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Skyline Caverns in Front Royal might be less well known than its famous neighbor, but it’s a bit closer to Washington, less expensive and boasts plenty of beautiful, rare formations.

The tour begins near where retired geologist Walter Amos discovered the opening of the cave in 1937. A path winds through its upper level, which is about 260 feet underground. Skyline’s highlights are anthodites, which also go by the nickname “orchids of the mineral kingdom.” The spikey, crystallike formations are quite rare, and, according to assistant to the manager Allison Chapman, Skyline’s anthodites are the only ones in the United States on public view.

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Many other formations in the cave were caused by water erosion over the past 50 million to 60 million years and have their own breathtaking beauty. With a little imagination and good lighting, stalactites, stalagmites and columns resemble a nativity, the Capitol dome and even an eagle.

There are moments when you should watch your step. Hit your head on a low-hanging bolder and you’ve been given a cave kick. Catch a drop of water falling from the ceiling formations and you’ve been given a cave kiss.

At one point during a recent tour, the guide shut off all the lights, allowing visitors to experience total darkness. It was a thrilling feeling and only added to the sense of adventure. And while Luray might have an organ, Skyline’s music is visitor-powered. With a slap of your hand, the hollow formation emits a deep vibrating sound.

Skyline Caverns, 10344 Stonewall Jackson Hwy., Front Royal. 800-296-4545. 540-635-4545. www.skylinecaverns.com. $16, $8 ages 7 to 13, younger free.

B&A Trail

On any given weekend, you’ll encounter countless cyclists in Rock Creek Park. From little ones on tricycles to weekend warriors on racing bikes, hundreds of people take to the wide, wooded trail in search of scenic exercise.

But not too far away, there’s another option, and one that’s less crowded. The Baltimore & Annapolis Trail, a former rail bed that stretches 13.3 miles from Annapolis to Glen Burnie, is similar to Rock Creek in that it is well maintained, has interesting historic features and goes from rural to urban in a short time.

The official start of the trail is in Annapolis, about two miles from Jonas Green Park. But before getting on your bike, you’ll want to stop at the park, at the base of the Naval Academy Bridge, to grab a trail map and reference guide to historic markers (you can also pick them up at the ranger station in Severna Park). Then either pedal the miles on the busy Route 450 bicycle lane to the trail’s starting point or hop back in your car and drive north to the South Lot parking area near the intersection of routes 450 and 50.

As you pedal, the trail transitions through thick woods and horse farms to suburbs. Take note of markers highlighting where rail stations once stood and how small communities have blossomed into towns. Farther on, near the B&A Trail Park ranger station in Severna Park, the ride passes a representation of the solar system, beginning with a sculpture of Pluto and signs for each planet and ending 4.6 miles later with a sculpture of the sun.

You know you’re reaching the trail’s end and the urban area of Glen Burnie as the planes coming in for a landing at the nearby Baltimore-Washington International Marshall Airport buzz over your head.

If you have time (not to mention energy), consider continuing on the BWI Trail loop, which will add 12.5 miles to your trip.

Jonas Green Park, 1990 Governor Ritchie Hwy., Annapolis. 410-222-8820. www.aacounty.org/RecParks/launch/jonasgreen.cfm.

Baltimore & Annapolis Trail Park ranger station, 51 W. Earleigh Heights Rd., Severna Park. 410-222-6244. www.aacounty.org/RecParks/parks/trails/bandatrailpark.cfm .