Welcome
to the
Upper Valley Regional Park Authority 

 

The Upper Valley Regional Park Authority was formed in 1970 to provide enhanced regional recreational opportunities for the Virginia counties of Augusta and Rockingham, and the cities of Harrisonburg and Staunton. In addition, the Park Authority provides the traveling motorist with the opportunity to visit GRAND CAVERNS , America's oldest show cave; and NATURAL CHIMNEYS, a fantastic geological formation and the home of North America's oldest continuously held sporting event - The Natural Chimneys Joust.  

 

 

Incredibly, the scenic grandeur of the Shenandoah Valley is matched - even surpassed - below the surface of the earth. Grand Caverns, one of the most spectacular Virginia caverns, has offered the public a breath- taking glimpse of subterranean beauty since 1806 - making it America's oldest show cave. If the walls could only talk, they'd tell you about their part in the Civil War, and of Thomas Jefferson' visit. 

GREAT FOR FIELD TRIPS AND FAMILY VACATIONS ! 

 

 

 

 Viewed from one angle, the formations resemble enormous chimneys standing in bleak contrast to the greenery of the Valley. Take a few steps, though, and chimneys are transformed into the massive turrets of a foreboding medieval castle. 

The castle appearance of the Chimneys may well have inspired the creation of the Natural Chimneys Jousting Tournament, America's Oldest Continuously Held Sporting Event. 
 

GREAT FOR school outings AND camping VACATIONS !

 

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GRAND CAVERNS - America's oldest show cave, Grand Caverns is open to the public seven days a week from April 1st - October 31 each year.   In addition to the caverns, other activities to be enjoyed while at the park are hiking, picnicking, swimming and mini golf.  The caverns are open weekends-only in March, and by reservation for group use at other times. 

Incredibly, the scenic grandeur of the Shenandoah Valley is matched - even surpassed - below the surface of the earth. Grand Caverns, one of the most spectacular Virginia caverns, has offered the public a breathtaking panorama of subterranean beauty since 1806 - making it America's oldest show cave.  

Grand Caverns is a stately and powerful example of Nature's handiwork. Gigantic stalactites point down from above. Equally imposing stalagmites thrust upward from the caverns floor. Cathedral Hall, 280 feet long and over 70 feet high, is one of the largest rooms of any cavern in the East. 

Massive columns, beautiful draperies rippling flowstone, and rare "shield" formations create a variety of fascinating sights. The famous Bridal Veil, Stonewall Jackson's Horse,and a peek at Dante's Inferno provide memories too good to miss. 

Grand Caverns is the ideal stop for a family vacation, a school group (field trip), a youth group or an individual to become steeped in natural beauty, geology, and civil war history.  

Be sure to contact Grand Caverns at 1-888-430-CAVE for more information, or to set up a group reservation. Certain fees apply. 

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NATURAL CHIMNEYS - One of Virginia's premier natural attractions, Natural Chimneys is open to the public from March 1st - October 31st.  Camping, picnicking, hiking, and swimming are major activities to be enjoyed while viewing these geologic wonders. 

It's hard to imagine, but the Shenandoah Valley was once the floor of a great inland sea.  Centuries ago, as that sea receded, the forces of Nature carefully etched out an awe-inspiring formation of solid rock.  The seven Natural Chimneys tower as much as 120 feet above the pastoral terrain of the Shenandoah Valley, offering onlookers a sight unrivaled in majesty. 

Viewed from one angle, the formations resemble enormous chimneys standing in bleak contrast to the greenery of the Valley.  Take a few steps, though, and chimneys are transformed into the massive turrets of a foreboding medieval castle. 

But Natural Chimneys Regional Park and Campground offers more than simply the splendor of towering limestone formations.  Both day and overnight visitors find plenty of room for relaxation and opportunities for recreational activities at this pleasant vacation spot. 

Be sure to call the park at 1-888-430-CAMP for more information, and to make camping reservations.

 

 

CAMPING - Natural Chimneys has a 145 site family-oriented campground with water and electricity.   There are a limited number of sewer sites, and a seperate section for tent campers.

Bathhouses feature hot showers, and there is a laundry on-site.  A swimming. pool is available, as are two playground areas and over 2 miles of hiking trails.  The Visitor Center includes a campstore, the National Jousting Hall of Fame, and the park offices.

An Extended Stay program is available for people wishing to stay over 28 days, and other discounts may be available.

Call 1-888-430-CAMP (2267) for more information or reservations.