Visiting Natural Bridge (VA)

George Washington carved his initials here.  Thomas Jefferson built a cabin retreat here.  Katrina Elisabet took a selfie here.

Do I look presidential to you?

See?  I have something in common with the founding fathers of America!

That something happens to be a visit to the Natural Bridge, located in the Blue Ridge mountains of Virginia just south of Lexington.  Believed to have been formed by the collapse of a cave formed by Cedar Creek, the Natural Bridge is a marvel of the natural world.  The arch of the Bridge is taller than the falls of Niagara and to this day still serves as an actual bridge for State Route 11.

The Monacan Indian tribe have a legend that the bridge first appeared as they were fleeing from an enemy tribe.  Thanks to the bridge, they were able to take a stand and beat back the enemy, making the place a sacred site to them even today.  During the 18th and 19th centuries, the Natural Bridge was an iconic stop for European visitors on their tour of the new world, and even during the Civil War, both Union and Confederate troops detoured from their marching orders so that they could marvel at it.

Now maybe you can see how it's taller than
Niagara Falls.

We visited Natural Bridge on a January day slated to reach highs of 60 ̊ but temperatures still hovered in the 30s that morning.  As such, the trail underneath the bridge was closed due to ice.  Since my preferred mode of death is not by a having an icicle fall on my head, this was just fine with me, and we could still admire the bridge even if we couldn't actually go up and touch it.

I would recommend a total of 1 to 2 hours for this site, depending on your interest and how many of the walking trails are open.  Admission is somewhat steep at $14 for adults (discounts for seniors and past/present military service members), but I would still encourage you to visit this natural wonder.  It's worth the money.

During the weekend nights of warmer months, there is a "Drama of Creation" light show that illuminates the Natural Bridge, and special events fill the summer calendar.  The Natural Bridge Historic Hotel is adjacent to the property if you want a relaxing weekend in the country, or like us, you could stay in historic Lexington, which is a 15-minute drive away.

And once you're done touring this natural wonder, be sure to stop a few miles down the road to gawk over a man-made wonder:  Foamhenge, a life-sized replica of Stonehenge that is free to the public and a hoot to visit.

Ever visited the Natural Bridge or anything like it?

Linking up with Chasing the Donkey, Pack Me To, A Southern Gypsy, The Fairytale Traveler, and Ice Cream & Permafrost for the #SundayTraveler!