Skyline Caverns
Skyline Caverns
4.5
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Caves in the Shenandoah Valley that feature anthodites, rare rock formations.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
497 reviews
Excellent
259
Very good
170
Average
42
Poor
15
Terrible
11
oceanview1
14 contributions
Mar 2023 • Solo
I really enjoyed this cave. I also went to Luray caverns the same day so it was very easy to compare the two. I actually enjoyed this cave more than Luray because they gave you a tour guide which is very helpful to point things out and to give you tidbits of information...Luray does not give you a tour guide. I also felt like I was truly in an underground cave here. Luray was cool but it felt like a tourist attraction not like you were walking through a true cave. There were points where you had to duck your head to walk through, it was chilly like in a typical cave but definitely not freezing. I had a hoodie on and was comfortable. They had an interesting growth in one area that can no longer grow due to air pressure which was very cool to see. Definitely lots of cool photo ops. Our tour guide Tristan was very knowledgeable of the cave and was happy to answer any questions anyone had. He also tried to mix humor into the presentation which I'm sure they all have their scripted humor as part of the tour but it was appreciated. A bit on the expensive side especially if you're bringing a family through but considering you probably won't do it more than one time I guess they have to make money somehow. It is comparable in price to Luray and some other caverns. FYI if you show them the coupon on their website you can get $2 off. There is a small gift shop and restrooms. You can tell that they feel overshadowed by Luray as it's mentioned in the tour but it is very different from Luray. It is just down the road from Luray caverns so if you are headed there it's right on the same road and you will literally pass it. If you have an extra hour or so I would definitely recommend doing this cavern. They also have a couple other small attractions for an additional price on the property which I did not visit so I can't comment on those but they looked interesting. The only thing I didn't like was at the end of the tour there is a sign that says tipping is appreciated as well as a form that they want you to fill out to recommend them and I felt like our guide just stood there waiting for a tip which was awkward. I'm sure they don't get paid a lot but tipping should not be something forced it should be if somebody in the group wants to. They need to keep in mind that not only are they getting people from all over the country but possibly all over the world and most of the world does not have tipping in their countries everything is included in your admission price or bill.
Written March 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
R K
Seattle, WA146 contributions
Oct 2022 • Solo
Found the cave formations to be relatively unimpressive based on the ~30 such caves I have been to but what’s notable about Skyline is
i. Anthodites: Guide claimed they have the largest such crystal in the world (which they show in 4 different lights) and only 3 caves in US + 1 in France have those. I doubt the latter part of the claim as I have seen aragonite frostwork in at least Wind Cave & Jewel Cave in South Dakota plus Mercer Cavern in California, in addition to the Carlsbard Caverns in New Mexico (that the guide and Wikipedia mention as one of the three US caves with the formation).
ii. Reflection pond: Some caves have water below the formations creating an impressive reflection display and Skyline lights it up in a unique way.
iii. Shrine: It’s a single stalagmite formation that appears to be a shrine given it’s location and lighting tricks.
Tours are still guided and run about an hour with multiple steps on the way back.
Overall it’s worth doing once for $24 (-$2 with AAA) but if you are short on time and/or money I’d suggest going for the nearby Luray caverns which are much more impressive (but those have self guided tours and lacks i. Anthodites)
i. Anthodites: Guide claimed they have the largest such crystal in the world (which they show in 4 different lights) and only 3 caves in US + 1 in France have those. I doubt the latter part of the claim as I have seen aragonite frostwork in at least Wind Cave & Jewel Cave in South Dakota plus Mercer Cavern in California, in addition to the Carlsbard Caverns in New Mexico (that the guide and Wikipedia mention as one of the three US caves with the formation).
ii. Reflection pond: Some caves have water below the formations creating an impressive reflection display and Skyline lights it up in a unique way.
iii. Shrine: It’s a single stalagmite formation that appears to be a shrine given it’s location and lighting tricks.
Tours are still guided and run about an hour with multiple steps on the way back.
Overall it’s worth doing once for $24 (-$2 with AAA) but if you are short on time and/or money I’d suggest going for the nearby Luray caverns which are much more impressive (but those have self guided tours and lacks i. Anthodites)
Written October 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
KimmyG
Fort Smith, AR1,475 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
This cavern is small but was perfect for introducing our 2 little humans to spelunking. Easy walk with lots of colored lights. Also. They especially liked looking into the little pool of water/stream for the fish. Our guide wasn't the best - monotone and the mask muffled what she said. But the kiddos didn't mind. The shop was small and the line for the restroom was long. Definitely a good start for 3 and 4 year olds.
Written August 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
drddrdvm2018
26 contributions
Aug 2022 • Friends
Just returned from a visit to Skyline Caverns near Front Royal, Virginia. Our excellent tour guide was Maggie (not Bill, thankfully 😄), and she did an excellent job of describing the formations and making the tour educational and interesting. The two highlights for me were the anthodites, rare beautiful radiating crystal clusters of white calcite, and the reflecting pool displaying mirror images of the stalactites hanging overhead. I highly recommend this cavern!
Written August 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Fran
Virginia Beach, VA12 contributions
Nov 2020
My friend and I were camping in Shenandoah River State Park and we saw the sign for Skyline Caverns on the way there. We saw beautiful technicolor photos online, and we were pleasantly surprised that the tour was reflective of these! It gets quite cold down in the caverns, so I would recommend to bring at least a light jacket. My only qualm is that since we were in a big group, the pace of the tour was slow at times (families would stop and take photos) and social distancing can sometimes be an issue. Overall I would recommend this experience for families, but if you are in a rush/want to go at your own pace, then exploring the nearby national park is probably more for you!
Written March 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mary P Gates
2 contributions
Jun 2021
The cavern and the guide were very informative. As for safety, be sure and bring your flashlight as the the floors are often steep and they are pitch black. They have potholes and are uneven in many places. The lighting is incomplete and sometimes is missing or turned off in dangerous spots. If you have poor balance or eyesight, bring your cane. A hat or helmet will help protect you from low ceilings and projections. A beautiful eerie place.
Written July 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Roger B
Melrose Park, IL229 contributions
Jul 2020 • Friends
Nice cave! Guided tour takes about an hour to go through the cave. Not a great cave but a good beginner cave, our guide (Bill) was nice and seemed very passionate about his job. There is a mini train and a maze (dinosaur) on the property for an additional charge (possibly). In the lower area they found some cool white rootlike formations on the ceiling.
Written July 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Peggy H
Beaver, PA16 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
Compared to Luray these caverns are much more real! Small spaces at times, beautiful lighting, only a mile walk! Our tour guide Christina was excellent! She was well informed, funny, and had a beautiful singing voice( you’ll find that out in one section of the cave) We learned so much about the history of the caverns, the rare formations that are here and only a few in the world! Everyone in our group respected each other’s space and there was no problem with social distancing! The tour guides are allowed to accept tips and Christina deserves a big one! The gift shop has great clothing, glassware, rocks, etc. to choose from and things are packaged nicely for safe transport in your car. These caverns are a must see, and don’t forget to ask for tour guide Christina!
Written October 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Elizabeth B
Burgaw, NC498 contributions
Mar 2021 • Couples
This is a nice tour, just an hour in length. Plenty of parking and the staff was wonderful. We especially loved Anna our guide who was so enthusiastic and knowledgeable. We learned of a very rare crystal growing in this cave that has only been seen in 3 other caves in the world!!
Check for coupon online for a few dollars off.
Now, I would not recommend if you have any walking or stabilizing issues such as vertigo. My husband has some challenges and there are inclines, declines, and steps. There were some places that were very low and slightly slippery at the same time so be aware of this.
So worth the entrance fee.
Check for coupon online for a few dollars off.
Now, I would not recommend if you have any walking or stabilizing issues such as vertigo. My husband has some challenges and there are inclines, declines, and steps. There were some places that were very low and slightly slippery at the same time so be aware of this.
So worth the entrance fee.
Written March 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jayson272014
Washington DC, DC32 contributions
May 2021 • Solo
Hello everybody,
I bought a ticket. I’m allergic to cigarette smoke. Of course, no smoking allowed in the building / cave as per regulations and sign on front entrance.
Immediately smelled smoke as I walked towards restroom before tour where private manager office is located.
Manager was clearly smoking in his office. He came out to begin closing out cash/receipts for the day.
I asked him why he was smoking. He denied it and went to his office and put it out.
He came back to register to finish a transaction and went back to his office.
I am a believer of giving people a second chance. I asked polite cashier to call MOD back out.
He phoned back there and requested he come back out. Initially he refused, but I insisted.
So when he came back, I asked him again if he wanted to come clean and admit / apologize. He refused/denied and I could smell the smoke on his breath!
So I asked for a refund and left.
What a shame this excuse for a person manages the place.
I bought a ticket. I’m allergic to cigarette smoke. Of course, no smoking allowed in the building / cave as per regulations and sign on front entrance.
Immediately smelled smoke as I walked towards restroom before tour where private manager office is located.
Manager was clearly smoking in his office. He came out to begin closing out cash/receipts for the day.
I asked him why he was smoking. He denied it and went to his office and put it out.
He came back to register to finish a transaction and went back to his office.
I am a believer of giving people a second chance. I asked polite cashier to call MOD back out.
He phoned back there and requested he come back out. Initially he refused, but I insisted.
So when he came back, I asked him again if he wanted to come clean and admit / apologize. He refused/denied and I could smell the smoke on his breath!
So I asked for a refund and left.
What a shame this excuse for a person manages the place.
Written May 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jack L
East Syracuse, NY813 contributions
What is the parking like?
will4202017
Milpitas, CA125 contributions
You can park anywhere even extra large trucks or RV
Kathleen W
Philadelphia19 contributions
Visiting Monticello the end of March. What is the driving distance between there and the caverns?
Don B
Hedgesville, WV470 contributions
Roughly two hours. A pleasant drive. You will enjoy this location.
Is November okay to visit, would it be too cold inside the caverns
JohnBCowgill
Washington DC, DC806 contributions
It is 55 degrees in the caverns all the time. When it is freezing cold outside, you will find it much warmer in the cave. When I visited the cavern, it was brutally cold outside. I took a photo of the tour guide with her bare feet showing.
How much is a ticket for adults and kids
jehenson81
Washington DC, DC22,205 contributions
Per the website,
Caverns
Adult (ages 14+) - $22.00
Child (ages 7-13) - $11.00
Children 6 and under - Free
Discounts of $2.00 per adult and $1.00 per child are offered for Armed Service personnel, AAA members, and Senior Citizens.
Miniature Train
Ages 3 and above - $6.00
Children under 3 - Free
Mirror Maze
Ages 5 and above - $6.00
Children under 5 - Free
Also note if you go to the website they have a $2/$1 coupon off admission.
my10pets
Bridgeville, DE
how much is the tour for seniors?
Caroline R
London, UK208 contributions
I checked their website and do not see a senior rate discount. The standard admission is $20 and there is a $2 off coupon. Hope you find this useful. Thanks.
What forms of payment are accepted? Are AMEX credit cards taken?
JohnBCowgill
Washington DC, DC806 contributions
All cards are taken.
mary b
Pittsburgh, PA6 contributions
How far from front royal is skyline caverns.
JohnBCowgill
Washington DC, DC806 contributions
Less that five minutes. It is just south of the town.
Skyline Caverns (Front Royal) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Skyline Caverns
- Hotels near Skyline Caverns:
- (1.45 mi) Woodward House on Manor Grade
- (7.83 mi) Glen Gordon Manor
- (4.35 mi) Hampton Inn Front Royal
- (6.35 mi) DoubleTree by Hilton Front Royal Blue Ridge Shadows
- (8.57 mi) Black Dog Farm at Mount Welby
- Restaurants near Skyline Caverns:
- (1.49 mi) Spelunker's Frozen Custard and Cavern Burgers
- (1.96 mi) Blue Wing Frog
- (1.85 mi) Element
- (1.93 mi) L Dee's Pancake House
- (1.94 mi) Po Green's Southern Food & BBQ
- Attractions near Skyline Caverns:
- (1.21 mi) Rose River Falls
- (1.21 mi) Shenandoah National Park
- (1.62 mi) Front Royal Canoe Company-Day Trips
- (1.87 mi) Front Royal Visitors Center
- (2.03 mi) Dickey Ridge Visitor Center