Natural Bridge Blue Ridge Parkway VA

Natural Bridge Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 63

The Natural Bridge is a 215 foot tall nature sculpted 90 foot across arch made out of a limestone gorge, carved out by Cedar Creek. The Natural Bridge attraction offers visitors a variety of activities and sights such as beautiful forests, meadows, mountain vistas, 6 miles of hiking trails, a Monacan Indian Village, 30 foot cascade Lace Falls, history programs, visitor center, exhibits, and a gift shop. Tha park is 30 minutes from Roanoke Virginia. The Natural Bridge State Park and historical landmark was visited by many Presidents and once owned by a President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson.

The Natural Bridge has 6 miles of hiking trails. The Cedar Creek Trail is the most popular hiking trail and goes under the Natural Bridge to the Monacan Indian Village, connects to the Lost River Trail and stops at the 30 foot cascading waterfall, Lace Falls.

The Natural Bridge was a sacred site of the Monacan Indian Tribe who believed it to be the site of a major victory over the Powhatan Tribe.

George Washington surveyed the site in 1750 and put his initials, “G.W”, on the wall of the bridge. These initials carved into stone are still visible today. Thomas Jefferson purchased the 157 acres from King George III in 1774 for 20 shillings. Jefferson built a two room log cabin and started using it as a retreat for himself and other guests. While Thomas Jefferson was president many future Presidents stayed at the cabin.

In the 19th century vacationers from all over the world would take day trips to the Natural Bridge and surrounding countryside. The Natural Bridge became so popular that in 1833 a new owner of the attraction built the Forest Inn to increase lodging in the area and accommodate guests.

The Natural Bridge was even mentioned in Herman Melville’s novel, Moby-Dick.

Hiking Trails

Cedar Creek Trail
Lost River Trail
Monacan Trail
Buck Hill Trail

Admission Fees

Admission to the Natural Bridge attraction is:
$6.00 (ages 6-12)
$8.00 (ages 13 or older)

Hours of Operation

9am -5pm

Directions

From I-81 take exit 175 or 180A to US11 and follow the signs for the Natural Bridge. From the Blue Ridge Parkway drive to Milepost 63, towards Otter Lake Falls, if Heading North on the Parkway take a left on Route 501 which merges into 501 and Route 130. Route 501 will continue North, follow Route 130 to Glascow, VA. follow this to the Natural Bridge State Park.

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