For those who enjoy exploring our natural world, above and below ground, then we have a few amazing caverns to highlight that are day trip worthy when you visit a Virginia State Park.

Incredible scenery underground at Luray Caverns (Image source: Karthik Rangarajan/flickr)

By definition, a cave is defined as any cavity in the ground that has a section which does not receive direct sunlight. A cavern is just one type of cave which is formed naturally in soluble rock and grows speleothems (the general term for cave formations like stalagmites and stalactites).

We love these 4 caverns that make for great day trips when you stay at a Virginia State Park. Our park guests love nature, and this is something highly educational and fun, if they have a little extra time they won't want to miss.

1. GAP CAVE

Gap Cave, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park (Image source: Warren Flick/flickr)

When you visit Wilderness Road State Park you are just a 10 minute drive to Cumberland Gap National Historic Park is in Ewing Virginia. The park actually straddles Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia and is found along the Wilderness Road. Or if you want to visit from Natural Tunnel State Park or Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park it's about an hour drive.

Join park rangers on an exciting two-hour adventure exploring this majestic underground cathedral! Discover glistening stalagmites and flowstone cascades, or catch a glimpse of a bat.

The moderately strenuous, 1.5 mile tour explores four levels of the cave via 183 steps. The tour includes a 1 mile hike along the historic Wilderness Road. For the safety of all, no children under the age of five are permitted. Appropriate hiking footwear is required. No sandals or open toed shoes are allowed.

Admission prices and schedule can be found here.

2. DIXIE CAVERNS

Dixie Caverns was discovered by a boy and his dog back in 1920 (Image source: Brian Walter/flickr)

Claytor Lake State Park is just a 36 minute drive, New River Trail State Park is 45 minutes, and Fairy Stone State Park 1 hour and 15 minutes from these fantastic caverns.

Explore the natural world, underground at these gorgeous caverns. Take a tour that passes down to see the famous "Turkey Wing," the dance-like "Magic Mirror," and the magnificent "Wedding Bell" formation where dozens of couples have been united in "wetted" bliss. This is a living formation and, like many of the formations within the Dixie Caverns, is still growing.

A visit to the Dixie Caverns might also include a stop at the antique mall, pottery and rock/mineral shop. Admission prices and schedule can be found here.

3. LURAY CAVERNS

Magnificent foyer at Luray Caverns

A must see when you visit Shenandoah River State Park, as it's just a 20 minute drive away in Luray, or an hour from Sky Meadows State Park.

Luray Caverns is the largest caverns in the eastern United States, yet walking through feels more akin to an unearthly experience. Visit Geology’s Hall of Fame. Guided tours along lighted, paved walkways lead visitors through cathedral-sized rooms with ceilings 10-stories high, towering stone formations, and natural wonders at every turn.

See the world's largest musical instrument at Luray Caverns, too! The Stalacpipe Organ is played from a regular-size organ, but its organ pipes are the stalactites themselves, spreading over 3.5 underground acres, and wired with little rubber mallets.

Admission prices and schedule can be found here. The ticket price also includes other attractions.

4. CAVERNS AT NATURAL BRIDGE

Caverns at Natural Bridge are the deepest on the East Coast (Image source: ellenm1/flickr)

Not associated with the park, but located in Natural Bridge, Va. the Caverns are just a 1 minute drive up Highway 11 from Natural Bridge State Park. Or coming from Douthat State Park it's about 45 minutes by car.

Natural Bridge Caverns tour descend more than 34 stories deep within the Earth to get to the magnificent natural display. While underground, tourists can explore the Natural Bridge Caverns and view their many special features, including cavern structures such as the Colossal Dome room. This room is an enormous dome shaped natural feature that was created over thousands of years. Walking from the dome room, visitors can also see other places while on the 45 minute tour of the Natural Bridge Caverns; be sure to see things like Mirror Lake, the Well Room and the stalactites and stalagmites that grow from the Canyon Room. (Not to be confused with the Natural Bridge Caverns in Texas.)

Admission prices and schedule can be found here.

BONUS

 Explore breathtaking natural wonders at Shenandoah Caverns (Image source: Ilyse Whitney/flickr)

Shenandoah Caverns is the only cavern system in Virginia with elevator service to its 17 underground rooms. A can’t-miss is Rainbow Lake with iridescent drip formations of bright colors. Explore an underground world of breathtaking natural wonders, incredible geology and extraordinary crystalline formations on a one hour guided tour.

Campers will love the famous "Breakfast bacon," so unusual it was featured in National Geographic magazine. Just 45 minutes from Shenandoah River State Park, and not far from Luray Caverns.

Admission prices and schedule can be found here.

Learn more about all eight caverns open to the public in Virginia here.