Super easy in and out hike (the stairs at the beginning/end are the worse part), we really enjoyed the bridge at the beginning and the falls at the end. We took about an hour and forty-five minutes in and out, but my son likes to explore and inspect things on the trail, so it probably wouldn't take everyone that long. Add time for the gift shop if you choose.

This may be a generalization but I feel that often times as people of color we don’t realize just how close we are to such incredible nature scapes. Even tho I grew up outside I’ve definitely been guilty of it myself🤷🏾‍♂️ Just as I like putting people on to some of the best foods I love to be able to showcase to everyone, especially black and brown ✊🏾people some of my favorite adventure destinations in Mommy Nature as well as their accessibility… especially in Virginia 🙌🏾 One place in particular is “The Natural Bridge”! 📍6477 S Lee Hwy, Natural Bridge Va Just 3 hours from DC and 2 hours from RVA… Natural Bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a National Historic Landmark in 1988. The 215-foot tall Natural Bridge is a limestone gorge carved out by Cedar Creek. But this spot is more than just a “bridge” The drive here alone is 🤩 , once you arrive you are met with beautiful forests and rolling meadows like ones from the movies. In the distance you’ll see you are surrounded mountains and the James River valley that no matter who you are this place will take your breath away ⛰ Hit the visitor center to get your National Park stamp and after hit a hike you won’t forget. These places hold such amazing energy and aren’t as out of reach as we sometimes think, so get up and get out, bruh 💪🏾

Love This Place! I was vaery surprised at the entrance of the state park, and was confused at first. When you first pull up it looks like a hotel. Its quite a large building for a entrance to a state park. But there is a lot of things to look at and souvenirs to choose from. There is a small information section on the history of the bridge as you walk out to see the bridge. Its a short walk to it but it is down steps so if you have mobility issues they will let you drive down to a lower parking area. The bridge is way bigger than what I thought it was going to be, and there are plenty of places to sit and just take in the surroundings. And dont forget to look for George Washingtons initials carved into the rock. If you keep going past the bridge, its about a mile back there is a small but pretty waterfall. Worth the walk and they have more places to sit and rest for your walk back. It would be a great place to sit and have lunch and take in nature.

This was my first visit here and I was blown away by the majestic nature of the bridge. Nature is truly awesome and awe inspiring. We did the one-mile hike to the waterfall after the bridge and it was beautiful. The worst par of the hike is the steps in the beginning and end, but so worth it. I would love to go back at night to see the area lit up as I bet it is so beautiful. Definitely worth a visit.

Our family stopped at Natural Bridge as an "adventure stop" on our way from Florida to DC. The day was overcast with intermittent misty rain and the temperature was about 40 degrees. Upon entering the Park store we discovered a very large space with a vast assortment of goods for purchase. The kids used the bathrooms, we paid admission, and bundled up for our adventure. As instructed we ventured down the 127 steps to the next ranger who would check our admission ticket. She gave us information about the hike under the bridge and to the waterfall which was just the right length for us to take the kids. We began our walk and just before the bridge, we took some photos. Another ranger from the same building jogged towards us and offered to take photos of the whole family, so unexpected and so wonderful! We had only been at this park for about 20 minutes and had already encountered 3 very friendly rangers. I was one happy mama. We continued our walk discovering lots of interesting things along the way including a cave, some historic elements, and of course, the waterfall. Although.... the Bridge itself would have been enough to keep my interest. To end our adventure, we spent some time by the large fire at the ranger station. The fire was incredibly warm and necessary on this cold wet day. There was yet another lovely ranger keeping the fire going. I would love to visit this park again in another season and see the difference. My kids were pleasantly intrigued by all of the things that they saw and especially enjoyed the fire!

Natural bridge in my opinion is not a destination place to visit, but if you are passing by going someplace and it's not too far out of your way I would definitely recommend stopping. It truly is an amazing piece of nature and to see it in person is not the same as seeing it in pictures. The admission price is very reasonable. They have a nice visitor center that is well stocked with souvenirs as well as a small Cafe type place although I guess that cafe is only open during the busy summer tourist months. Disappointing that they didn't even have bottles of water or grab and go for folks to grab. I visited in March and it was not open. There are restrooms in the visitor center before you start your tour but there is also another restroom at the natural bridge point itself as well as another small gift shop. If you have any mobility or walking issues I would not recommend this. There are quite a few steep steps that you need to go down to the bridge and back up to the visitor center. Once you are at the natural bridge though it is a very pleasant relatively flat walk. The natural bridge itself of course is the main attraction but if you continue on the walk there is also a saltpeter mine, a replica native American Indian village, a Lost River opening, and a small waterfall. Again keep in mind if you're not going during the spring or summer season the native American Indian village will probably not be open or have any actors there. It was actually quite depressing to see the little village just bare brown sticks with nothing going on. The entire path is I believe just over a mile one way so figure a little over 2 miles back and forth. Again if you have the chance to see it in the warmer months I strongly recommend that over the winter months as I'm sure it is much more beautiful with all the greenery from the trees and shrubs rather than the bare Brown sticks everywhere. I've seen pics of the natural bridge in the summer months and it is much more beautiful to look at and to take photos of when it is green rather than bare. I was there during the day but if I'm correct they do a nightly light show at the bridge. There are benches set up for people to sit and watch it. Not sure if that program runs year round or just in the warmer summer months. All the park rangers that I had interaction with were very friendly. Family and kid friendly. I tried to find George Washington's initials but I did not see them. I think it would be very helpful to have some sort of sign or arrow something to direct your eyes to where it is approximately.

This was a beautiful unplanned detour as a stretch break. We saw the sign on interstate 81 and decided to check it out. The visitor center is well maintained and spacious. We knew nothing about the park the rangers explained everything. The path to the bridge and falls were well marked. The only challenging part is the MANY steps. They are not all together but a series. Well worth the time!

This is a perfect place to take a road trip break! We did exactly that on a recent drive from Asheville to Richmond. The visitor center was easy to find and the building reminded me of those found at the University of Virginia, which was founded by Thomas Jefferson. Coincidentally, Thomas Jefferson also owned the land on which the Natural Bridge is located. After paying your admittance fee at the center, you head down several stairs and will pass a small waterfall. Very soon thereafter, you will see the Natural Arch. There is a flat path that leads you through the arch where you can continue your stroll along a steam for about 15 minutes to see a larger waterfall. "Saltpeter Cave" can also be found along the path. It was interesting to read that Mr. Jefferson leased out this shelter for the excavation of potassium nitrate which was eventually used to make gun powder. While I would not make the Natural Bridge a destination trip, it is definite worthwhile to explore if passing through the area.

Beautiful! The first part of the walk is rather daunting - steep stairs. Once you get past this, it is easy all the way to the back. The bridge is only the beginning! Peek into a cave mouth, see a Native American village recreation, listen to the underground river - which also flows underground from the Natural Bridge Caverns lowest room! You may encounter some confusion about where to pay. If you're wanting to bypass the gift shop for sake of time, there is a ranger booth by the bridge - I believe you can pay there as well.