchanted by the subterranean magic.

Rating: 5...