LURAY, Virginia — Dream Lake creates a perfect mirror reflection of the stalactite-covered ceiling in Luray Caverns, creating an optical illusion of underwater stalagmites. This remarkable body of water covers 2,500 square feet, making it the largest water feature in the cavern system. The lake reaches a maximum depth of 18 to 20 inches while maintaining crystal-clear reflective properties.
Photograph by David Coleman. Dream Lake stands as one of the most captivating features within Luray Caverns, showcasing nature's ability to create stunning optical illusions. As the largest body of water in the cavern system, Dream Lake spans an impressive 2,500 square feet, with depths ranging between 18 to 20 inches at its deepest points. The lake's perfectly still surface creates a flawless mirror reflection of the stalactite-covered ceiling above, producing an illusion of countless stalagmites rising from the depths. This remarkable feature exists within Luray Caverns, designated as a Registered Natural Landmark in 1974 and recognized as the largest cavern system in eastern America. The cave maintains a constant temperature of 54 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, providing ideal conditions for preserving these unique formations. The crystal-clear waters of Dream Lake offer visitors one of the most photographed and memorable scenes in the entire cave system, demonstrating the intricate relationship between water and limestone in cave formation processes.
Size: 8256px × 5504px
Location: Luray Caverns, Luray, Virginia, United States
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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