Blue Ridge Parkway Day #4
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Today we arrived at the north end of Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park. Here are some views from some of the overlooks along today’s route.
From ChatGPT:
Skyline Drive is a 105-mile scenic roadway running the length of Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, following the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Built in the 1930s, it offers sweeping overlooks, wildlife viewing, and access to more than 500 miles of hiking trails, including portions of the Appalachian Trail. Shenandoah National Park is known for forested ridges, waterfalls, and seasonal beauty, especially fall foliage. The park preserves a tranquil mountain landscape while providing visitors opportunities for hiking, camping, and scenic driving just hours from Washington, D.C.
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We hiked the Fox Hollow Trail loop.
From ChatGPT:
Fox Hollow Trail in Shenandoah National Park is a quiet, lightly traveled hiking trail that descends through hardwood forest into a secluded hollow. The trail follows remnants of old farm roads and stone walls, offering a glimpse into the park’s pre-park history. It provides a peaceful alternative to busier routes, especially in autumn when foliage is vibrant.
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This trail takes you past the Fox Family cemetary.
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Despite being late October, there was still some areas of nice fall color.
Our main stop for today was Luray Caverns in Luray, Virginia.
From ChatGPT:
Luray Caverns, located in the Shenandoah Valley town of Luray, Virginia, is the largest and most famous cavern system in the eastern United States. Discovered in 1878, the caverns feature vast chambers adorned with towering stalactites, stalagmites, columns, flowstone, and mirrored pools that create dramatic underground landscapes. Highlights include the Great Stalacpipe Organ, which uses rubber mallets to play music on naturally tuned stone formations, and the soaring Titania’s Veil. The caverns maintain a constant cool temperature, making them accessible year-round. Above ground, the site includes museums, gardens, and historic attractions that provide additional context for the region’s geology and history. Luray Caverns has long been a major Shenandoah Valley destination, combining natural wonder, scientific significance, and tourism tradition.
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These are some photos of the amazing formations seen throughout the caverns.
As a general rule, Lisa and I are not fans of caves - a bit too claustrophobic for our taste. But, these caverns were so vast and expansive we never really felt that claustrophobic sensation and it was quite enjoyable.
These are some of the reflecting pools. The top of the image is the cavern roof and the bottom is actually a mirror reflection in the water below.
More reflecting pools.
The colors are caused by the different minerals dissoved in the water as it drips over the formations and deposits over MANY years.
This is the Great Stalacpipe Organ, which uses rubber mallets to play music on naturally tuned stone formations.
This is the wishing well formation and people throw money into the pool. Each year they take out all the money and donate it to a cause. See the next photo for details. Overall, they have collected over $1.2 Million!
A close-up of the mineral formations.
