Natural Bridge State Park is much bigger than I thought. When you get there, you go into the Visitor's Center/ Gift Shop, pay the small fee and start your hike. The main star of the park is the natural bridge itself. It's probably a shorter walk to the natural bridge than it is around the gift shop. I did the Cedar Creek Trail which is only 1 mile long and relatively flat from the natural bridge to the end at the waterfall. The trail is paved a lot of the way and well maintained the rest. Along the way there is a small cave that you can explore, a creak to just sit and relax, and lots of historical markers along the way. I had no idea that Thoms Jefferson once owned this land and the natural bridge itself. There is an urban legend that George Washington carved his initials in the bridge (along with a gazillion others). This hike is quite relaxing and easy to do. We saw a deer along the trail that was less than 10 feet from me and could care less that I was there. There are several other hikes that time didn't permit me to take. These trails will take you to other waterfalls, caverns and even a 2 mile frisbee golf trail. The natural bridge is a must see as it is absolutely gorgeous but next time, I will make time for the rest. read more

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Such a cute little area with the natural bridge. There is a Virginia state fee for adult to enter, it's nine dollars per person. If you've actually bought something from REI, the receipt concern as a free admission to the park. You'll have to check the fine print. I don't know if there's a minimum spin, but I know that last I went to REI one of the front desk workers told me that the receipt would serve as my admission. And indeed covered it so I paid $0 more entrance to the park To get to the start, you have to go down some stairs, but I did over here a couple of groups at depending on if you need, they can drive you to the start. Natural Bridge had a couple of chairs so I'm assuming that a tour or they are just spots for people to rest. If you continue walking down the trail, you'll also find some other school spots like the saltwater cave, the ghost river, and Lace Falls. When I went a couple days ago, there has been a drought which has caused lace falls to be a bit smaller than normal. The ghost River was a surprisingly cool attraction. As soon as you start walking close to the hole, you can feel the cool breeze and hear the gush of the water. Where the river starts and where the river hint, we have no idea but it's a cool thing to check out. read more

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Natural Bridge is an awesome stop! The gift shop is huge and has food and exhibits, there is a historic hotel nearby, and the walk to the bridge is an easy hike, though you do have some stairs to contend with. Walking along the creek past the bridge is a saltpeter cave, worth the stop to cool down, a lost river, and some waterfalls. If you make it at Christmas, the bridge is lit up with spotlights and luminaries, and horse drawn carriage rides walk down the bridge trail. There are also caverns and other trails nearby, so grab a map and spend the day!! read more

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Have wanted to come here forever and finally made it on a rainy Monday. The bridge is spectacular. And it's worth walking on the very easy cedar creek (ok just some steps at the beginning) trail to the end - even though the waterfall is, well not much of one. Despite being a rainy day there were still plenty of visitors, so can imagine it being a lot more crowded on good weather days or weekends. It's definitely more relaxing to be there when it's relatively empty. My only gripe is the entrance fee of $9/pp for adults is really pricy - this is the most expensive state park I've ever been to. The park is in great condition however - the funds seem to be put to good use - and there is a huge gift store at the visitors center as well as a smaller one at the entrance to the bridge. read more

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Beautiful well maintained walk to the limestone bridge for $9 pp includes the cave and waterfall...but it started raining. There is a gift shop with loos and some souvenirs/shirts/snacks/drinks and protection from the rain. We hope to go back next time we're travelling through to see inside better weather. read more

Natural Bridge State Park - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Natural Bridge, Virginia

An absolutely amazing place and well worth the visit. You could literally spend hours here and not get bored. The Natural Bridge itself is pretty incredible and truly something you have to see in person to appreciate. The hike to the bridge can be done in as little as 20 minutes, but there's so much to see along the way that you can easily take your time and spend hours stopping, exploring, and enjoying the scenery. There are plenty of interesting spots and viewpoints along the trail. The gift shop was great too, with a large selection of items and souvenirs. Overall, this is a remarkable site and one of those places that really leaves an impression. Highly recommend stopping by if you're in Virginia. read more

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What a lovely park and gift shop. On my drive from NY to FL, I took my dog here for a 45 minute visit. We walked down to see the arch. It was beautiful. Easy walk down, bit harder coming up...think climbing stairs. Wish we had more time to explore. I'm sure you could fill an entire day here. Something we especially loved was the "Bark Ranger" option for my dog. They ask that you show them a picture of your dog on the trail and they will sell you a official $4 Bark Ranger Tag. It's a racket, and we loved it!!! read more

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We always stop at a park on a road trip, this was a easy stop. If your in the area, this is a must stop if you like the wandering thru parks. Parking is a hike to the park, so be prepared. There are alot of stairs downhill to reach the visitor center. I believe they have a handicap area for closer parking, I would call and ask. The park is very clean and well kept. There is a per person fee for entering the park. The bathrooms are very clean as well. This natural bridge is a gem, its a must for all. We enjoyed park and quietness thru out the park. There are a few places to sit if you need a rest. Im so glad that we stopped a few hours to visit this natural wonder. We live in a beautiful country, get out and enjoy! read more

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If you're anywhere near the Blue Ridge and haven't stopped at Natural Bridge, you're missing out on one of Virginia's most breathtaking natural wonders. The 215-foot limestone arch carved by Cedar Creek is nothing short of jaw-dropping beautiful. The walk down (and back up!) the 137 steps is a bit of a workout, but totally worth it. The trail is peaceful and scenic, winding past the Monacan Indian Village and ending at the lovely Lace Falls. Along the way, you'll find cool spots like the saltpeter cave and even George Washington's initials carved into the rock (yes, really). The park is well-maintained, the rangers are helpful, and the visitor center has a nice little gift shop. Just bring water and sunscreen if it's hot, shade is patchy in spots. read more

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Natural Bridge charges $9 per person but all the proceeds stay in the park . When you descend down the trail you first must brave 137 stairs ( unless you are disabled, must let the top desk know and you can drive down ) . After the stairs there is a place to pay unless you paid up top , bathrooms and a small gift shop . When leaving from the area at the bottom of the stairs the walk is no more than 200 feet . You can walk the path under the natural bridge , on the far side there are benches to sit at or you can walk the 1 mile to the waterfall at the end of the trail . If you choose to walk to the waterfall at the end you will come across a small cave and a lost river . The 1 mile walk is easy and along the creek . read more

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I've been coming to the Natural Bridge for over twenty years and the magic only increases with each visit. Native Americans reportedly considered the Bridge to be a sacred area. A young George Washington surveyed the Bridge for Lord Fairfax in 1750, and in July of 1774 Thomas Jefferson purchased the Bridge and environs from King George III. The Monacan Indian encampment went away as the result of the COVID pandemic, although the signs referencing it are still here and one can discern where it was once located. Too bad! I am ever awed by the view of the Bridge which Thomas Jefferson described well as "sublime". The natural beauty and its history make this a favorite place of mine to visit which I do approximately thrice annually. Areas of the Park could use some upkeep. Unfortunately we see how billions of our tax dollars have been diverted by criminals, making less tax revenue available to benefit the public. Groups such as the Friends of Natural Bridge State Park provide volunteer support which is a wonderful thing. The Lace Falls at the end of the 1 mile Cedar Creek Trail mark the border of the area once owned by President Jefferson. Come check it out and see@ read more

Natural Bridge State Park - The Saltpetre Mine Bridge over Cedar Creek in mid December - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Natural Bridge, Virginia

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So the natural bridge state park is named after a natural bridge. And now you know... and knowing is half the battle. It's really really pretty. I climbed down a bunch of stairs... 137 to be exact. The ranger there told me... and then my kids also told me. They committed it to memory from some fact book their mother made them read to get excited for this trip. I dunno why they committed 137 to memory but at least it got them to stop saying 6 7.... Thank God that's over... fucking 6 7... But I digress... the climb down was fine... but after seeing the bridge and walking back... we had to climb 137 steps back up. I realized there was a road and a parking lot at the bottom so the 137 steps was actually optional. Fuck... I wish i know that before hand... I asked my wife if she could just walk up those 137 steps and drive and pick me up at the bottom. She looked at me as if I was stupid... I'm not stupid... I just thought I'd shoot my shot. Alexander Hamilton... 6 7 6 7 6 7 ... read more

A very short trip off of the highway. Easy off and on. The trail is a mile long. The bridge is absolutely amazing and the first thing you come to. Strongly recommended. If you can't do the 2 mile loop, don't just do the short walk to the bridge. The waterfall isn't spectacular but the walk to it was very nice. read more

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It's a bridge that's been created by nature over a period of decades -- nay, centuries! Natural Bridge State Park is a marvel and a natural wonder. It's a must-visit when you're in the area. The park is home to the namesake natural bridge, a 215-foot tall limestone arch that spans 90 feet across Cedar Creek. This geological formation is estimated to be over 500 million years old and is a sight to behold, especially when illuminated during the park's evening light show. Ideally, you'll want to start your visit at the Visitor's Center, where you'll find a huge gift shop and exhibits and information about the park's history, geology and ecology. Then, make your way down Cedar Creek Trail, which requires walking down 137 steps. Accommodations can be made for those with strollers or wheelchairs. As you wind your way down the hiking trail, you'll encounter water falls, forests, caves and more that will immerse you in the park's natural beauty. The caves were really neat to explore. They're not very deep, but they offer a different perspective of the park that's cool (literally, because they're caves and the temperature is lower). It was an easy hike for me, as most of it is paved. The walk down is beautiful. I visited in late summer/early fall, and there weren't too many people. The park was nicely desolate, so my photos were poppin' because there weren't people in them taking up space. This area of the country is so lush and beautiful. Natural Bridge State Park is just one place to take advantage of the amazing scenery of this part of Virginia. read more

The Natural Bridge is storied and goes back to the Revolutionary Era at least. It did not become a state park until relatively recently and I suspect was privately owned when I last visited over a decade ago. The facilities are still apparently a work in progress, and the main visitor center had not opened when I arrived, leading me to an awkward series of actions including buying a ticket from a building down in the valley that didn't even appear to be open and then having to go back up to the visitor center later and get that ticket price applied towards what I actually wanted: a state park pass which apparently isn't available at all ticketing locations for some reason. Anyway, let not the logistics distract you. Coming in the morning is a great choice due to the flow of light through the structure, but it likely will look majestic regardless of the conditions. The scope of it is likely bigger than one expects, and despite the fact that there is apparently a road running on top, it is sufficiently blocked off to preserve a decent visitor experience. A paved trail runs through some fantastic waterside scenery going upstream. The site is well documented by art and photography, but is of sufficient scope and majesty that I suspect most visitors will be glad they saw it in person. read more

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I didn't plan to stop here on my journey to tje SouVA State Parks, however it was right off the interstate on my way home. I still had 2 days to burn, so I jumped off 81N and was on my way VA State Park Natural Bridge is my 32nd VA State Park!! The feeling you get when you're here is very meaningful and fulfilling to the soul. We've all seen pictures of it but being there was different. It was HOT outside and there were many steps. But also a very nice, (small gravel) trail that led to a waterfall. The trail was very nice and had stone walls between the large creek and the trail. There was a cool bridge along the way that led you inside a cave! The hike itself was relaxing albiet a sweaty mess. :) Luckily they have a gift shop near the Bridge that sells ice cold water. Best water I ever had! Going up those steps coming back was tough but the AC in the Visitors Center was very welcoming. The Visitors Center was very large...(a bit of a musty smell at first walk-in) Lots of jarred jams and even pear vinegar! Tons of Tshirts and nature toys for the kids.* There are actual hiking trails for Natural Bridge about 2 miles down the road. Great pollination fields. read more

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This was a fun road trip stop! Well worth the time to see this beautiful natural bridge. The steps down and back are many but manageable. I'd go again! read more

Natural Bridge State Park - Natural bridge - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Natural Bridge, Virginia

This was our first visit since it became a State Park. Oh my, I'm so glad the park system has taken it over! Gone are the tacky touristy attractions that took away from the majesty and natural beauty of the bridge (definitely don't miss the wax museum Ha!). It is worth every penny of the $9 fee to hike down the cedar creek trail that take you to the bridge. You do have to negotiate the 137 steps, but it's not hard (the state has even shored up the steps making it easier than it used to be). They will also arrange for a shuttle, if you can't do the steps. Once you get to the bottom, round the curve and you will we awestruck. This is really a landmark that you HAVE to see if you are in the area! Pictures don't do it justice. Continue on the trail past the bridge and you come to the monacan village. Unfortunately, it is no longer staffed (that's the only thing I missed from the old private owner), but it's still there and there is signage. Further along the trail, you'll come to the old saltpeter mine (great history there), the lost River (more interesting history) and finally end at lace falls. The falls are beautiful. I wish you could get a little closer, but there really is no way to extend the path any closer. There are also several other trails than the Cedar Creek trail (that takes you to the bridge). You could definitely spend the day hiking them. The signage has all been updated with interesting historical facts. Again, this is a must see! Thank you VA State Parks for "classing up" the place! read more

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Amazing view. To get to the Natural Bridge you have to walk down about 150 steps which also means you have to come up them. There are places to sit along the way if needed so don't let the steps stop you because it is beautiful. There is a way to drive to it so it's handicap accessible with no steps but you can't just do it because you don't want to do the steps. read more

Natural Bridge State Park - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Natural Bridge, Virginia

It was very pretty. The bridge was very natural. The hike was easy and the hardest part was the 127 steps back to the parking lot. You do have to pay a fee though. Sherman was here. read more

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A small park but worth the visit and $9 for adults entry fee. The hike is around 2 miles round trip from the main gift area down a small path with stairs and into the entrance of the park (they'll check your receipt there) for you to walk under the bridge and on to a small waterfall if you choose. You'll pass a historic Indian village exhibit and cross and walk parallel to a flowing creek while you head to a small waterfall at the end of the hike. You can also cross a wooden footbridge and look into Salt Peter Cave. My husband is not from VA so he's never seen this park and I wanted him to see it. We really enjoyed it - about two hours is enough time. Natural Bridge (the town) is close to Lexington and has a few small shops and restaurants nearby so you can explore and also see the beautiful hotel up the hill if you choose. It's very cute and well-maintained with friendly park staff happy to answer questions. read more

Natural bridge national history park is a MUST visit! The pictures or videos honestly don't do it any justice. It was a 2 1/2 hours drive for us but it was worth it. It was just mesmerizing, it makes you appreciate mother nature and it's wonders. The hike/walk is actually not bad at all going down.... Now coming back up those stairs is a different story...but worth it, you get your steps in for sure. If you get a chance make the drive there, you will love it. #NatureLover #HikingAdventure #Virginia #NationalPark read more

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What an excellent park and worth every penny to access the trail (we paid $18 for two). The Natural Bridge itself is gorgeous and stunning, every angle from along the path proffers a new view. But add in a historical indigenous peoples site, beautiful foliage and creeks, a cave, and a great hike itself and you have a detour that you'll always remember. I lived less than an hour away from this for many years and never took the time to visit so I'm glad a recent roadtrip corrected that. I hear it used to be a bit more "kitschy" but as it's now a state park and recognized national landmark this isn't the case today. read more

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Best bucks we've spent in a while on a park. We've seen nigh all of VA at this point but this is the one place I've always wanted to visit and we haven't in 20 years back and forth. So pretty, so interesting, such a nice walk with so much flora and fauna and a nicely accessible path. Worth a stop if you're in the area. read more

The natural bridge was even higher and more magnificent in person than what it looked like in pictures. The trail along the river leading up to it reminded me of the trail along the river leading to the Narrows in Zion National Park, except greener. There was a little cave along the trail that my son enjoyed exploring. The other trails in the park are not worth it. I would not waste time on the Skyline trail. It was very hot with no shade and just mowed grass. The children's area was broken down pieces of boards with rusty nails sticking out. Nothing to play with. The Monacan Village was closed and overgrown. I do think the admission fee was too much. It was almost as much as we paid for Zion National Park. The natural bridge and trail are beautiful, and worth seeing at least once, but not worth that much. read more

Natural Bridge State Park - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Natural Bridge, Virginia

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What can I say except this is like a little taste of my favorite natural wonder, Yosemite. It has that feel though of course not the epic size or scale of Yosemite park. Natural bridge is just gorgeous and draws you in to the extremely zen and enjoyable gravel trail to the velvet falls. I'm so impressed with the river. Just a wonderful spot and to think our amazing President Thomas Jefferson owned it at one time! So glad this was put in the state park system. It's an amazing gem. I like to combine it with diner breakfast in Lexington and Virginia safari park. Bring your camera! read more

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I haven't been here in years, and me and my son we're on a mini vacation in Roanoke so we decided to stop by. I'm so glad we did because the views were amazing. Ticket prices are very cheap and the entire walk to the waterfall is a little over 2 miles if I remember correctly. My son is three years old and he was able to do the walk. Definitely would recommend seeing if you're in the area the staff is very friendly too, and will answer all of your questions. read more

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An amazing adventure. Must see. Follow the history. It is talked about in Moby Dick, and many of our for fathers. Explorers unite. Can you find the hidden fairy stones. If you know you know!! read more

Natural Bridge State Park - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Natural Bridge, Virginia

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Short hike, but definitely a classic park with a fantastic land bridge at its center. We had a great time and even a little exercise... next time we'll bring the kids! read more

Natural Bridge State Park - Natural Bridge - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Natural Bridge, Virginia

We've been going the Easter Sunrise service at the bridge for many years. Got there this morning early to get a parking space. There were a few others there too. We all waited and, even though we saw it on the website, no Easter sunrise service. VERY disappointed . read more

We purchased a book about Virginia day trips and selected this park for our visit because the bridge looked so incredibly beautiful. There are no pictures or words to describe the awe you will feel when you see this natural bridge. Its story is no less wondrous. This natural structure stands as a testament to how amazing this earth we inhabit is and how we should take the time to enjoy it. The bridge stands within a sink hole that must have been a monumental shift in geography in the past. It is hard to comprehend. The forest rangers are a delight. They are helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly. The gift shop is large and great fun. There is a counter for food where you can get pizza or sandwiches which are made on site. This, for sure, is a place worth taking the time to visit. read more

Wow, what a great way to spend an afternoon and a $9 per person entrance fee. Beautiful scenery, well-manicured trail (Cedar Creek Trail) along the creek. Park Rangers, well friendly to interact with were less than helpful when it came to offering information... FYI... if you ask you can drive down to the trailhead, with limited parking at the trailhead you may be able to drop off and pick up and not have to do the 120 stairsteps to, or back from, the entrance of the trailhead. read more

Gotta admit I was totally wrong. I was skeptical when my wife planned a day trip for Charlottesville for Natural Bridge State Park. I figured it was going to underwhelm but it was worth the drive, the admission, the visit. Way way cooler than I anticipated. read more

We went this past weekend on an impromptu visit. The views were beautiful. Easy hike except the stairs back up. I enjoyed seeing the cave and the waterfall. read more

An amazing natural wonder but what makes this outstanding are the people who work here. So helpful and really committed to making sure you have a great time. It is accessible if you ask. Don't skip this! read more

Great place to visit and short hike. Fun for couples and families. This is separate from the Caverns at the Natural Bridge.