Introduction to Luray

6 miles W of Shenandoah National Park; 91 miles SW of Washington, D.C.; 135 miles NW of Richmond

Established in 1812, this small town is home to the famous Luray Caverns, the most visited caves in the eastern United States. It also has a sensitive zoo, where rescued animals await to be visited. Although Luray has little else in the way of attractions, its accommodations are the closest to the Shenandoah National Park's popular Central District, making it the most convenient base in the valley if you can't get a room at one of the park's inns. The park headquarters and the Thornton Gap entry are up U.S. 211 a few miles east of town. Luray also is near the South Fork of the Shenandoah River, making it a center of watersports.