On our October road trip through the Virginia stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway, we finally made it to a spot that had been on our list for years—Natural Bridge. This massive stone arch has been drawing curious travelers for generations, and once we saw it for ourselves, we understood the hype.
Rising 215 feet above Cedar Creek, it’s a jaw-dropping sight—almost surreal. Seeing it framed by vibrant fall colors and early morning light made the experience even more unforgettable for us.
Natural Bridge is a great place to visit, whether you're on a Parkway adventure or looking for a scenic and historic weekend escape.
Keep reading for tips based on our visit, what to see and do nearby, and why this gorgeous natural landmark left such a lasting impression on us.
Updated: 6/8/2025 - Added additional information and formatting
Quick Planning Guide
Location: Natural Bridge State Park, just off US-11 in Rockbridge County, VA
Hours: Open daily from 8:00 AM to dusk (last entry to the trail is 30 minutes before park closes)
Admission: $9 for adults, $6 for children (ages 6–12), free for kids under 5 (as of 2024)
Parking: Large lot next to the visitor center—parking is free with admission
Main Trail: Cedar Creek Trail (flat and scenic, about 1 mile one-way to the bridge)
Restrooms & Picnic Area: Available near the visitor center and along the trail
Accessibility: Shuttle available to the bridge overlook if needed (ask at Visitor Center)
Dog-Friendly? Yes—pets are welcome on leash throughout the park
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds—fall is especially stunning
Nearby Attractions: Lace Falls, Skyline Trail overlook, Natural Bridge Caverns, and the Natural Bridge Zoo
What is Natural Bridge?
Natural Bridge is more than a breathtaking geological wonder; it's also a Virginia State Park. Located in Rockbridge County, Virginia, the park and surrounding community has long welcomed visitors heading through the Shenandoah Valley and along what’s now the Blue Ridge Parkway corridor.
Cedar Creek carved natural Bridge over 500,000+ years stands 215 feet high and spans 90 feet, creating a massive stone arch that is beyond majestic. You just can't appreciate how big this historic natural structure really is without seeing it in person.
Just beyond the state park, the community of Natural Bridge keeps its historic feel, with stone buildings, old inns, and a quiet, rural pace that reflects its 19th-century roots. While very small, the area is rich in history and surrounded by rolling hills and beautiful farmland.
The nearby hotel, once called the Natural Bridge Hotel, dates back to the early 1900s and still welcomes visitors today with mountain views and classic Southern charm.
Where is Natural Bridge?
Natural Bridge is located in Rockbridge County, in the western part of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. It sits just off US Route 11, about 15 miles south of Lexington, VA, and only a short drive from I-81 and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
We usually take I-81 and exit onto Route 130 (Natural Bridge exit), which weaves it's way through the Virginia mountains and delivers beautiful mountain scenery right before you arrive. The entrance to Natural Bridge State Park is clearly marked, with a large visitor center and plenty of parking available.
If you're travelling the Virginia section of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Natural Bridge makes a great stop—it's only about 15 minutes from the Parkway exit at US-130 (MP 61.4), near the James River crossing.
What to Do at Natural Bridge
There’s more to Natural Bridge than just the bridge itself—though that alone is worth the trip.
The area offers a mix of scenic hikes, underground caverns, unique roadside attractions, and a solid gift shop that’s great for picking up a few keepsakes.
Here are just some of the things to do when visiting Natural Bridge.
Walk to the Natural Bridge
After parking and checking in at the visitor's center, you’ll head down a short trail that begins at the entry way above. The trail is short,but has 137 steps. You'll need to descend (there’s a shuttle available if needed) to reach Cedar Creek and the bridge area itself.
At the bottom of the stairs, you'll find a really beautiful water feature that is a small moss covered waterfall.
At the bottom of the stairs, you'll find the ticket area and main entrance. To visit Natural Bridge State Park, there's a per-person admission fee, which as of 2025 is:
- Adults (ages 13 and up): $9
- Children (ages 3–12): $6
- Children under 3: Free
After purchasing your admission ticket, you'll pass through a small plaza area with a gift shop, some picnic tables, and public restrooms. From here, you’ll catch your first glimpse of the Natural Bridge off in the distance—and the trail that takes you right to it.
Rounding the bend and seeing that massive stone arch rise through the trees early in the morning is one of those moments that sticks with you.
We paused there for a good while, just soaking it all in—the soft rush of Cedar Creek, the crisp fall air, and the sunlight filtering through that towering rock span.
We also took a ton of photos, both from this vantage point, and after walking through Natural Bridge and looking back.
Hike the Trail to Lace Falls
After spending time at the bridge and enjoying the beauty of it, surrounded by morning light, we continued past the bridge and on up the trail that follows Cedar Creek. The visitors center told us that there was a nice waterfall at the end, called Lace Falls.
The trail to the falls is mostly flat and shaded, making for a relaxing stroll. The first area of interest is a creek crossing. We explored around the creek and taking some photos. A concrete bridge crosses the creek.
On up the trail, you'll come to a small side trail to the left that takes you to an old cave that was a Civil War saltpeter mine. Saltpeter is used to create gunpowder. You can't really go far into the cave, but it is interesting.
The trail really gives you a chance to enjoy the peaceful side of the park beyond the main attraction.
After about a mile, you'll reach the end of the trail, and the viewing area for the 30-foot Lace Falls. The waterfall is a good distance from the viewing area, and if you want to take photos, we suggest a zoom lens.
Lace Falls is located at the back of a small gorge like area. While the waterfall isn't super gorgeous, it makes for a nice walk.
You return the way you came.
Explore More of the Park’s Hiking Trails
While the walk along Cedar Creek to the Natural Bridge and Lace Falls is the most popular route, there’s far more hiking to enjoy in the surrounding park. Natural Bridge State Park offers about 10 miles of trails total, and if you’re up for a bit more adventure, it’s worth checking out the higher-elevation trails just a short drive from the Visitor Center.
Blue Ridge Trail
If you're in the mood for a moderate challenge, the Blue Ridge Trail is a solid pick. This 4-mile loop climbs through the woods and rewards you with sweeping views from Red Knob Overlook—a quiet, scenic spot that feels far removed from the crowds below. It’s a great way to stretch your legs and take in some mountain scenery.
The Skyline Trail
Another standout is the Skyline Trail, a 1.3-mile out-and-back route with a steady incline and a big payoff at Jefferson Point. The view here is wide open and panoramic, especially striking in the fall when the Blue Ridge Mountains are glowing with reds, oranges, and golds.
Fall Colors and Visiting in October
We visited in mid-October, and the fall color was incredible. The hillsides around Natural Bridge were glowing with shades of gold, orange, and deep red. Temperatures were crisp, the skies were clear, and the park wasn’t overly crowded.
October is hands-down one of the best times to visit—not only for the colors, but for the peaceful vibe that comes with the season. Not to mention the cooler temperatures.
Where to Stay?
Historic Natural Bridge Hotel
Our visit to Natural Bridge was part of a larger trip along the Virginia sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway. For more options on places to stay and eat, we stayed in Roanoke, Virginia, which is about 40 minutes from Natural Bridge.
Roanoke has several great options, including hotels, vacation rentals, inns, and airbnbs. We stayed at the Country Inn & Suites right off I-81. It was an affordable and nice hotel in a safe area.
As mentioned earlier, there is also a historic hotel at Natural Bridge that is a great option as well. The only downside is you will be further away from more dining options, shopping, and other city conveniences.
Our Tips for Visiting
To help you make the most of your visit to Natural Bridge, here are a few helpful tips we picked up during our visit:
- Wear good shoes if you plan to walk to Lace Falls—the trail is easy but a bit rocky in places.
- Bring a water bottle and your camera—the views are photo-worthy throughout.
- If you visit in the fall, dress in layers. Mornings were chilly, but it warmed up quickly.
- Visit in the morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds. Midday is the busiest, especially on weekends. We went in the morning and had much of the trail to ourselves.
- Check seasonal hours and closures. The park is open year-round, but hours for the Visitor Center, caverns, and shuttle vary by season. It's a good idea to check the official website before you go.
