Natural Bridge State Park
Natural Bridge, VA
A 215-foot limestone arch over Cedar Creek that Thomas Jefferson once owned.
Natural Bridge State Park in Natural Bridge, Virginia (Rockbridge County), protects a natural limestone arch that is 215 feet (66 m) high with a span of 90 feet (27 m). Cedar Creek, a tributary of the James River, carved the gorge; the bridge is considered what remains of the roof of a former cave or underground river. The Monacan regarded the place as sacred. In 1774 Thomas Jefferson bought the bridge along with 157 acres for 20 shillings and called it “the most Sublime of nature’s works.” U.S. Route 11 runs across the bridge. The state park has existed since September 24, 2016.
The accessible Cedar Creek Trail leads under the bridge to the Monacan village and to 30-foot (9 m) Lace Falls. The Monacan Trail is a 3.3-mile (5.3 km) loop hike, and the Buck Hill Trail climbs 2 miles (3.2 km) to a summit with views of the Blue Ridge. According to Visit Shenandoah, the bridge is lit after sunset on the last Saturday of each month from April through October (as of October 2026). Take I-81 exit 175 or 180 to US 11; the park has a parking lot. In winter, access beyond the bridge is limited.
- Nearest town
- Natural Bridge, VA
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 37.6283, -79.5445
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. Hot in July. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
.jpg){kind=link}
Campsites nearby
- Natural Bridge / Lexington KOA HolidayMotorhome stopover4 mi from Natural Bridge State ParkMotorhomesElectricityWi-Fi
- Peaks of Otter CampgroundCampsite13 mi from Natural Bridge State ParkTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposal
- Whispering Pines CampgroundCampsite21 mi from Natural Bridge State Park · 23 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- White Oak CampgroundCampsite23 mi from Natural Bridge State Park · 31 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Lakeside CampgroundCampsite24 mi from Natural Bridge State Park · 19 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Beaver Dam CampgroundCampsite24 mi from Natural Bridge State Park · 14 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
All campsites in Virginia · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Natural Bridge State Park?
Natural Bridge State Park is in Natural Bridge, VA, at GPS 37.6283, -79.5445. It is about 27 mi from Lynchburg.
Can you camp near Natural Bridge State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Tent Camping, about 3 mi away; within 25 mi there are 30 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Natural Bridge State Park?
Natural Bridge State Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: The Blue Ridge Parkway, end to end.
What is there to see near Natural Bridge State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Lexington Historic Downtown (12 mi), Peaks of Otter (13 mi), Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest (25 mi) and Humpback Rocks (42 mi).
When is the best time to visit Natural Bridge State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)