Find History and Beauty at Natural Bridge State Park in Virginia
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Natural Bridge State Park
Located in the Shenandoah Valley area, Natural Bridge State Park is an amazing natural wonder located in Virginia. This awe-inspiring limestone arch that towers 215 feet above Cedar Creek offers a unique blend of natural history, scenic trails, and serene landscapes. As you take time to explore this smaller trail to the majestic bridge which is also known as one of the “Seven Natural Wonders of the World,” you will be surrounded by lush vegetation and a natural bridge arch that makes this a must-visit destination in Virginia.
Address: 6477 South Lee Highway, Natural Bridge, Virginia
Park Hours: 8am to dusk, daily. Closed Christmas Day.
Visitor Center Hours: 10am to 5/6pm daily
Fees: age 13 and up $9, ages 3-12 $6
No parking fees at the Visitor Center.
Food Services: open on the weekends from 10am to 4pm
Once you enter the large parking lot you will head into the building with large white pillars. Inside you will find food, souvenirs, exhibits, restrooms and more. This large indoor Visitor Center is where you can purchase tickets to hike to the Natural Bridge.
Once you have explored the Visitor Center and used the restroom, you will head out the side doors and start the descend onto the 137 steps to the base of the path that takes you to the Natural Bridge. Once you are at the bottom of the stairs, you will show your tickets again at the Trail Store to prove you have purchased trail tickets. If you need accommodations and are unable to walk the stairs you can inquire at the Visitor Center.
If the Visitor Center is closed when you are finished hiking, you will head straight to the parking lot after you have climbed the stairs.
Trail Store
The left picture below is the start of the stairs that takes you to the trailhead. The picture on the right is the Trail Store at the bottom of the stairs where you will show your tickets to prove you have paid to hike the Cedar Creek Trail to the Natural Bridge. There are picnic benches to rest or eat a snack and a small souvenir area to purchase walking sticks, hats, t-shirts and more at the Trail Store.
Continue onto the trail to the right of the store where you will navigate an easy flat path which will lead you to the Lace Falls.
If you end up at the Trail Store from another trail, you can purchase tickets here to continue onto the Cedar Creek Trail.
If you come during a time the Visitor Center is closed, you can head to the Cedar Creek Trail and pay for your tickets at the Trail Store.
Trail Store Hours: 8am to dusk daily. Closed on Christmas day.
Natural Bridge State Park map
Cedar Creek Trail is the trail that leads to the Natural Bridge (yellow highlighted path below). It is 1-mile in length.
Cedar Creek Trail
This 1-mile path is mostly gravel, smooth and flat with minimal grade. You will walk along the Cedar Creek most of the path. Stop and watch the tiny fish collect pebbles to create either a dam or home, unsure of their reason for collecting the tiny pebbles and moving them about. Fun to watch though.
At the beginning of the trail, you will find many benches where they hold weekly programs for all to enjoy.
Events at Natural Bridge State Park
Several programs/events are available throughout the year.
Lantern Tour of the Natural Bridge
Dark Sky Night: Stargazing and Mountain Moonrise
National Public Lands Day
Illumination of the Bridge
Haunted History Lantern Tour
Things that Go Bump in the Night Hike
and more
Winter months
There is limited hiking available beyond the bridge in the winter months due to the growth of icicles. Call ahead for details.
Up Close Natural Bridge View
From on top of the 215-foot-tall bridge you can travel on route 11 over the Natural Bridge for a unique opportunity to see the view from the top as you drive by. There is no area for stopping so it would be a quick view as you are driving.
Hiking essentials for Natural Bridge State Park
Saltpeter Cave
At a point along the path, you will see the entrance to the Saltpeter Cave. The small cave can provide a reprieve from the summer heat. Be cautious as the area in the cave was a little slippery in some spots and my daughter slipped and fell.
Lace Falls
At the end of Cedar Creek Trail, you will find Lace Falls, a 50-foot cascade. You do not have access to the falls but can admire it from the trail. There are benches to sit on as you admire the falls and take in some quiet time.
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After you are finished enjoying the view of the Lace Falls, you will turn around and take the same path back to the stairs where you will walk back up to get to the parking lot. There is plenty of space to stop along the way up the stairs and rest.
Natural Bridge State Park provides the perfect backdrop for any hiking excursion. The tranquility of the forest surrounds you, leading to the awe-inspiring sight of the Natural Bridge. The ancient rock formation, towering above the arches, leaves a lasting impression of the power and beauty of the natural world. This state park is the perfect peaceful escape for any hiker, surrounded by such serene landscapes.
Enjoy the journey,
Meet the author: Jennifer
I am a girl who loves to travel with my family and enjoys sharing expert family travel advice. I am a content creator and influencer on Instagram with years of travel experience and provide readers with advice, tips, and details on adventurous family travel and tips on saving money while boondocking or traveling across the US. You can usually find me dreaming up our next epic vacation or outside exploring natural landscapes. I am a fearless roadtripper who isn’t afraid to explore new and off the path adventures. Pic: Niagara Falls, NY
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