Natural Bridge State Park: butterflies and hiking
In 2015 we drove the Blue Ridge Parkway and made a small detour to Natural Bridge. We loved exploring Natural Bridge, it was one of the many cool things we did on our 6 week road trip through the USA, and a perfect stop on road trips.
Where is Natural Bridge State Park?
Natural Bridge State Park is only 24 kilometers (15 miles) from the Blue Ridge Parkway. An approximately 30 minute detour. Natural Bridge is located in Rockbridge County in the state of Virginia.
Some facts about Natural Bridge State Park
The natural bridge is a geological formation carved out in the surrounding limestone gorge by the Cedar Creek. It’s the remains of a roof or tunnel through which the Cedar Creek ran. The bridge is 66 meters (215 foot) high and has a span of 27 meters (90 feet). The park encompasses 1.540.22 acres. Natural Bridge is on the crossing of US Route 11 and State Route 130. US Route 11 even runs across the bridge. This isn’t visible from the hiking path below.
Natural Bridge was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1988 and is also a Virginia Historic Landmark. On 24 September 2016 Natural Bridge became a state park under management of the Commonwealth of Virginia, although still owned by VCLF. It’s the only state park on privately owned land. In the past Thomas Jefferson owned the area with the arch.
Hiking
There are almost 10 kilometers (6 miles) of hiking trails. We did the Cedar Creek Trail, it’s the trail that leads to the natural arch, under it and further along Cedar Creek. Along the hiking trail is a reconstruction of a Monacan Indian Village, and at the end of the trail a 9.1 meters (300 foot tall) Lace Falls, a cascade. We loved admiring the Natural Bridge, it’s really high. We loved all the butterflies we found while hiking. They were everywhere. Someone had spilled juice and we could admire the butterflies even from up close.
There are 2 other trails, the Buck Hill Trail 2 miles long and the Blue Ridge Trail which is over 3 miles long. From this last trail you can see the Blue Ridge Mountains with their beautiful forests and rolling meadows and the James River valley.
Monacan Indian Village
They have rebuilt an Indian village to showcase how the Monacan Indians lived in this area in earlier times. We loved getting a look inside the tents, seeing the tools that were used and the explanation given.
These are the Living History Programs that are provided by the park, so that people can learn about how the native Americans once used the area’s resources to survive.
Bridge Entrance & Gift Shop
Near the visitor center there’s a beautiful view on the Blue Ridge Mountains. We spent some time admiring this view. The bridge entrance houses exhibits and a gift shop.
From here there’s also a shuttle going to the bridge trail, if the stairs that come first are too much for you.
What else is there?
Besides these things there’s the “Drama of Creation” light show in the evening. The state park organizes events, for instance on art. Fishing is allowed on Cedar Creek for 15 years and under.
Address:
6477 South Lee Highway
Natural Bridge
VA 24578
(540) 291-1326
Opening hours vary throughout the year. Admission is $ 6 for 6-12 years and $ 8 for 13 years and older.
Conclusion
We enjoyed our visit to Natural Bridge. It wasn’t a state park yet on our visit, but the experience wasn’t any less because of that. We spent about 3 hours at the park and find it a good side trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
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14 Comments
Katherine
It’s hard to imagine a river running so high as to carve out that archway! It’s spectacular though, and I’d love to visit for this hike.
Cosette
Yes, when it’s just a small creek nowadays, it’s indeed hard to imagine, it carved out all that rock.
Lisa
What a beautiful natural bridge! I need to hike this!
Cosette
Yes, it’s a beautiful arch isn’t it. It isn’t a strenuous hike.
Emma
That’s a beautiful hike, love the pictures. I can’t wait to get back outdoors and visit more parks this year. I think road trips are going to be the vacation of 2020. A 6 week roadtrip sounds like you were probably able to pack a lot in
Cosette
Yes, road trips are going to be the thing everyone is going on. We did a lot in 6 weeks, we drove from New York to Orlando and then to San Francisco.
Shelley
The Natural Bridge State Park is so beautiful & has been on my bucket list for a while! Thanks for all the tips on visiting… I hope to make it there soon (when fully safe)!
Cosette
I hope you can visit Natural Bridge soon and that it’s safe again.
A Capone Connection
This looks like an amazing place to hike. The butterflies are so much fun. I like the really cool spot for the photo with the bear. That’s adorable!
Cosette
Yes, it’s adorable. Our son is a larger now, but he found the bear scary back then.
Rhonda Albom
This park is a gem. I love the height of the bridge. The recreated Indian village looks well thought out and educational. I would enjoy a hike here.
Cosette
Yes, it was pleasant to hike here. Enough to see and do on the way.
Rob + Ann @TravelLatte
What a great park! We keep finding more things to do and see in the Blue Ridge area. We had been considering a road trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway, but with every new thing we discover, we’re thinking it’s a great place to spend a couple weeks! Thanks for sharing.
Cosette
Yes, we spend about 4 days their, but a few weeks could be easily done with all the things there ere to do in the area.