Tatiana’s Veil, Luray Caverns.
degrees year-round, cell phones won’t work (thankfully), and you’ll probably bump your head and get dripped on (a “cave kiss” is considered good luck). Also, a “hands off” rule is observed because oils from skin can interfere with the growth of formations essential to nature’s cave- making handiwork. So, strike your best Indiana Jones pose and let’s get to
VIRGINIA IS FOR (CAVE) LOVERS By Dave G. Houser
Beneath its lush green surface, Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley is full of surprises. Its limestone surface is riddled with cracks, crevices, and channels where water has dissolved the rock over millions of years to form holes. Drip by drip, the slightly acidic water enlarged those holes to form caves, and within them to shape a wonderland of fantastic stone formations. Virginia is home to more than 4,000 caves, most of them “wild,” or unaltered by humans. Fewer than 10 are open to the public, but six of these have been developed to the point of “show cave” status, with lighting, smooth paths, stairs, guided tours—and in one case, even an elevator. The Valley’s leading visitor attractions, these show caves began taking in guests in 1806, when Grand Caverns opened. It’s the nation’s oldest cave concession. Each of Shenandoah’s caves is unique but all have a few things in common: the temperature averages about 55
know Virginia beneath the surface. Luray Caverns – Luray, Virginia
If you are familiar at all with Virginia’s caves, you’ve probably heard of Luray Caverns. Not only is Luray the largest cave system in the Eastern United States, it’s the nation’s third most-visited cave after Mammoth Cave in Kentucky and Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico. It also has been designated a U.S. Natural Landmark. Discovered in 1878, Luray is home to a winding series of large well-lighted rooms with paved floors that feature some spectacular limestone formations and crystal-clear lakes, streams and pools. Most impressive are Saracen’s Tent, a ten-story-high column with a rock configuration that resembles folded ribbons, Tatiana’s Veil, an intricate composition of crystalized calcite, and Giant’s Hall with its towering golden columns.
VIRGINIA IS FOR (CAVE) LOVERS
COAST TO COAST SPRING MAGAZINE 2020
13
Made with FlippingBook Proposal Creator