Skyline Caverns
Overview
10334 Stonewall Jackson Hwy Front Royal, Virginia 22630A visit to Skyline Caverns is a perfect way to begin or end your visit to the Northern Shenandoah Valley, or as a day trip from anywhere in the four state area!
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Description
Located in Front Royal, Virginia, Skyline Caverns is the closest natural wonder to the Nation's Capital. As one of the only places on Earth where rare Anthodites are displayed, the guided tour is as impressive as it is educational. Whether it's your first time underground, or you're an expert, our staff of knowledgeable and well trained guides are ready to answer any question. Individuals, families, tour and/or school groups are welcome all year long... regardless of the weather above.
A warm welcome to Skyline Caverns is extended to you all year. The temperature in the Caverns is always a cool and comfortable 54 degrees, no matter what the weather is like outside, so you may want to bring your jacket, as well as your camera.
Located at the Northern Entrance to Skyline Drive and the Shenandoah National Park, Skyline Caverns is one of only a few places in the world where you will find unique formations known as Anthodites. Called "Orchids of the Mineral Kingdom", the Anthodites seem to defy gravity. Their delicate white spikes spread in all directions, including upwards, from their position on the cave ceiling. Their growth rate is estimated to be only one inch every seven thousand years. The mystery of how they form only adds to the beauty of the Anthodites.
History
In 1937, geologists around the world stood in awe of Walter S. Amos when he discovered Skyline Caverns. He carefully examined the surface topography, exposing a secret that had lain beneath the earth's surface for 60 million years. This method of scientific analysis makes the discovery of Skyline Caverns rare, if not unique.
Tours
A knowledgeable guide will escort you though the Caverns, explaining the geological history while challenging your imagination; making your tour educational, exciting, and entertaining.
You will witness Mother Nature continuing her meticulous work, even today, on the formation of the exquisite creation. The dripping of water you find throughout the Caverns is a reminder of this constant growth, the beauty of which is shared with thousands of wide-eyed visitors each year.
A limited tour group size along with award winning lighting systems, allow you to enjoy the splendor of The Capital Dome, Rainbow Trail, The Painted Desert, The Wishing Well, The Grotto of Nativity, Cathedral Hall, The Shrine, Fairyland Lake, The Anthodities and much, much more. Included are three underground streams and 37 foot Rainbow Waterfall.
Miniature Train
Kids of all ages enjoy a ride on the Skyline Arrow. This ten minute ride on our one-fifth scale miniature train carries you around Houseshoe Curve, across Apache Flats, by Kissing Rock and Sinkhole Overlook, and through Boothill Tunnel. Although the train ride is not part of the Caverns tour, it is a must for both youngsters and the young at heart. Weather permitting, the Skyline Arrow is open every day.
Let us help plan your trip to Skyline Caverns today. Discount and group rates are available. Your visit will leave you with memories for a lifetime.
A visit to Skyline Caverns is a perfect way to begin or end your visit to the Northern Shenandoah Valley, or as a day trip from anywhere in the four state area! For more information, see: our web page
Locations
Directions from the Washington DC area
* Travel Interstate 66 (Westbound) to Exit13 (Route 55)
* Follow Route 55 West appx. 5 miles (through Front Royal) to Route 340
* Turn South on Route 340 and travel appx. 1 mile
* The entrance to Skyline Caverns will be on the left side of the road.
Directions from Baltimore, MD and the Northeastern US
* Travel Interstate 95 (Southbound) to Interstate 495 (the Washington DC Beltway, Outer Loop)
* Cross the American Legion Bridge into Virginia and exit to Interstate 66 West
* Travel Interstate 66 (Westbound) to Exit13 (Route 55)
* Follow Route 55 West appx. 5 miles (through Front Royal) to Route 340
* Turn South on Route 340 and travel appx. 1 mile
* The entrance to Skyline Caverns will be on the left side of the road.
Directions from Richmond, VA and the Tidewater area
* Travel Interstate 64 (Westbound) to Interstate 81
* Travel Interstate 81 (Northbound) to Exit 300 (Interstate 66)
* Follow Interstate 66 (Eastbound) to Exit 6 (Route 340)
* Travel Route 340 (Southbound) appx. 6 miles (through Front Royal)
* The entrance to Skyline Caverns will be on the left side of the road.
Directions from Roanoke, VA and the Southwestern VA
* Travel Interstate 81 (Northbound) to Exit 300 (Interstate 66)
* Follow Interstate 66 (Eastbound) to Exit 6 (Route 340)
* Travel Route 340 (Southbound) appx. 6 miles (through Front Royal)
* The entrance to Skyline Caverns will be on the left side of the road.
Directions from Southern PA and the Panhandle of MD
* Travel Interstate 81 (Southbound) to Exit 300 (Interstate 66)
* Follow Interstate 66 (Eastbound) to Exit 6 (Route 340)
* Travel Route 340 (Southbound) appx. 6 miles (through Front Royal)
* The entrance to Skyline Caverns will be on the left side of the road.
Directions from Charleston, WV and points West
* Travel Interstate 64 (Eastbound) to Interstate 81
* Travel Interstate 81 (Northbound) to Exit 300 (Interstate 66)
* Follow Interstate 66 (Eastbound) to Exit 6 (Route 340)
* Travel Route 340 (Southbound) appx. 6 miles (through Front Royal)
* The entrance to Skyline Caverns will be on the left side of the road
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