Click on the Banner above to read more on the PARADE Article.

Grand Caverns Brochure

 

Welcome to the Web Pages of the
Upper Valley
Regional Park
Authority
Grottoes, VA

At the
  Crossroads of the Shenandoah Valley
of Virginia !
PARKS OVERVIEW

Natural Chimneys Brochure

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.  

GREAT DESTINATIONS FOR FIELD TRIPS, SCHOOL OUTINGS AND FAMILY VACATIONS !

Overview of our Parks

GRAND
CAVERNS REGIONAL PARK

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.  

Come here for caverns tours, geology, picnicking and to enjoy the Shenandoah Valley.

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. 

Come here for camping, geology, picnicking and, of course, our jousting tournaments !

 

NATURAL CHIMNEYS REGIONAL PARK



  This Site has been visited 
                      
   times since April 2001.  
FastCounter by bCentral