Endless Caverns.
Natural Bridge State Park.
Endless Caverns – New Market, Virginia Not long after a couple of boys discovered this cave in 1879 while hunting rabbits on the property of Ruben Zirkle, the Zirkle family began operating candle-lit tours through the cave. A promoter named Colonel Brown purchased the property in 1919 and employed several expeditions to survey the caverns. They failed to find an end to the complex of passageways—which explains the name Endless Caverns. Six miles of the caverns were mapped, and Brown had the cave fully electrified/ lighted for an August 1920 grand opening. Endless Caverns is often cited as the most “authentic” of Virginia caves, a description that is open to interpretation. On one hand it is less developed and hence more “natural” than show caves such as Luray and Shenandoah. On the other, it is less well maintained and is in places dangerously slippery. Nor are its formations as numerous and majestic as those seen in some of the Old Dominion’s more popular caves. That said, Endless has its share of fans—many of whom take advantage of the adjacent full-service campground. The facility is open seasonally, April 1 to November 15. www.endlesscaverns.com – 540-896-2283
Caverns at Natural Bridge – Natural Bridge, Virginia Visitors had best be prepared for a deep dive when making their way into the Natural Bridge Caverns. The deepest cave in the eastern U.S. bottoms out at 349 feet—equivalent to 34 stories below ground. Hardy cave enthusiasts are duly rewarded for their efforts in negotiating one of the cave’s 45-minute guided tours (departing every hour on a seasonally adjusted schedule from March through November). Highlight of the tour is a stroll through the Colossal Dome room, featuring an enormous dome-shaped flowstone formed over thousands of years. Other points of interest include Mirror Lake, the Well Room, and the Canyon Room. The Caverns are located just minutes from Natural Bridge State Park, home to a limestone gorge capped by a striking 215-foot-tall natural bridge with a span of more than 90 feet. Thomas Jefferson once owned the bridge, purchasing it in 1774 from King George III of England. The park has had numerous owners since but has operated as a state park since 2016. Like many visitors do, you should consider exploring both the bridge and caverns during your stay in the area. www.naturalbridgeva.com/caverns – 540-291-2482
VIRGINIA IS FOR (CAVE) LOVERS
COAST TO COAST SPRING MAGAZINE 2020
17
Made with FlippingBook Proposal Creator