A world beneath our feet | About the trail | Trail stops
The Virginia Cave and Karst Trail has more than a dozen stops where visitors can learn about and appreciate outstanding caves and karst features. The goal of the trail is to educate people about these sensitive environments and to promote their protection.
Many stops are in Virginia's scenic Ridge and Valley Province. Each offers visitors a unique experience such as a fee-based tour, an interpretive program or a scenic view. A few stops have trails or self-guided tours.
With a bit of planning, several stops can be covered in a day's drive. Be sure to contact commercial sites for information about admission fees and hours of operation.
Caves figure prominently in Virginia's natural and geologic history. More than 4,400 have been documented in the commonwealth, and many harbor delicate natural communities with a diversity of species. More than 160 cave-dwelling organisms are considered rare, and many inhabit just one or two caves. Caves, and protecting the life inside them, are an important focus for scientists and conservationists.
About a dozen caves in Virginia have been developed into show caves. Show caves contribute to local economies and provide visitors amazing views of caves they wouldn't otherwise see. The Virginia Cave and Karst Trail features show caves.
Karst landscapes occur with caves but aren't as noticeable to the public. Karst landscapes are characterized by sinkholes, sinking streams, springs and caves. They've formed in areas where mildly acidic groundwater has dissolved soluble rock, such as limestone, dolostone, marble and gypsum. Virginia is rich in karst resources, and they play an important role in water quality. In fact, thousands of Virginians depend on karst for clean drinking water.
The Virginia Cave and Karst Trail is a collaborative project between the governor-appointed Virginia Cave Board and the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. DCR manages programs for cave and karst protection, and education.
Abrams Creek Wetland Preserve
1643 Meadow Branch Ave., Winchester, Va.
Here, visitors see vegetation derived from karst bedrock and calcareous seeps and springs. Underlying rocks are limestone and dolostone. Surface soils derived from these rocks are unusually high in calcium and magnesium. High groundwater levels saturate many of these soils and form seeps and springs, the largest of which is an artesian called Pennypacker Spring. The combination of rich and saturated soils helps create at least two globally imperiled natural communities known as calcareous muck fen and calcareous wet prairie. The site has 20 plants that are significantly rare plants in Virginia and has exceptional floristic quality. Free.
For more information:
Augusta Springs
Augusta County, Va.
Augusta Springs is located on the edge of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. Karst features and wetlands can be viewed from a handicap-accessible loop trail, which also is part of the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail. Look for a variety of bird, butterfly and salamander species. Free.
From Interstate 81, take exit 220 to State Route 262 toward Route 11. Merge onto VA 262 North. Take the Virginia 254/Parkersburg Pike ramp and turn left. Continue on State Route 42 South. Destination is on the left.
Butler Cave Conservation Society, Inc. (BCCS) Karst Educational Trail
11918 Dry Run Rd., Burnsville, Va. 24487
This stop along the Virginia Cave and Karst Trail in the western highlands is located in the heart of Burnsville Cove, Bath County, a storied 18-square-mile mecca of cave conservation, exploration, survey, and scientific study for over half a century. With over 90 miles explored and multiple caves identified, Burnsville Cove has been identified by Virginia’s Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) as one of seven “Significant Karst Areas” in the commonwealth.
Situated on the Postmaster House Preserve owned and managed by BCCS since 2018, a short trail leads the visitor past a massive specimen of Tonoloway limestone common to this area that displays a plaque designating Butler Cave and nearby Breathing Cave as National Natural Landmarks. The path continues to a viewing platform overlooking the Steamer Hole, an imposing sinkhole at the southwest corner of the property where cleanup and exploration continue in the decades of debris accumulated in the sinkhole’s crevices. Smaller sinkholes are also visible on the property.
Scheduled excavation project weekends carry on in the Steamer Hole and volunteers are always welcome. Supported with generous funding from the Cave Conservancy of the Virginias (CCV) in addition to donations from BCCS members and friends. BCCS, Inc., a Virginia corporation formed in 1968, is a 501(c)(3) nonstock, nonprofit, tax-exempt organization. Donations welcome.
Open daily. Parking onsite—no public facilities. Free.
Cowpasture River Karst Trail
This 35-mile scenic driving trail takes motorists through Bath and Highland counties. See springs and sinkholes along the Cowpasture River, a tributary of the James. A series of interpretive signs explains the relationship between these karst features and water quality. Free.
Dixie Caverns
5753 W. Main St., Salem, Va.
This show cave has been open to the public since 1923. Enjoy a 45-minute cave tour. $
Endless Caverns
1800 Endless Caverns Rd., New Market, Va.
One of Virginia's many wonderful show caves, Endless Caverns is a 6-mile-long cave at the foot of the Massanutten Mountain range. It features seemingly endless tunnels and chambers, many unexplored to this day. $
Falling Spring Falls Overlook
U.S. Route 220, 5 miles north of Covington, Va.
A small parking area enables visitors to stop and view this fantastic waterfall, which is fed by a thermal spring. Free.
Falls Ridge Preserve
Update 6/26/2022: Closed until further notice.
Falls Ridge Road, Elliston, Va.
Owned by The Nature Conservancy, Falls Ridge Preserve boasts a spring-fed travertine waterfall approximately 80 feet in height. Large sinkholes on part of the land also indicate the existence of underlying caverns. There are easy hiking trails and an overlook platform, but no public bathrooms. Dogs are not allowed. Free.
Gap Cave
91 Bartlett Park Rd., Middlesboro, Ky.
This cave inside Cumberland Gap National Historical Park awes visitors with massive stalagmites, fern-like crystals, curtain draperies, bacon strips and delicate straw-shaped stalactites. $
Grand Caverns
5 Grand Caverns Dr., Grottoes, Va.
Grand Caverns was the first continually open show cave in America. Enormous rooms lined with hundreds of exceedingly rare and magnificent shield formations are a highlight of the cave. $
Hupp's Hill Civil War Park
33229 Old Valley Pike, Strasburg, Va.
Several caves are visible atop Hupp's Hill, site of the Battle of Cedar Creek. Learn about the site’s geology and history on a short interpretive walking trail. $
Luray Caverns
101 Cave Hill Rd., Luray, Va.
Gaze at enormous rooms, towering columns and crystal clear pools during a one-hour tour. A show cave for more than 130 years, Luray Caverns is a designated U.S. National Natural Landmark. $
Museum of the Middle Appalachians
123 Palmer Ave., Saltville, Va
At the Museum of the Middle Appalachians, we take you from the Ice Age to the Space Age! Open seven days a week. $
Melrose Caverns
6639 North Valley Pike, Harrisonburg, Va.
This cave was likely known to Native Americans before the 18th century who left two of their carvings on the walls. During the Civil War, Union and Confederate soldiers left hundreds of inscriptions on the walls. Pistol and rifle balls scarred the formations in several corridors. The property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. $
Natural Bridge State Park
6477 South Lee Hwy., Natural Bridge, Va.
Virginia's famous Natural Bridge was first recognized by Thomas Jefferson as a karst feature, the remnants of a vast cave system that once carried Cedar Creek deep beneath the floor of the Shenandoah Valley. Hike under this awesome 215 foot high stone span that supports US Route 11. Continue upstream to see other karst features such as Saltpetre Cave and a beautiful spring. $
Natural Chimneys
94 Natural Chimneys Ln., Mt. Solon, Va.
Managed by Augusta County, this local park features seven awe-inspiring rock formations as tall as 120 feet. There are also walking trails, picnic shelters and seasonal campgrounds. Open seven days a week, dawn until dusk. Free.
Natural Tunnel State Park
1420 Natural Tunnel Pkwy., Duffield, Va.
More than 850 feet long and as tall as a 10-story building, Natural Tunnel was naturally carved through a limestone ridge over thousands of years. William Jennings Bryan called it the "Eighth Wonder of the World." Other scenic features include a wide chasm between steep stone walls surrounded by several pinnacles, or "chimneys." $
New River Cave Nature Preserve
Giles County
The preserve is privately owned and managed by the National Speleological Society (NSS). Along the scenic New River, the preserve is home to its namesake cave, one of the longer and more geologically unusual caves in Virginia. A short (one-half mile) but steep trail leads to the cave entrance from Spruce Run Road near its intersection with Goodwins Ferry Road. Note that the trail is new; the old trail that crosses the train tracks is closed and should not be used. However, only properly equipped, experienced cavers are allowed to visit the cave. Visitors to the preserve and cave should follow NSS conservation rules of "take only pictures, leave only footprints and kill only time." Folks who'd like to enter the cave but lack the necessary experience or equipment should contact a local caving club to see about a trip. Local clubs that routinely visit this cave include the New River Valley Grotto, the Blue Ridge Grotto and the VPI Cave Club. Email the Preserve Manager at newriverpreserve@caves.org for more information. Free.
Pinnacle Natural Area Preserve
State Route 721, Russell County, Va.
Named for a 400-foot dolomite rock outcrop, this preserve showcases limestone ledges and karst features. A suspension footbridge enables visitors to cross Big Cedar Creek, a tributary of the Clinch and a state scenic river. Free.
Rockland Park
Front Royal
The park is home to the threatened Madison Cave Isopod (Antrolana lira), which lives in the aquifer. Interpretive signs describe the isopod and steps citizens, government agencies and businesses have taken to protect this globally rare, federally protected species. The nearby Dominion Warren Electrical Power Plant was built and is operated so as not to impact the aquifer. Measures include keeping stormwater onsite and recycling thermal cooling waters from the plant’s steam turbines. Stormwater from factories and warehouses built before the isopod was discovered still sinks into the ground because of sinkholes and underground streams along the stream. This potentially impacts the aquifer and species that call it home. Cave exploration is not allowed. Free.
Shawnee Springs Preserve
Winchester, Va. Preserve is located off U.S. Route 17, on the west side of Hollingsworth Drive.
Nature lovers and history buffs alike will enjoy this 19-acre preserve in the heart of Winchester. The landscape boasts natural springs, limestone outcroppings, open fields and more. It is also where the largest Civil War field hospital was located. Learn about this history through a series of interpretive signs at the adjacent Town Run Linear Park. Free.
Shenandoah Caverns
261 Caverns Rd., Quicksburg, Va.
Earthquakes, in addition to the eroding of limestone over millions of years, helped form these spectacular caverns. Shenandoah Caverns opened as a show cave in 1922. $
Skyline Caverns
10344 Stonewall Jackson Hwy., Front Royal, Va.
This show cave is home to three underground streams and the 37-foot Rainbow Waterfall. A nature trail on site enables visitors to explore the beautiful surroundings of the caverns. $ (Access to the nature trail is free.)
The Cedars Natural Area Preserve
Lee County, Va.
Sensitive karst features abound in this natural area preserve. Free, but visits must be arranged in advance with the land steward. Call 276-676-5673.
The Caverns at Natural Bridge
15 Appledore Ln., Natural Bridge, Va.
Virginia's famous Natural Bridge is actually a karst feature, carved out by water over thousands of years. But there are great sites underground here, too. A trip to the caverns takes visitors 34 stories below ground. The 45-minute tour showcases Mirror Lake, the Well Room and the Colossal Dome Room. $
Virginia Living Museum
524 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News, Va.
The museum features a walk-through simulated cave exhibit with calcite formations and cave-dwelling animals. $
Wildwood Park
Radford
The greenway for recreation and nature study is in the heart of Radford. The park is fed by numerous springs and seeps. Connelly's Run flows the length of the park intersecting woodland habitat, marshy areas and meadows. Limestone cliffs along the creek are covered in places with tufa formations deposited by calcium rich groundwater. Adams Cave is in the park and protected from vandalism by a bat friendly gate. Caves and sinkholes within Radford collect and transport water to springs and seeps along Connelly’s Run. A bikeway runs through the valley, and there are hiking trails on both sides. Free.
Top left photo courtesy of Luray Caverns.