grottoes and grand caverns

This was our first experience with caverns and we were quite pleased. All the rooms were beautiful. We couldn't get over how big some of the formations were! It's definitely worth your time & money to take a walk around.

Naturally, everyone knows that the caverns maintain a 54 degree climate throughout the year, regardless of season. With temps in the teens, it was a perfect day to tour the caverns and warm up. Just want to point out a couple of things. 1. The path to the entry point is paved and a short climb upwards the mountain. If breathing is compromised or you are really out of shape, plan to stop and rest on the benches along the way. 2. The path throughout the caverns is gravel and not completely level. Wear shoes that are flat and comfortable and plan to have plenty of dust on them when you leave. Tour is about a mile and takes about an hour. Our guide was very good and was great at pointing out some things that might not be noticed if it were self guided. We paid $15.50 each with our AAA discount. A new area has been discovered in the last few years that is not open to the public quite yet. It could be years if it ever is, but the Grand Caverns are probably larger than Luray Caverns with the discovery. Keep an eye on this as a room of over 3 football fields long is in the new area. The photo is a reflection in a pool. Does it look like the New York city skyline?

We stumbled upon this cavern by accident. We were really impressed. The shields and the cathedral room is breathtaking. We have been to Luray, Shenandoah, and Endless Caverns and this one stands right along with Luray! The ticket center and gift shop is pretty cool too. Enjoy the underground

Grottoes is a small town, so don't expect a lot of city amenities. The cavern is still more in the natural state than Luray Caverns. Great tours and beautiful cavern rooms. I highly recommend visiting this cavern if you are in the area or if you are just looking for something new to do. Allow at least an hour and a half.

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the Grand Caverns. It was so interesting and full of history. See the names of Civil War soldiers written on the cave walls takes you back in time. I can only imagine what it would have been like spending the night and days in a dark cave. The weddings, dances and parties that were held there 100-150 years ago. How it would have looked all lit up with candles and an orchestra playing on an upper level. The guides are very knowledgeable and it's wider than most caves we've visited - which was nice. The coolness of the cave was great and help relieve the stickiness of the humid August day.

We enjoyed this attraction, and a part of our enjoyable visit was the staff. When we arrived, there was a tour about to start at the top of the (rather steep) hill, and they held it for us to join, so we didn't have to wait for another tour. Our guide was friendly and knowledgable. We had come prepared, with jackets (54 degrees in the cave year-round) and sneakers. This is not a handicap-accesible cave, there are some steps. While in the Grand Cavern, the group sang Happy Birthday to my wife, which was big fun. Lots and lots of interesting formations and we were not rushed as we walked through and then back. Amazing the size of the this cave (explored and unexplored areas). It did really feel like you were walking down the same path we walked up, only INSIDE the mountain. I don't know if they had any food, because we were not interested. The grounds were lovely with picnic tables, etc. Plenty of shaded parking.

This cavern is not as commercialized as some of the others in the area. The guide was very knowledgeable with just enough humour to keep things interesting. The caverns were beautiful and amazing. Would recommend this cavern to anyone who does not have mobility issues. Itg is definitely not for anyone one who has problems with stairs, hills or rough ground; Other than that I would recommend this cavern. Great discount for AAA members

The cave is very unique and very beautiful. Our guide was knowledgeable enough to suit most any non expert. Don't miss the gift shop - it is not the typical bunch of junk but really some quality items and great place to pickup some Christmas gifts for kids of all ages. If time allows be sure and walk along the river, very pretty.

This is a very good place to visit with the grand kids. they were fascinated by the size and depth of the cave. The cave is well light to highlight the key stone formations. our guide Jeff was well versed in all aspects of the history and geology . He was friendly and could be heard by all. the best part is when he turns off the lights...wow its darker than dark ha.

Having witnessed the breathtaking beauty of Kartchner Caverns in Arizona, which were only discovered in the mid 70's and then painstakingly preserved and protected before opening to the public at the start of this century, it was hard for me to take in the sights of Grand Caverns, which are mostly about how much the caves have been used and abused for 200 years. Features on the tour included places where Civil War soldiers signed their names, areas where mining operations gutted the cave of its crystal formations, and places where parties where held - with a band playing and even private areas for going to the bathroom. Lovely. So I found that I needed to adjust my thinking to appreciate the cave as a wondrous underground playground where adventurous men and women of yesteryear cavorted without the benefit of electricity or prepared walkways and staircases. Seen in this light, it's easy to see what the millions of visitors before me where there for: caves are really cool places (no pun intended).

I was a bit weary when I drove into the parking lot, it is certainly quaint. But we loved the tour of Grand Caverns. First, the tour quide we had was excellent. He was a tall gentleman who was also a minister. I would ask for him if I were visiting, because he is extremely knowledgeable about the history of the caverns and seems to really enjoy what he does. The caverns themselves were, to me, so much better than Luray because of their depth and because of the history of the caverns. Don't get me wrong, the caverns in Luray are a bit more spectacular, but in Grand caverns you really get the feeling that you are in a deep cave cut off from the outside world. And the history, those signatures and the stories associated with the cavern are amazing. Long story short, I would certainly go again.

Constant 54 degrees in the caves. Tour guide was very informative and it is well-worth the money, especially if you've never taken a tour of a cave system. A different world.

This is my home town and i think its wonderful there are mostly resturants but there r houses for rent if u want a simple life

I have visited several caverns and what I saw on the internet, this cavern gave me the idea I wouldn't see any thing different or special features. After walking about 150 yards, my mind was completely changed. A visitor won't see large stalactiles & stalagmites such as at Luray, but a large number of smaller ones, with many hanging from the ceiling. Each area or room is carefully lighted to show it's rock formations and natural colors.The cavern rooms are asigned names such as the 'ZOO', which has four different animals or rock formations looking like a reptile. One stalagmite is George ashington, with Mathra Washington's bedroom nearby. Other rooms are the Grand Ballroom & Dante's Inferno.A tour is 3/4 one way, with a tour time at least 70 minutes. Tom, our guide, was very knowledgeable about the cavern's discovery, development, opening and how the cavern was used by both sides during the Civil War. On one wall are signatures of soldiers from both sides. I don't believe Tom was stumped with any question asked of him.The cavern's walkway is mostly a combination of packed stone & concrete. There are occasional stairs with railing. Most of the walkway is dry.. The best footwear would be hiking/working boots. NO flipflops or sneakers. Photography is encouraged. THe natural light is good enough for most photos without a flask. I found out that a flash maybe too bright or will wash out the photo. Although I did have some very dark photos, where I could have used a flash.If not using GPS take Exit 235 off I-81, drive 6 miles east on Weyers Cave Road. Turn right onto Dogwood Avenue with an Excel gass station. THe cavern's entrance will be 1000 feet on the right.Besides the cavern is the Grand Caverns Regional Park. The park had 5 rental shelter picnicking structures, an 18 hole miniature golf course, along with a public fenced in pool. The cavern has ample free parking for automobiles & tour buses. There is one, possibly two hiking, walking & biking trails of about one mile. Trout fishing is permittede with proper licence.With a constant temperature of 54F. a light leather jacket probably is the best outer wear. Grand Caverns has one distinct featurs I haven't seen in any other cavern, which are 'Shields'. Shields are large clam shaped structures. They maybe singles, doubles or triples. Outside the giftshop are words & events about the Civil War. The words are from, Edward Ruffin, Virginia senator James M. Mason, Abraham Lincoln, Confederate general Jubal A. Early & Stonewall Jackson, Fredrick Douglass, & Union captain Charles Adam, Jr.Hours of operation: April 1 to Ocober 31 9:00-5:00. November 1 to March 31 10:00-4:00.Rates vary for adults, children, military & groups. Adults-$18.00, Seniors (60 +) $16.00, AAA $15.00, AARP $15.50, Military-Adults $15.00, Child $9.00, Group rates-Adults-$13.00 , Child-$8.00. Grottoes resident- Adult $11.00, Child $8.00.A regular goup have have 10 people, with only 8 in my group. This made Tom's job easier to making sure all people stayed togather & answering questions.I don't know if I will return, however a visit is highly recommended. A visitor shouldn't expect what to see, just let the cavern happen before their eyes. They wouldn't be disappointed.Jack. L., Syracuse, New York.

Thank you for your kind words and visiting Grand Caverns! We are glad you enjoyed your visit.