Visit the historic 215-foot limestone arch in Virginia. Get 2026 ticket prices, opening hours, and parking tips for Natural Bridge State Park.
Natural Bridge State Park in Virginia is defined by its massive limestone arch. It serves as a geological bridge over Cedar Creek. Visitors can expect gentle woodland walks and a peaceful atmosphere.
This National Landmark is in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Thomas Jefferson bought the land from King George III in 1774. He wanted to ensure the public could always visit. It became a state park in 2016.
Natural Bridge State Park: Quick overview
A trip to Natural Bridge State Park is relatively inexpensive. Adults pay $9, while children enter for $6. The park opens daily at 8 a.m. and closes at dusk.
| Price | Opening hours | Address | Free for | Last entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6 — $9 | 8 a.m. — Dusk | 6477 S. Lee Hwy, Natural Bridge, VA 24578 | Under 3s | One hour before dusk |
Ticket costs: Natural Bridge State Park
Pricing at this state park is straightforward. There are no complex tiers or peak-time surcharges. You simply pay at the Visitor Center upon arrival.
| Ticket type | Price | Who qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | $9 | Ages 13 and older |
| Children | $6 | Ages 3 to 12 |
| Toddlers | Free | Children aged 2 and under |
The park does not offer audio guides. However, interpretive signage is placed along the main trails. Groups of 10 or more may qualify for special rates if they book ahead.
Opening times: Natural Bridge State Park
The park maintains consistent hours throughout the year. Access to the trails depends on daylight. The Visitor Center has slightly different hours than the trails.
- Monday: 8 a.m. — Dusk
- Tuesday: 8 a.m. — Dusk
- Wednesday: 8 a.m. — Dusk
- Thursday: 8 a.m. — Dusk
- Friday: 8 a.m. — Dusk
- Saturday: 8 a.m. — Dusk
- Sunday: 8 a.m. — Dusk
The Visitor Center usually opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m. Last entry to the bridge trail is one hour before dusk. Heavy snow or ice may cause temporary closures. Always check the official website during winter months.
Advance booking: Natural Bridge State Park
You do not need to book tickets in advance for general entry. Staff sell tickets directly at the Visitor Center desk. This makes it a great choice for impromptu road trips.
If you are travelling in a large group, call ahead. This helps the park manage visitor flow. During holiday weekends, the car park can fill up quickly. Arrive early to avoid the midday rush.
Parking advice: Natural Bridge State Park
The main car park is located at the Visitor Center. Parking is included in your admission fee. There are plenty of spaces for standard vehicles and larger motorhomes.
The walk from the car park to the bridge involves stairs. A shuttle service is usually available for those with mobility issues. This shuttle runs between the Visitor Center and the Cedar Creek Trail.
History: Natural Bridge State Park
The bridge formed over millions of years. Cedar Creek eroded the limestone to create the arch. It stands 215 feet high and spans 90 feet. It is a natural engineering marvel.
George Washington allegedly surveyed the site as a young man. Legend says he carved his initials into the rock. You can still look for them today. The site was one of the New World’s first tourist attractions.
For the Monacan Indian Nation, the bridge was a site of victory. They retreated across it during a tribal conflict. They believe the bridge appeared miraculously to save them. The park includes a replicated Monacan village.
Jefferson built a two-room cabin on the site. He used it as a mountain retreat. He called the bridge “the most sublime of nature’s works.” Ownership passed through several private hands before becoming a park.
Today, it is a National Historic Landmark. The state of Virginia now protects the ecosystem. This ensures the bridge remains stable for future generations.
Key highlights: Natural Bridge State Park
The Cedar Creek Trail is the primary attraction. It is a flat, gravel path that leads directly under the bridge. The scale of the arch is immense from below.
Further down the trail, you will find the Monacan Village. This living history exhibit shows how indigenous people lived. Staff often give demonstrations on tool making and cooking.
Continue your walk to reach Lace Falls. This 30-foot waterfall marks the end of the main path. The water cascades over tiered rocks. It is a tranquil spot for photography.
The Saltpeter Cave is another stop on the trail. During the War of 1812, soldiers mined it for gunpowder. It adds a historical layer to the natural scenery.
For a challenge, try the Buck Hill Trail. This two-mile loop offers wooded views. It is much quieter than the main bridge area.
Included: Natural Bridge State Park tickets
- Access to the Natural Bridge limestone arch
- Entry to the Monacan Indian Village exhibit
- Seven miles of hiking trails, including the Cedar Creek Trail
- Views of Lace Falls and Saltpeter Cave
- Parking at the Visitor Center
- Access to the Visitor Center displays and gift shop
Nearby: Natural Bridge State Park
- Caverns at Natural Bridge (0.5 miles, 2 min drive) — These deep underground caverns feature stalactites and stalagmites. It is the deepest cavern on the East Coast.
- Virginia Safari Park (3 miles, 5 min drive) — A drive-through adventure where you can feed animals from your car. Expect llamas, zebras, and bison.
- Dinosaur Kingdom II (0.5 miles, 2 min drive) — A quirky theme park featuring life-sized dinosaur statues. It depicts a fictional battle between dinosaurs and Union soldiers.
- Boxerwood Nature Center (12 miles, 20 min drive) — A woodland garden with trails and sculptures. It focuses on environmental education and play.
- Virginia Military Institute Museum (13 miles, 20 min drive) — Located in nearby Lexington. It houses military artefacts and explores regional history.
Practical tips: Natural Bridge State Park
The park is located just off Interstate 81. It is easy to reach by car. There is no public transport directly to the park gates.
Expect to spend two to three hours here. This allows time for the main trail and the visitor centre. Wear sturdy walking shoes as some paths are gravel. The bridge area is mostly shaded and cool.
Photography is encouraged for personal use. Drones are generally prohibited within the park. Please stay on marked trails to protect the plants.
The main trail is accessible via the shuttle. However, some woodland trails are steep and uneven. Dogs are welcome but must stay on a leash.
FAQs: Natural Bridge State Park
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I walk across the top of the bridge? | No, the bridge carries Highway 11 and is not open to pedestrians on top. |
| Is the park pet-friendly? | Yes, dogs on leashes are allowed on the trails and in the car park. |
| Are there food options on-site? | The Visitor Center sells snacks and drinks, but there is no full restaurant. |
| Is the park accessible for wheelchairs? | The Visitor Center and shuttle service make the bridge accessible for most. |
| Do I need to pay for parking? | No, parking is included with your entry ticket price. |
More Virginia travel
Other Virginia travel stories on Planet Whitley include:
- Discovering presidents and the first Thanksgiving at Berkeley Plantation.
- Virginia’s best presidential homes for visitors.
- The uncomfortable slavery legacy of Mount Vernon.
- A practical visitor guide to the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Centre in Chantilly.
- What’s so special about the Taubman Museum of Art in Roanoke?
