When you think of Natural Bridge State Park, the first thing that comes to mind is probably the 200-foot-tall Natural Bridge. This iconic Virginia landmark is truly awe-inspiring, but if you have not explored the rest of the park, you are missing out.
Here are six reasons why you should visit Natural Bridge State Park this fall, starting with the most obvious reason.
Thomas Jefferson once called the Natural Bridge "the most sublime of Nature's works," and he was not wrong. The 200-foot-tall bridge was formed several hundred years ago after 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.
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Getting to the bridge requires a little bit of a hike, including 137 steps, so strollers are not recommended. The park provides accommodations for visitors with accessibility needs. To learn more, call 540-291-1326 or stop by the visitor center.
2. The sky
Did you know Natural Bridge State Park is an International Dark Sky Park? The park received the designation from DarkSky International in 2021 for its exceptional quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage and public enjoyment.
Throughout the year, the park offers special self-guided and ranger-led Dark Sky programs that give you the chance to take in the silhouette of the star-lit Blue Ridge Mountains while picking out constellations and observing planets and nebulae.
3. Disc golf
Take in the beautiful fall foliage and challenge yourself along the Thistle Ridge Disc Golf Trail. It has 18 holes and features extensive views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The course, located at the Blue Ridge Trailhead, is a mix of fields and woods and is great for players of all skill levels.
4. Hiking
Natural Bridge State Park offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that 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. Buck Hill Trail offers a hike that is similar to walking along the Appalachian Trail. The Blue Ridge Trail and Skyline trails offer spectacular views of the Blue Ridge and Appalachian mountains.
There is a trail for everyone at the park, so pack a lunch and enjoy.
5. Fall camping
Cooler temperatures and changing leaves make fall one of the best seasons for camping. Natural Bridge State Park offers three primitive group campsites at its Blue Hollow Campground. Each site has three tent pads, a private picnic shelter, two picnic tables, a lantern post, a pedestal grill, a fire pit and an animal-proof food locker.
As a primitive campground, there are no electric or water hookups, but there are centrally located portable toilets. RVs and trailers are not permitted at Blue Hollow.
To reserve a campsite, go to www.reservevaparks.com or call 800-933-PARK.
6. Unique engravings
*Please note that defacing any surface at Natural Bridge State Park will not be condoned. Visitors should follow Leave No Trace principles.*
There are two special engravings that have been part of Natural Bridge State Park for many, many years. The first is of George Washington's initials on the wall of the bridge, which he visited in 1750 as a young surveyor.
The second engraving, hidden along Cedar Creek Trail, is from J.R.R. Tolkien, author of "The Lord of the Rings." The lines are part of a hobbit walking song.
"Still round the corner there may wait
A new road or a secret gate,
And though I oft have passed them by,
A day will come at last when I
Shall take the hidden paths that run
West of the Moon and East of the Sun"
