Virginia is a gorgeous state with no shortage of natural attractions, and Natural Bridge State Park is no different.
The hike along the Cedar Creek Trail is relatively easy. The 2-mile out-and-back trail is mostly flat, except for stairs at the start (and end) of the trail.
Along the trail, you’ll see many amazing features, like the gorgeous namesake Natural Bridge over Cedar Creek, a cave, a model Native American village, and the beautiful Lace Falls at the end!
If you’ve been wanting to see the incredible Natural Bridge in Virginia, the guide below has everything you need to know.
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Prepare For Your Visit to Natural Bridge State Park in Virginia
There are several Natural Bridge parks in the United States (like the one in Kentucky), but this one is in Virginia!
Located in the Shenandoah Valley, the park is about three hours from Washington, DC.
Parking
Its physical address is 6477 S Lee Hwy in Natural Bridge, VA.
There is plenty of FREE parking at Natural Bridge State Park. However, you might have to park across the street at the Natural Bridge Hotel during the more popular months.
Amenities at Natural Bridge State Park
The visitor center at Natural Bridge State Park has bathrooms, a large gift shop, and a seasonal cafe.
At the bottom of the stairs on the trail, you’ll find a smaller shop with bathrooms, as well as several picnic tables.
Entrance Fees
There is a fee to visit Natural Bridge State Park in Virginia. As of 2025, it’s $6 for kids ages 3‐12 and $9 for anyone 13 years and older. Kids under 3 are FREE.
Pets
Leashed pets are allowed at Natural Bridge State Park
Be a Responsible Visitor
Places like Natural Bridge are popular with visitors, which can bring trash and other issues. We all need to do our part to keep our parks clean and enjoyable for all.
Remember to pack out all trash (including those fruit peels), and leave behind what you found. Leave no trace so we all can enjoy these parks for years to come.
Hike to Lace Falls and Natural Bridge
| Trail Location: | Access to the Cedar Creek Trail to Lace Falls is through the Natural Bridge State Park Visitor Center. You’ll have to climb down 137 steps to get to the trail. |
| Trail Length: | 2 miles out-and-back |
| Trail Difficulty: | Easy. However, climbing the 137 steps (especially on the way up) is tiring and can be difficult for some. |
| Trail Type: | Out and back |
| Elevation Gain: | 400 feet |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes |
Getting to the Cedar Creek Trail
After paying for your admission inside the visitor center, you’ll be directed to the trail to the Natural Bridge and Lace Falls. The steps are at the beginning of the trail.
At the bottom of the steps, a park ranger will check your tickets. This is also where they will drop off anyone who needs accessibility accommodations.
Visitor Tip: If you have someone in your party who cannot climb stairs, accommodations for accessibility can be made upon request at the Visitor Center or by calling (540) 291-1326.
The Natural Bridge
The path leading to the bridge is paved, and there are several benches on both sides. If you’re only visiting to see the bridge, make sure to walk to the other side. It’s even more beautiful.
Monacan Village
The park set up a replica of a Monacan village. Although it is closed now, you can still see the structures and understand how they lived.
The Cave at Natural Bridge State Park
About halfway up the trail, after passing the village, you’ll find an old cave. Potassium nitrate was once excavated from the cave when Thomas Jefferson owned the land.
Further up the path, you’ll come across the lost river. The workers from the cave discovered it, but the water source is still unknown!
Lace Falls at Natural Bridge in Virginia
Continue to the trail’s end to view Lace Falls. The waterfall is small but still pretty!
Once you’ve reached the trail’s end, return to the visitor center to exit.
Other Hiking Trails at Natural Bridge State Park in Virginia
In addition to the Cedar Creek trail that leads to Lace Falls and the natural bridge, there are three other trails in the park.
- Buck Hill Trail – This 1.8-mile loop trail is accessed on the Natural Bridge Caverns parking lot. The park rates this trail as moderate.
- Blue Ridge Trail – A moderate 3.3-mile loop that allows both biking and hiking on the trail.
- Skyline Trail – This short .6-mile trail is rated easy by the park.
Other Things to Do Near Natural Bridge in Virginia
In addition to the hiking trails at Natural Bridge State Park, there are some other fun things to do nearby.
To start, the Natural Bridge Caverns are just down the street.
If you’d love to see some animals, both the Natural Bridge Zoo and the Virginia Safari Park are less than a 10-minute drive from the bridge.
There is also the unusual roadside attraction, the Dinosaur Kingdom. It is open seasonally.
Frequently Asked Questions About Natural Bridge in Virginia
Is It Free to Go to Natural Bridge in Virginia?
There is a charge to visit Natural Bridge State Park. Fees are paid at the Visitor Center before you start on the trail. The cost to visit as of publication is $9 for ages 13 and up and $6 for kids 3-12 years of age. Children 2 and under are FREE.
Can You See the Natural Bridge Without the Hike?
As noted above, you can see Natural Bridge at the beginning of the Cedar Creek trail. You don’t have to complete the entire route to get a view of this beautiful natural attraction.
To get to the bridge, you will have to navigate 137 steps. If anyone in your party cannot climb stairs, let them know when you purchase tickets at the visitor center. They offer accommodations for individuals who need them.
Can You Walk on the Natural Bridge in Virginia?
You cannot walk across the Natural Bridge in Virginia. The road that crosses the bridge is a highway with no walking paths. It also wouldn’t be too exciting to walk across, as it’s a paved road with no view to the bottom due to fencing on both sides.
Is Natural Bridge State Park Worth Visiting?
Natural Bridge in Virginia is worth visiting at least once if you can! This unique geological formation is so impressive in person.
It’s hard to get the full-scale size from pictures. It can be pricey for a family to visit, but if you enjoy nature and geology, it’s worth the price of admission.
Natural Bridge makes a perfect stop on a road trip through Virginia.
Fun Facts About Natural Bridge State Park
- Thomas Jefferson once owned the land at Natural Bridge State Park
- It is said that George Washington surveyed the area as a young man and carved his initials into the stone (see pic below)
- The arch is 215 feet high, 40 feet thick, and 100 feet wide.
- The bridge is one of the oldest geological features on the east coast of the United States
- The bridge was originally part of an underground cave system formed
Where to Stay Near Natural Bridge in Virginia
The closest hotel to Natural Bridge in Virginia is right across the street! The Natural Bridge Historic Hotel is pet-friendly. Some rooms even offer mountain views!
There are also campgrounds like Jellystone and KOA. But for more hotel options, look at Lexington, VA, about 20 minutes from the park.
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