Explore Natural Bridge in Rockbridge County, VA
Explore one of America’s largest natural bridges. Natural Bridge, located in Rockbridge County, VA is a 215-foot tall limestone gorge carved out by Cedar Creek. Natural Bridge offers seven miles of hiking trails, including Cedar Creek Trail that leads from the park’s Visitor Center, past the Monacan Indian Village, under the bridge, to the 30-foot waterfall known as Lace Falls.
Natural Bridge State Park holds many hidden treasures that will make the trip worth your while. From the Lost River, to the bat cave, George Washington’s engraved initials, to the water fall, this 1,540-acre park offers plenty to write home about.
The Natural Bridge itself is 40-feet thick, 100-feet wide with a 90 foot span between the walls. The arch contains 450,000 cubic feet of rock weighing 72,000,000 pounds or 36,000 tons and is estimated to be at least 500 million years old.
The walking path for the bridge is clear and wide, making it spacious for visitors and doable for strollers. To enter and exit the path, you’ll need to use a large flight of stairs, so take that into consideration when considering a stroller. There is easy access to creek for great photo opportunities or just to dip your toes in. There is also plenty of wildlife to be seen. We saw birds, chipmunks, squirrels, snakes and butterflies as we walked the path towards the waterfall.
Along your hike, be sure to spot the famous “G.W.” engraving on the wall under the bridge. As legend has it, George Washington etched his initials here in 1750 as a young surveyor. You’ll see it as you stand under the bridge and look up 23-feet from the creek — it has an etched frame around it.
Be sure to check out the mysterious Lost River, whose source and destination remain a mystery today. Don’t miss out on exploring Saltpeter Cave. Cross the bridge and enter the bat cave for a glimpse of this unique rock shelter. In 1806 it was leased out for excavating potassium nitrate for the production of gun powder.
There are plenty of things to check out at Natural Bridge State Park. Have fun, keep moving, keep exploring and burn those calories.
Cost of Adventure
- Per adult: $9
- Per kid: $6
- Difficulty: EASY
- Calories burned: 300-500
- Time suggested: 1-3 hours
- Family friendly: YES
- Park size: 1,540 acres
Challenge Yourself
The park’s terrain is relatively flat, making it very easy for all fitness levels. However, to enter and exit the park you’ll need to walk down and then climb back up 113 steps. It’s the only real challenge on the hike and one that isn’t particularly hard.
Find Great Photo Ops
Natural Bridge State Park allows for a ton of vibrant and colorful pictures of nature. Not to be outdone, the chipmunks, snakes, birds and other wildlife will be on hand for their time in the spotlight.
Complete the Scavenger Hunt
Natural Bridge State Park provides hikers with some unique discovery opportunities. For this scavenger hunt you’ll have to locate some of the hidden gems that reside in Natural Bridge.
