Natural Bridge State Park

Natural Bridge State Park features a towering limestone arch and scenic trails.

Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation

Quick Facts

Location:

6477 South Lee Highway, Natural Bridge, VA 24578

Significance:

Natural Bridge State Park preserves a National Historic Landmark and iconic limestone arch, illustrating karst geology, regional history, and ecological connections within the upper James River and Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Designation:

National Historic Landmark; Virgina State Park; Chesapeake Gateways Network Site, International Dark Sky Park

MANAGED BY:

Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation

Amenities

5 listed

Gifts/Souvenirs/Books, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Pets Allowed, Restroom - Accessible, Water - Drinking/Potable

 Natural Bridge State Park preserves one of the most remarkable geological features in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Designated a National Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the park centers on the 200-foot-tall Natural Bridge, a limestone arch carved over thousands of years by Cedar Creek. This striking formation reflects the dynamic natural processes that shape the upper James River watershed, a vital tributary of the Chesapeake Bay. 

Visitors can explore over 10 miles of trails that wind through lush forests, rolling meadows, and karst landscapes. The Cedar Creek Trail leads beneath the Natural Bridge to Lace Falls, a gentle waterfall with a 50-foot cascade. Interpretive exhibits at the visitor center introduce the region’s geology, ecology, and cultural history, including its association with Thomas Jefferson. 

Family-friendly experiences such as the Children’s Discovery Area and self-guided Track Trails encourage hands-on learning about native wildlife and habitats. Ranger-led programs, including guided hikes and night sky viewing in this designated International Dark Sky Park, deepen understanding of the natural environment. 

As part of the Chesapeake Gateways Network, the park connects visitors to broader themes of environmental stewardship, recreation, and the living landscape of the Chesapeake region. Visitors are encouraged to learn more by visiting the park’s website. 

This location does not accept the America the Beautiful—National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. Entrance fees and ticket policies are set independently by the managing partner, as detailed on their website.

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