Natural Bridge State Park

Kory Haas

2024-05

We had a blast. We ended up doing about 3 miles in and out. We seen 5 harmless water snakes. Only one looked upset- probably because kids were messing with him. The hike to the bridge is fairly small. Tickets were about $9.00. This is a self paced walk. A bit of down hill on the way in and up hill on the way. Wish we would’ve brought things for a cute picnic.Restrooms: CleanDog-friendliness: Several friendly dogs were on the trailPicnic area: Multiple picnic areas available

Amanda H.

2024-04

All I can say is that you will not be disappointed. Natural Bridge is one of the most beautiful parts of Virginia. When you walk around the curve in the path and you see the Natural Bridge for the first time, your jaw will drop. There is a little cave, a river you follow along to the beautiful waterfall, a hidden quote from J.R.Tolkien, and supposed graffiti from George Washington from his surveying days. There is even the opening to a lost river. This place is great if you are handicaped. They will let you drive down to the main path and avoid the very long stairs. The path is mostly paved, and the parts that aren't are still smooth enough for a wheelchair. The last time I went, there was a tour group of older people. They went as far as the bridge where there were benches. There is a stone wall for most of the way, and you can lean or sit if needed. The whole path is 1.1 miles. Seriously, you just have to go. Trust me.

Priyam Das

2024-04

One of the best natural wonders in Virginia, closer to Roanoke, VA. There is a $9 entry fee. You come across the bridge after walking around 0.3 miles from the entrance. This is on the Cedar Creek trail which runs 1 mile (one-way) and at the end of the hike you will get to see the Lace falls from a distance. This trail also has a historic cave, nice wooden bridge and a paved path parallel to the Lost river. Although the trail is easy, at the entrance you will need to go down 150+ stairs, the hardest part of the trail, but not that hard I would say. Stand below the bridge, look up, you will find water droplets keep falling. Not sure where that water is coming from, but hope that's not some drain leakage lol.Playground: Not a proper playground but places to hang around, sit.Restrooms: Yes, at the entrance, both sides of the stairs.Dog-friendliness: YesPicnic area: No food but you can sit and relax.

Beth McK

2024-02

Definitely worth the entrance fee. The fee and parking lot to see the Natural Bridge is separate from the fee and lot to see the Caverns. The bridge is awesome, and pictures do not do it justice. The 50 ft. waterfall at the end is not great, but it is a nice wide flat trail with a small cave along the way. The entire trail is less than a mile long and the bridge is at the beginning. The steps back up are not too bad. There are places to sit along the way, and I am pretty sure I saw handicapped parking at the bottom so you would not have to climb the steps. There is also a really nice gift shop and small museum.Restrooms: CleanDog-friendliness: Dogs on leashes.Picnic area: Lots of benches and seating areas for eating.

Justin Scaparro

2024-05

Breathtaking and only 3.6 miles for the whole trail! It is pretty popular so lots of people, however the skyline trail was all to ourselves!

Jason Fischer

2024-04

Took my boys to hike the trail. The natural bridge was pretty amazing. Unfortunately the water was flowing over part of the path so we couldn’t walk to the falls. They also had the bottom story of the building with all the exhibits closed.Kinda lame they charged $9 a person to walk down a short path to see a natural landmark.

Ninoska Tippett

2024-04

I'll start saying that visiting the Natural Bridge State Park is worth the drive. The park is located in Virginia State, it took me around 3 hours 30 minutes from Raleigh, NC to arrive there.The visitor center is right in front of the road. So, my first thought was... do we drive from here to another place? But not. To clarify doubts, I entered the visitor center. There there is a reception desk with park rangers. The entrance to the park is $9 per adult, $7 per child, and dogs enter free of charge (yayy! I have 3 dogs that most of the time travel with me). No drive from there to the park, you just have to walk towards the back of the building and be prepared to go down +100 stairs. And the hike is only 1 mile each way (2 miles total).From there, there are 4 points of interest. The first, the natural bridge. This is just a few steps away from the stairs. It is a "Wow!" natural master piece (you can see some pics attached to this comment). There are some benches were you can sit to appreciate this beauty or read a book, or just to rest from coming down from the stairs. The second, is a cave. I could easy live there. You have to cross a small bridge to get closer and see it. The third, it is a hidden river. More than a river it looks like water coming from the mountain which always amaze me. Lastly, and the hiking ends there, you will find a very nice cascade. You can spend time sitting there and appreciating the sound of the water and nature.My thoughts along the hike, as you do it by the river all the time, were OMG! I would like to take a bath in this river.Just one tip, if you don't have hiking boots. Use some dark color sneakers. There are parts of the hike where you will have to walk around a little mud or water.And... don't forget to buy a little souvenir from the store.Restrooms: Restrooms available at the visitor center.Dog-friendliness: 100% pet friendly.Picnic area: I only saw 2 tables before going downstairs. But there is plenty of space and benches or areas to do picnic.

Dan Turner

2024-02

One of the better nature attractions in Virginia. although the arch was amazing, the rest of the trail was okay. The walking trail goes on past the arch but there was not much to see after the arch with the exception of a small cave/ rock overhang and a small river.If you don't like walking, this is for you. The walk from the parking lot to the land bridge/arch is not too long and you won't be missing anything if you don't walk the full trail.There is an entrance fee, it's not more than 10$ a person and there are discounts available (child, military)Food and drinks are sold at the main front kiosk. There is a meeting room for larger groups and a fireplace there also.The trail has seating alongside the entire trail and there is a bleacher area about half way through the trail for groups of people.Picnic area: Lots of seating along the trail for taking breaks and picnics. Bleachers half way through the trail and lots of seating at the beginning and near the front kiosk

Arcana Almeida

2024-04

The bridge and waterfall are beautiful and the trail down to them is a nice walk. There and back is about 2 miles. You have to pay 9 to just walk that one trail. The other trails you have access to aren't very long or difficult. Parking at each is 5. If you go to the caverns, it's another 20. I camped and that cost 73.71. At my campsite I had 4 ticks crawling on my tent and another one I knocked off my hand at the bear box. Not the parks fault, just a weird experience.Everything is clean and beautiful but overall very pricey.Despite the money and the ticks I enjoyed it and I'm glad I went.

Tammy Little

2023-12

Very beautiful and amazing. A must see. Little trail to waterfall was very peaceful and not too strenuous (I have bad knees). Cool cave you can walk partially in on the way to or from falls.Went when leaves were in prime fall colors so was absolutely gorgeous.

Robert Tasselmyer

2024-01

Great park, close to 81 and not overly difficult to traverse. Plenty of seating along the trail to stop and take breaks if needed. There were quite a few information plaques along the trail noting so much history.

roy hemion

2024-02

Very interesting place to visit the staff was very accommodating. I actually am undergoing some therapy at the present time and was unable to walk the whole whole path, they gave an exemption allowing me to drive into the otherwise prohibited driving area with the car. So I could be closer and didn't have to walk. So Fari found that to be quite impressive that they went out of their way to accommodate. The view was very nice and enjoyable in the places very clean and well maintained.

Victoria

2024-04

Omg best place of our trip so far! Pictures do this no justice, it’s wayyyy bigger than it appears in pictures. I could spend hours just sitting here. You do have to pay to see it. I think the guy said there was 137 steps you had to go up and down to view so be prepared!

david marcus

2024-01

Great little hike with some amazing scenery for the whole family. If you love God's creation and being outdoors, this is something you'll want to visit when in the area.

Malcolm Miller

2024-05

I really enjoyed Natural Bridge today. It wasn't busy, which made it easier to take pictures. The park rangers there are always extremely helpful. Another great day at the park.

Douglas Arterburn

2023-12

Natural Bridge State Park is one of the most gorgeous places in Virginia. There is a $9 fee but worth it knowing George Washington was here and carved his name in the rock and Jefferson actually bought the place from a British king. The gift shop had a nice selection of locally sourced art and trinkets but the café was shut as was the native American village. There is a short walk down 133 steps from the visitor center to view a spectacular feat of nature. The beautiful changing leaves and the sound of rustling leaves under our feet was breath taking. The total distance from the visitor center to Lace Falls is 1.1 miles 2.2 round trip. I suggest you make it a point to stop and gaze at nature's beauty.

sjddude

2024-04

Great place, shorter hike / walk, then most state parks. Clean restrooms, dog friendly, and a great place for an afternoon picnic.Restrooms: Very clean, men and women.Dog-friendliness: They allow dogs, but not many grass patches. Be sure to bring poop bags and know how to tie a knot. Because there are no bins nor extra dog bags.Picnic area: There are plenty of picnic benches, with a fairly short walk.

Nicole Jones

2024-05

Great place for a short walk while road tripping and a real wonder of nature with wildlife all around - 9$ entry fee

Karen Thorne

2023-11

Natural Bridge State Park, is one of the most gorgeous places on earth. I have been several times, but, this trip was the most enjoyable visit I have had. I was accompanied by a friend and my wife. For those who are handicapped, there is special parking at the entrance to the bridge. This area can be accessed by wheelchairs, but, a good portion is walking on gravel and limestone rocks poking out of the ground.The distance is approx. 3 miles. If you aren't use to it, it can be a very hard walk. A lot of people had their dogs with them on the trail. This was a beautiful excursion. I think I spoke to every person there. The Natural Bridge is a beautiful structure made by Mother Nature. There is a large stream that runs through the park alongside the mountains. You can be graced with nature, flowers, and the spectacular views. If you ever have time and are in the middle part of the state of VA aroumd Lexington, I suggest you make it a point to stop and gaze at nature's beauty.Dog-friendliness: Many dogs got to experience a nice hike with their owners. It is very shady in many areas.

Colleen Keegan

2023-11

I definitely didn't give myself enough time for this stop on our road trip. After a walk down 133 steps, it was a quick jaunt to the arch itself. A spectacular feat of nature, it was beautiful among the changing leaves of fall.Wear sturdy and slip proof shoes as the path can be a little wet even on a sunny day. We need to come back to do some of the caves, but we only put aside a half hour to do this stop. It is manageable but not enough time.If you are handicap call ahead to find out your options. We didn't know they had handicap options for the one of us who couldn't do the stairs until we left, and no one manning the desk let us know.Restrooms: Clean, well stockedDog-friendliness: Stairs are narrow, so it's not good for a reactive dog with other dogs and people around, but many dogs were enjoying the walk with their humans.

Heather Renner

2023-11

Day trip for my mom and I along with our 4 dogs! We’d been to Natural Bridge a couple years ago; and we did the Safari Park and the Caverns, both of which were a blast, but this was our first time seeing the bridge! It is absolutely amazing!We did have a little hiccup with one of our dogs- he’s a tripod and started having some trouble about halfway through the hike to Lace Falls. I had to go back to our car and get his cart- and the park rangers were all so sweet! They allowed me to drive our car down to the lower parking lot, which made things so much easier, being I didn’t have to lug that cart down all the stairs on the trail. They also allowed us to stay there so we could go back and see the bridge being illuminated- so cool!I would definitely LOVE to go back and be able to do more of the trails and see more of the park!!Dog-friendliness: Dogs are permitted almost everywhere, provided they are leashed. The trail is mainly flat and paved in most places; some of it is gravelly and has rocks sticking out, but nothing that our dogs really had trouble with. We saw plenty of happy pooches while we were there!

R. A. Demian

2023-11

Very cool spot here. Not only is the Natural Bridge impressive but there’s a lot of history here as well. Owned by Thomas Jefferson and surveyed by George Washington. The sheer size of formation is mind boggling to think water formed this behemoth. Not too far from the Bridge is also a cave you can go into with tours on the hour. Tour guide was great, knowledgable and kept a good pace. The cave is also very impressive to see and pictures just don’t capture the scope of it all. I believe it’s one of, if not the, deepest commercialized cave in Virginia. I didn’t have my kids with me but it’s very kid friendly. It’s not far from 81 so if you’re driving through it’s worth a look.

C McClenahen

2024-04

It's worth the stop. I've driven past the signs for the Natural Bridge for years until recently when I detoured off I-81 to check it out. Pictures do not do it justice; it really is a must-see in person. For a small fee, it is a convenient stop to stretch your legs if you are traveling the nearby interstate.Restrooms: It is located in the visitor center.Picnic area: There are spots to sit and even a snack store at the entrance.

Robert Locklear

2023-12

I really enjoyed this! The $9 ticket was definitely worth it. I went with a friend and we walked down the trail to Lacy Falls. I think this would be great to bring kids with lots of things to see and do along the trail as well.Restrooms: Restrooms are at the beginning of the trail in the visitor center.Dog-friendliness: Saw half a dozen people bringing their dogs.Picnic area: Lots of picnic areas at good places.

Faris Natour

2023-11

This is a beautiful park with gorgeous views. It's near the blue ridge trail, and you can access overlooks, waterfalls, caverns, and more. It's a must-visit if you like nature, and it's great for family.Restrooms: Restrooms are in the visitor center area, they are moderately cleanDog-friendliness: Great open spaces for waking dogsPicnic area: Both the blue ridge trail and the natural bridge have picnic areas

Courtney D

2023-11

Such a great park! The natural bridge is really cool! So grand! Epic to stand under. There are great trails. One leads to a small waterfall. Be prepared for walking and steps. You start off at a large gift shop and walk down to the bridge. It’s a walk. There is a little gift shop and bathroom closer to the bridge. It’s a really magnificent place!Restrooms: Restrooms in gift shop at the beginning and then restrooms again by the bridge after walk

Jeremy Bergolios

2024-05

A must see natural bridge. Very cool spot that is accessible to all regardless of fitness level.

Steve Boothby

2024-05

Beautiful! The walk to the bridge is short and easy, doable for anyone. The hike to the waterfall is a mile each way, but also easy. One thing to note, the store where you buy a pass is down in the park with little signage. Just keep going down the steps until you see it.

Hesam

2023-08

This park totally exceeded my expectations; the natural bridge is truly a wonder and the photos don’t do justice to it. Seeing it up close was amazing.$9/person entrance fee which seemed too high but the area was well kept, clean, and had proper signage.The natural bridge is 10 min walk from the parking lot/visitor center and you can get to lace waterfalls if you do an 0.8 easy hike. There is a cave 0.1 miles away from the bridge also worth seeing.

Leigh Coleman Hotujec

2023-08

Natural Bridge State Park in VA is located very near the Blue Ridge Parkway so it is well worth visiting both places if you love the outdoors. There is a very nice gift shop and light food service on site. A wonderful, historic hotel sits directly across the street or you can opt to stay at nearby Peaks of Otter Lodge. The downhill pathway to the Natural Bridge lines a creek where you can see plenty of fish, snakes, birds, butterflies and beavers. Local wildflowers are also plentiful. It is a bit of a hike, especially coming back up the hill, so anyone with a physical disability may want to use the Park employee access which is available upon request. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. A great place for everyone to enjoy natures gifts. Clean restrooms, picnic tables and shade!