For good reason, the stretch of ancient mountains from Maryland to northern Alabama – including the Blue Ridge and the Smoky ranges – have earned popularity among travelers with their vistas and valleys.
Less known are the impressive views one can visit from 25 to 2,500 feet under those mountains.
In all, from Boonsboro, Maryland to Woodville, Alabama, 22 different cavern systems offer underground tours of varying levels of natural spectacle. Virtually all of them have highlights – but if I described all of them, this wouldn’t be a “best of” article. You can see the ones I didn’t choose at the end, though.
In addition to Maryland and Alabama, tour caverns are found in Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee. From these offerings, here are the five I found most intriguing.
Luray Caverns, Luray, VA (luraycaverns.com; 540-743-6551)
Of the six caverns spaced along Interstate 81 in Virginia, Luray – opened in 1878 – is not only one of the most family-friendly, it is also home to one of the most extensive collections of large formations sure to make an impression. From the lake and the “fried eggs” to the fascinating Stalacpipe Organ and multiple columns, the Luray tour covers a lot of ground, literally (at 1.25 miles) and in terms of cavern options found up and down its paved walks.
Lost World Caverns, Lewisburg, WV (lostworldcaverns.com; 866-228-3778)
Although it has a fair number of up steps, probably the most alluring and fascinating aspect of a Lost World tour is that it’s self-guided. You follow the signs, you set the pace, you pause where you wish to take in the sights. It’s about 1.5 miles and takes about 45 minutes (or more). Well worth it!
One of the most enticing features of some caverns is underground water features. Some caverns are actually quite dry, but the three I chose in Tennessee are not. Some caverns have small ponds or clear-water reflecting pools, while Forbidden Caverns features more than one underground river. That gave it a slight edge over several other locations with water.
Lost Sea, Sweetwater, TN (thelostsea.com; 423-337-6616)
Because of the size and relatively high ceiling of Lost Sea’s underwater lake, this is the only cavern visit along the Appalachians where you can climb into a boat and actually ride around on the lake. Open since 1915, Lost Sea is worth the stop!
Ruby Falls, Chattanooga, TN (rubyfalls.com; 423-821-2544)
Towards the southern end of the eastern mountains, Ruby Falls is just about as it sounds. You get to go underground; you get to stroll through some classic cave scenery; and then there’s the magnificent 145-foot waterfall, made even cooler by dramatic lighting effects. All at 58 degrees. I recommend the experience.
For cavern touring, at any of the Central Appalachian locations, keep in mind:
Year-round temperatures inside caverns range from 48 to 60 degrees. Dress accordingly!
Tours range in length (time, 25 minutes to one and half hours, depending on site) and mileage (.25 to 2.2 miles). Comfortable shoes recommended!
A few caverns have no steps or uphill paths to climb. Others range from 11 to 203 steps up, plus uphill climbs. Only a few, such as Luray and Shenandoah, are wheelchair- or stroller-friendly.
