Natural Bridge State Park | Virginia State Parks

Overview

Natural Bridge State Park was dedicated on September 24, 2016. It features the 200-foot-tall Natural Bridge, a limestone arch carved by Cedar Creek. This bridge has been a National Historic Landmark since 1988.

Visitors can explore 10 miles of hiking trails. The Cedar Creek Trail leads from the Visitor Center, under the bridge, to Lace Falls with its 50-foot cascade.

Start at the Visitor Center for exhibits and a gift shop. If you arrive early, follow the Cedar Creek Trail signs to the Trail Store for admission. The trail has 137 steps. Accessibility accommodations can be arranged at the Visitor Center or by calling (540) 291-1326. Wear proper footwear and stay hydrated.

Amenities & Features

Accessible

Hiking

Camping

Store & Gift Shop

Restrooms

Snackbar

Visitor Center

Picnic Shelter

History

Natural Bridge formed when a sinkhole turned Cedar Creek into an underground river. This river carved a cave whose roof collapsed except for today's Natural Bridge. Thomas Jefferson, who called it “the most sublime of Nature’s works,” bought the bridge in 1774. Over the years, it passed through various owners. In 2014, Angelo Puglisi gave the bridge and 188 acres to the Virginia Conservation Legacy Fund. The state took over management in 2016.

Questions

General

Natural Bridge State Park is open daily from 8 a.m. to dusk, weather permitting. The Visitor Center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the Trail Store is open daily from 8 a.m. to dusk. The Base Camp exhibits area is open Fridays through Sundays until Labor Day. Food service is closed for the season and will reopen in the spring.

Natural Bridge State Park does not charge a parking fee, but there are admission fees:

Ages 3-12: $6
Ages 13 and up: $9
$5 per car at trailheads

There are picnic tables for public use behind the Visitor Center. You can also picnic at Cedar Creek Pavilion. The Cascade Falls picnic area seats up to 24 and can accommodate a tent. The Leave No Trace outdoor classroom has five picnic tables and a fire pit. Base Camp behind the Visitor Center is another option. Picnicking is also available at the Blue Ridge and Skyline Trailheads.

Accessibility

The main level of the Visitor Center and the restrooms are accessible. The restrooms at the Cedar Creek Pavilion are also accessible. To access the Cedar Creek Trail, you must navigate 137 stairs. For help, contact rangers at the Visitor Center or call (540) 291-1326. The Cedar Creek Trail to the Natural Bridge is a level trail made of concrete and asphalt. Beyond the Natural Bridge, it becomes a gravel trail to the Lost River. Strollers are not recommended due to the many stairs.

Activities

Yes, you can bring your bike to Natural Bridge State Park. Biking is allowed only on designated roads and bike trails, not on hiking trails. Please stay on designated trails to help prevent erosion.

You can arrange ranger-led tours and field trips by calling (540) 254-0795 or emailing the park. These tours include the largest limestone arch in North America and a mountain stream ecosystem.

Rules and Amenities

Yes, pets are allowed in all Virginia State Parks, including Natural Bridge State Park. But, they must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet and supervised at all times. Pets are not allowed in public facilities or designated swim areas.

Restrooms are near the main visitor areas, including the Visitor Center and Cedar Creek Pavilion. For exact locations, check the park map.