Have you ever gone somewhere looking for something, and then found it, and much, much more?  That is definitely the case with Natural Bridge State Park.  We found it listed on an information page at a campground we were staying at, and made the drive to find a majestic historic landmark.

What is it?

Natural Bridge State Park is a National and Virginia Historic Landmark in Rockbridge County Virginia that was once owned by Thomas Jefferson.  The headlining attraction is a geological formation made up of a 215 foot high natural arch with a span of 90 feet.  It’s located within a gorge carved by Cedar Creek.  It is the remains of a tunnel through which the creek once flowed.  In addition to the natural arch, there is a hike to the cascading Lace Falls and a Monacan Indian Village with interpretive programs educating visitors on day-to-day life in the Native American Woodlands.

Good to know:

*From I-81, take exit 175 or 180A to U.S. 11 and follow signs to the park
*Hours are 9am to 5pm
*Parking is free, and can accommodate RVs and large vehicles
*Admission is $6 for kids under 12 and $8 for anyone 13 and older
*6+ miles of hiking trails throughout the park
*Start at the visitors center, where there are exhibits, and enter the park through the back doors
*There is a gift shop in the visitors center where you can stock up on souvenirs and snacks
*There is a long series of stairs leading down into the gorge, or you can ride one of the shuttles, which are wheel chair accessible
*Cedar Creek Café is a seasonal restaurant in the park where you can enjoy a nice meal.  Open Memorial Day Through Labor day 11am-3pm
*Restrooms are in the visitors center and at Cedar Creek Café
*US Route 11 crosses on top of the bridge, but fences make it difficult to see anything besides the roadway

The drive alone would have been worth the trip, as our route took us across the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway.  We went after reading about the Natural Bridge itself, but left with a much greater appreciation for everything else we experienced in the park and along the way.  We would definitely recommend visiting this spectacular historic landmark State Park.  Plan to spend some time in this part of the country; it’s covered with beauty and history.

Check it out here: https://naturalbridgestatepark.org/