Natural Bridge State Park

General Information

The 37th state park was dedicated on September 24, 2016, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a National Historic Landmark in 1988. At the center of the park, the 200-foot tall Natural Bridge sits in a limestone gorge carved out by Cedar Creek.

The park is more than just the Bridge; lush forests and rolling meadows showcase the area's karst terrain and vistas of surrounding mountains, and the James River valley competes with the Bridge itself. Access these via 10 miles of hiking trails, including Cedar Creek Trail, which leads from the park's Visitor Center under the bridge to Lace Falls with its 50-foot cascade.

Start at the Visitor Center, where you will find exhibits and a gift shop.

If you arrive before the visitor center opens, follow the trail signs for Cedar Creek trail to purchase admission at the Trail Store.

Accessing Cedar Creek Trail requires navigating a stairway with 137 steps. Accommodations for those with accessibility needs can be made upon request at the park's Visitor Center or by calling (540) 291-1326. Strollers are not recommended because of the amount of stairs.

Please note that visiting the Natural Bridge is an outdoor experience requiring appropriate footwear, physical exertion and hydration while enjoying the trail. 

Please be aware that although they are nearby, the Natural Bridge Hotel and Conference Center and the Caverns at Natural Bridge are not affiliated with the state park and are privately owned.

Virginia Department of Transportation study of Rt. 11, which runs atop Natural Bridge.

Hours

Visitor Center: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. from March to November (during daylight saving time) (Closed Christmas Day); 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. November to March (after daylight saving time); Cedar Creek Contact Station and Trail Store: 8:00 a.m. to dusk year-round (Closed Christmas Day)

Location

From I-81, take exit 175 or 180A to U.S. 11 and follow signs to the park.

Drive Time: Northern Virginia, three and a half hours; Richmond, two hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, four hours; Roanoke, 30 minutes.

Park Size

1,540.22 acres.

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Cabins, camping

OVERNIGHT FACILITIES

Primitive camping is available at Blue Hollow. 

All sites are specifically reserved. To make a reservation, you can reserve online or call 1-800-933-PARK. Click here for park fees.

Camping

Camping

Campsites at Blue Hollow have three tent pads, a private picnic shelter and fire pit. This campground is open year-round. As a primitive campground, there are no electric or water hookups. RVs and trailers are not able to access the campsites. There are centrally located port-a-johns.

Recreation

TRAILS

More than 10 miles of hiking trails wind through the park's gorge, meadows and forests. The Cedar Creek Trail goes under the Natural Bridge to the Saltpeter Cave, Lost River and Lace Falls. The Buck Hill Trail offers a hike much like hiking the Appalachian Trail.  The Blue Ridge Trail and the Skyline Trail offer spectacular views of the Blue Ridge and the Appalachian Mountains. Pack a lunch to take along and enjoy many scenic vistas.

Cedar Creek Trail access beyond the bridge is limited during winter due to the growth of icicles under the Bridge; call before arriving for details.

Children's Discovery Area

An outdoor experiential area for families to have fun enjoying nature, the Children's Discovery Area has two components: the Kids in Parks Track Trail and the soon to be certified Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom.

The Track Trail offers the chance to visit the site with a choice of four self-guided brochures. The brochures teach about pollinators, birds of the Blue Ridge, animals that may be seen in the park and how nature can "hide and seek". The outdoor classroom is a play space using natural features to engage children and immerse them in an outdoor environment of creative play. Plan to get dirty and have fun. Sponsored by a generous grant from Dominion Power, The Freedom Food Festival and the Friends of Natural Bridge State Park, this site provides some of the most stunning views in the park. After you have seen the Natural Bridge take the time to enjoy being a kid again.  

Thistle Ridge Disc Golf Trail

Natural Bridge is home to Thistle Ridge Disc Golf Trail, an 18-hole disc golf course, which features extensive views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is designed for players of all skill levels.

Thistle Ridge is located north of the Natural Bridge Visitors Center at the Blue Ridge Trailhead. State Park parking rates apply.

SWIMMING

Swimming is prohibited as there are no designated swimming areas in the park.

FISHING, BOATING

Those 15 and younger may fish in Cedar Creek. The nearby James River has plenty of sunfish, smallmouth bass, catfish and muskie. Access the James from DWR ramps in Buchanan and Arcadia in Botetourt County and take out in Glasgow in Rockbridge County.

HORSES

No horses, riding trails or stables. Click here for details on nearby trails and stables.

HUNTING

None.

Park Trail Guide

Click here for the park's trail guide.

Download (external link for use with Avenza App) the geo-referenced map

Download the geo-referenced map for this park

Nearby Attractions

• The Caverns at Natural Bridge offers guided tours and is next to the state park.
• Douthat and Claytor Lake state parks are each about an hour away.
• Cave Mountain Lake Recreation Area in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests are only 15 minutes away.
• Nearby Roanoke offers restaurants and shopping. Roanoke destinations include the Virginia Transportation Museum, the Taubman Museum of Art and Center in the Square. Lexington, also nearby, and is known for its small-town charm and history. Find more things to do in Lexington.
• The Blue Ridge Parkway is about 30 minutes from the park.
• The Upper James Water Trail is a short drive away.

Picnic Shelters

There are picnic tables behind the Visitor Center for public use. Cedar Creek Pavilion has a sheltered area for picnicking, and 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. Picnicking is also available at Base Camp behind the Visitor Center and the trailheads of Blue Ridge and Skyline Trails.

No refunds will be given within 14 days before the reserved day. Before then, there's a cancellation fee.

Meeting Space and Facilities

MEETING FACILITIES

The park's interactive classroom seats up to 80. The room can be set up for theater or classroom seating with tables and chairs, a podium with a sound system and an  LCD projector with screens are available.

Cancellation Policy:     

61 days and above       50% non-refundable cancellation fee                                      

0-60 days                     100% non-refundable cancellation fee

VISITOR CENTER, GIFT SHOP

At the visitor center, buy admission tickets and check out exhibits in Base Camp that describe the area's natural, historical and cultural heritage. There's also a large shop with gifts, souvenirs, local artisans' work and other items.

TRAIL STORE

At the Trail Store, you can purchase admission tickets along with refreshments before or after your hike. A small gift shop is located in the store. The Trail Store is part of the Cedar Creek Pavilion and is open seasonally.

RESTAURANT

The café in the visitor center offers a variety of ready-to-serve snacks, ice cream and novelty items.  It is open seasonally.

LAUNDRY

None.

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER

Base Camp offers nature and cultural exhibits. It is an interactive space with touch screen monitors, an observation beehive and exhibits of wildlife found in the park.

The Interactive Classroom in Base Camp provides groups up to 80 with meeting space and audiovisual equipment for conferences, training and social events.

SPECIAL FEATURES

For couples looking for a one-of-a-kind wedding location, look no further than Natural Bridge State Park. From April through November, weddings with up to 140 guests can be held at the Bridge, creating an experience they'll never forget.

Other Info

ACCESSIBILITY

• The main level to the visitor center and restrooms are accessible.
• Restrooms at the Cedar Creek Pavilion are accessible.
• Accessing the Cedar Creek Trail requires navigating 137 stairs. Accommodations for those with accessibility needs can be made by calling the park for more details.
• Cedar Creek Trail to the Natural Bridge is a level trail of concrete and asphalt; past the Natural Bridge, it is a gravel trail to the Lost River.
• Strollers are not recommended because of the large amount of stairs.

TOURS and FIELD TRIPS

Ranger-led tours and field trips to see the Natural Bridge can be arranged by contacting the park’s interpretation department at (540) 254-0795.

On a tour of Natural Bridge State Park, your group will get to explore the largest limestone arch in North America, a mountain stream ecosystem, a cave carved through the power of water, a glimpse at an underground river system and a series of waterfalls, all with a ranger as your guide.

NATURE, HISTORY PROGRAMS

Natural Bridge is an International Dark Sky Park, meaning we have low light pollution and great stargazing. Visit the park after dark on a ranger-led lightning bug or sunset hike, stargazing program, or lantern tour under the Natural Bridge.

On weekends from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, rangers at the Base Camp Discovery Center will put on small programs throughout the day. Rangers roaming Cedar Creek will put on demonstrations, talks and do craft programs.

Click here to view all parks' events, festivals, workshops and interpretive programs.

CONCESSIONS

The café is in the Visitor Center. A variety of ready-to-serve foods are available on weekends during the summer. 

HISTORY

Several hundred thousand years ago, a sinkhole opened near today’s I-81 and swallowed the waters of Cedar Creek, turning it into an underground river. This underground river carved out a deep cave from the limestone it flowed through, until eventually it was too tall to support itself and its roof collapsed everywhere except one point: today’s Natural Bridge.

In 1767, Thomas Jefferson visited the Bridge, calling it “the most sublime of Nature’s works.” In 1774, Thomas Jefferson bought the bridge and 157 surrounding acres from King George III of England for 20 shillings. Jefferson hoped to turn it into an early park for the enjoyment of the public, but his family was forced to sell it after his death to recover from his debts. The Bridge passed through the centuries from the Jefferson family to a Revolutionary War captain, a Civil War veteran and railroad tycoon, two hotel conglomerates, and finally to a DC-based businessman named Angelo Puglisi.

In May 2013, Angelo Puglisi announced plans to sell the Natural Bridge complex by year's end. Nearby Lexington, Rockbridge and Buena Vista passed resolutions urging a positive outcome as did land trusts across Virginia and the nation. The Valley Conservation Council and Rockbridge Area Conservation Council hosted tours, wrote articles, encouraged support and formed the Friends of Natural Bridge.

On Feb. 6, 2014, the dream to ensure the protection of the bridge in perpetuity came together thanks to the nonprofit Virginia Conservation Legacy Fund and its leader, Tom Clarke. Puglisi gifted the bridge and 188 acres of the property — valued at $21 million — to the fund. The nonprofit group agreed to pay for the remaining 1,300 acres with a loan from the Virginia Clean Water Revolving Loan Fund, from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and the Virginia Resources Authority.

The state would not own the Natural Bridge property until the debt was paid off but took over management of about 1,500 acres here on Sept. 24, 2016. In 2022, the Virginia General Assembly passed a bill to pay off the remaining debt, and on June 15, 2023, the park transferred fully to state parks. Over 200 years later, Thomas Jefferson’s hope to conserve the Natural Bridge was finally realized.

FRIENDS GROUP

The Friends of Natural Bridge State Park support, promote and protect the park. They sponsor a number of activities annually including Winter Speaker Series, Kids Fishing Day and Luminary Nights. If you'd like to join, email fonbsp@gmail.com

MASTER PLAN

Master plans must be written for parks before they're built. The plans are updated at least once every 10 years thereafter. The plans cover the size, types, infrastructure and locations of facilities as well as the site's special features and resources. Three public meetings are held during the initial development of each plan. Click here for this park's master plan.