Grand Caverns Regional Park (Grottoes)

Description

Elevation: 1100 ft.

The primary attraction of this regional park is its caves. These striking caverns are well worth exploring. Visitors in the late afternoon may also see a few eastern pipistrelle bats as they exit the cave, as well as a few flying around just inside the entry way. The grounds of the park are a good mix of open and forested habitats boasting an accessible trail with numerous woodland and open country birds congregating in the area. In spring and summer, look for red-bellied and downy woodpeckers, white-breasted nuthatch, eastern bluebird, gray catbird, indigo bunting, song and chipping sparrows, and American goldfinch. This can be a good place during migration. Butterflies to look for include black, spicebush and eastern tiger swallowtails, great spangled fritillary, red-spotted purple, eastern tailed-blue, hackberry emperor, and pearl crescent. They tend to congregate in the fields were troves of wildflowers, including mayflower, bluebell, and spring beauty, reside during spring.

Directions

Physical Address: 5 Grand Cavern Rd, Grottoes, VA 24441

From I-64 near Afton/Waynesboro, take the US 250 E/US 250 W exit and turn left onto US 250 W following signs for Waynesboro. In 3.2 miles, turn right onto N Delphine Ave/US 340 N and continue for 11.2 miles. Turn left (west) onto SR 778 and then right onto SR 825. In 2.9 miles, turn left (west) onto Grand Cavern Rd and follow to the park.