Crystal Grottoes Caverns

User Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Our son wanted to see Luray Caverns. We opted to go here b/c it was cheaper, closer, and smaller. The CGC is tighter and smaller than Luray. And in some places, you have to double-over to walk through or around formations. Our tour guide was a 30-year veteran of caves and was very knowledgeable and excited about the CGC...in fact, he and his grandson spend time digging new paths for fun. Is it as spectacular as Luray? No. But if you have an itch for stalagmites and stalagtites, and don't want to drive 2-3 hours to Luray, this will work. Avoid the gift shop trap...the guide is encouraged to push you back in there to have the owner answer questions....preferably on how much the fossils, rocks, and snack foods cost.

Afterwards, the creek and picnic tables DID provide a nice extra diversion for the kids as they explored new bugs, crayfish, rocks, etc.

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User Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Hey there. After reading all of the horrible reviews and deciding to go anyway because of the group discount rate that my family received by going with one of my son's boy scout troop, I have to say that I am so glad that we went. The lady who was our guide was knowledgable and quite good at fielding the variety of questions. Yes the normal ticket price is high but if you get the group rate it is very much worth the tour and trip down. Lots to look at. Lots of magical formations to stretch the imagination. I would recommend these caverns to anyone. There was a fire recently so the owner has been remodeling the entry way/gift shop. He has also been doing work to nice pathway next to a stream that people can walk while waiting for their tour time.

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User Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

I used to visit Crystal Grottoes many years ago in the 1950s with my family when I was a child. There were five of us. We always enjoyed it and would picnic on the grounds (grilled hot dogs, etc.). I don't think it was overly expensive for the times then, or we wouldn't have gone there (we had to drive from Chevy Chase). I am disappointed to learn that the admission fee is $15/adult (or $14 if you say you saw the website). It is a small cave, but the formations are quite good and interesting, with a lot packed into a small space. The last time I went, years ago, the guide had obviously given the same speech so many times he just ran everything together and was somewhat difficult to understand. BUT - it's the only cave in Maryland open to visitors. Yes, the admission seems high for the size of the cave. OTOH, I don't know how much it costs to operate and keep open a business like this. I hope they will stay open, but if you don't want to pay the $, then don't go.

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