Want to walk beneath a 215-foot natural wonder? Head to Natural Bridge! Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, Natural Bridge offers a perfect blend of geology, history, and Appalachian beauty. From awe-inspiring limestone formations to hiking trails, caverns, and colonial-era landmarks, this scenic destination is ideal for nature lovers, history buffs, and families alike.
Natural Bridge, VA Highlights:
- Marvel at Natural Bridge: Once owned by Thomas Jefferson, this massive limestone arch is one of the oldest tourist attractions in the U.S.
- Explore Natural Bridge State Park: Hike Cedar Creek Trail to the Monacan Indian Village, Lace Falls, and the Bridge itself.
- Tour the Caverns at Natural Bridge: Descend into an underground world of stalactites, stalagmites, and cathedral-sized chambers.
- Visit the Natural Bridge Zoo: See exotic animals and interact with friendly species in a family-friendly setting.
- Walk through Dinosaur Kingdom II: A quirky roadside attraction where Civil War soldiers battle dinosaurs in a fantastical setting.
Best Time to Visit Natural Bridge, VA
The best time to visit Natural Bridge is from April through October. Spring and fall offer mild weather, blooming wildflowers, and fall foliage. Summer is popular for family trips and full attraction access. Winter is quiet and scenic but with limited seasonal operations.
How to Get to Natural Bridge, VA
- If you are traveling by car: Natural Bridge is located off I-81 and US-11, about 15 minutes south of Lexington, VA, and 1 hour north of Roanoke.
- By air: The nearest airport is Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA), about a 50-minute drive away.
- By train: Amtrak service is available in nearby Lynchburg, about 45 minutes east by car.
Where to Stay in Natural Bridge, VA
- Natural Bridge Hotel & Conference Center – Historic property within walking distance of the Bridge, with mountain views and a full-service restaurant.
- Budget Inn Natural Bridge – A clean, simple roadside motel just minutes from the park and area attractions.
- KOA Natural Bridge/Lexington – Family-friendly campground with cabins, RV sites, and outdoor recreation close to nature.
Best Things to Do in Natural Bridge, VA
⮕ Natural Bridge of Virginia
Admire this towering limestone arch and explore scenic sights on a weekend trip.
© Bram/stock.adobe.com
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What is Natural Bridge in Virginia?
- Natural Bridge is a 215-foot tall natural limestone bridge that spans a gorge carved out by Cedar Creek.
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Where is Natural Bridge located?
- Natural Bridge is near the town of the same name in Virginia.
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What is the surrounding park like?
- The park surrounding the bridge consists of a beautiful forest and rolling meadows, situated in the area’s rugged karst terrain.
- Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the James River valley.
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What hiking opportunities are available in the park?
- The park offers over six miles of hiking trails, including the popular Cedar Creek Trail.
- The Cedar Creek Trail runs from the bridge to the Monacan Indian Village and the 30-foot high Lace Falls with its stunning cascade.
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What historical and educational programs are offered?
- Park rangers provide Living History programs that connect visitors to the past and show how people once lived in the area and used its natural resources for survival.
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What can visitors find at the Visitor Center?
- The Visitor Center features fascinating exhibits and a gift shop.
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Who once owned the Natural Bridge area?
- The area was once owned by Thomas Jefferson.
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Is Natural Bridge historically significant?
- Yes, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Natural Bridge, Virginia
⮕ Caverns at Natural Bridge
Go underground and discover unusual rock formations on an affordable adventure.
© adityajati1995/stock.adobe.com
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What are the Natural Bridge Caverns?
- The Natural Bridge Caverns are part of the same limestone geological features that formed the Natural Bridge of Virginia.
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When were the caverns discovered?
- The caverns were discovered at the turn of the 20th century.
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When did the Natural Bridge Caverns open to the public?
- The caverns were opened to tourists in 1977.
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How deep do the caverns go?
- The tour of the caverns descends over 34 stories deep into the Earth.
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What natural formations can visitors see in the caverns?
- The caverns feature many special limestone structures carved over thousands of years.
- One of the most fascinating features is the Colossal Dome Room, an enormous dome-shaped chamber.
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What are some of the key highlights of the tour?
- From the Dome Room, visitors can explore other unique formations, including:
- Mirror Lake
- The Well Room
- The impressive stalactites and stalagmites in the Canyon Room
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How long does the cavern tour take?
- The entire tour lasts approximately 45 minutes.
6313 S Lee Hwy, Natural Bridge, VA 24578, Phone: 540-291-2482
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
⮕ Dinosaur Kingdom II
See quirky dinosaur displays and enjoy exciting, kid-friendly stuff with the family.
© Dinosaur Kingdom II
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What is Dinosaur Kingdom II?
- Dinosaur Kingdom II, also known as Escape From Dinosaur Kingdom, is a quirky and unique tourist attraction in Natural Bridge, Virginia.
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How is Dinosaur Kingdom II different from other dinosaur parks?
- Unlike traditional kid-friendly dinosaur parks, this attraction features dinosaurs attacking Union Army soldiers in a fictional battle.
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What can visitors see at Dinosaur Kingdom II?
- The park includes 30 fiberglass dinosaur statues and multiple figures of Union soldiers.
- Other unique statues include a gorilla in a cowboy hat and a statue of Abraham Lincoln.
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Who created Dinosaur Kingdom II?
- The attraction is the work of local artist Mark Cline, and it first opened in 2005.
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What is the fictional story behind the attraction?
- The story created by Cline imagines that dinosaurs were discovered in Virginia in 1863.
- The Union Army attempted to use the dinosaurs as weapons, but the creatures turned against them.
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What inspired Mark Cline to create the park?
- Cline was inspired by his childhood visit to Dinosaur Land in White Post, Virginia.
- He also drew inspiration from the movie The Valley of Gwangi, where cowboys discover living dinosaurs in a Mexican valley.
5781 S Lee Hwy, Natural Bridge, VA 24578, Phone: 540-464-2253
⮕ Natural Bridge Zoo
Visit exotic animals and enjoy summer wildlife attractions in this easy-to-access zoo.
© Diego/stock.adobe.com
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What is the Natural Bridge Zoo Park?
- The Natural Bridge Zoo Park is a privately owned zoo located in Natural Bridge, Virginia.
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When did the zoo open?
- The zoo opened to the public in 1972 and has been expanding ever since.
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What is the main purpose of the zoo?
- The primary focus of the zoo is the breeding and raising of threatened and endangered species.
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What educational opportunities does the zoo offer?
- The zoo provides students and the general public with hands-on opportunities to learn about animals, birds, and reptiles.
- For many children, the zoo offers a unique chance to have real contact with wild animals.
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What interactive experiences does the zoo provide?
- Visitors can have up-close experiences such as:
- Standing next to a massive giraffe
- Feeding a llama
- Touching a baby dromedary camel
- Standing eye-to-eye with a huge white tiger
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What animals has the zoo successfully raised?
- The zoo has successfully raised a variety of species, including:
- Reticulated Giraffe, Bongo, Sitatunga, Beisa Oryx, Kudu, Blesbok
- Scarlet Macaw, Blue and Gold Macaw, Ring-tailed Lemur
- Himalayan Bears, Grant Zebra, Dromedary Camels, Capuchin Monkeys
- And many more!
5784 S Lee Hwy, Natural Bridge, VA 24578, Phone: 540-291-2420
Where to Eat in Natural Bridge, VA
- Red Fox Tavern – Located in the Natural Bridge Hotel, this casual American restaurant serves classic fare with views of the Blue Ridge.
- Purple Cow Restaurant – A local favorite in nearby Buena Vista offering burgers, milkshakes, and Southern comfort food.
- Pink Cadillac Diner – Quirky 1950s-themed diner off Route 11, great for breakfast, fried chicken, and retro vibes.
If you are interested in local events:
- Annual Rockbridge Festival (September) – Crafts, live music, and local food in downtown Lexington.
- Fall Foliage Weekends (October) – Enjoy peak leaf color, hayrides, and seasonal treats at the park and surrounding region.
- Christmas at Natural Bridge (December) – Seasonal lights and holiday programs hosted at the hotel and park grounds.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Natural Bridge, Virginia:
- Lexington (15–20 min) – Visit historic Washington and Lee University, the Stonewall Jackson House, and downtown shops and cafés.
- Buchanan (30 min) – Paddle the James River, shop antiques, or walk the historic swing bridge downtown.
- Blue Ridge Parkway (20–25 min) – Take a scenic drive or hike mountain trails for stunning overlooks and wildlife spotting.
- Goshen Pass Natural Area Preserve (30 min) – Hike and picnic along one of Virginia’s most beautiful mountain gorges.
- Glasgow (10–15 min) – A peaceful riverside town with views of the James and Maury Rivers, plus access to Appalachian hikes.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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What is Natural Bridge, Virginia?
- Natural Bridge is a small community in Rockbridge County, Virginia, best known as the site of Natural Bridge, a natural arch which gives the town its name, as well as Natural Bridge Caverns, carved deep into the rock by water through millennia.
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What historic mansion is near the Natural Bridge?
- Near the Natural Bridge is Vine Forrest, a Federal Style brick historic mansion built in 1806.
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What is the Natural Bridge Zoo known for?
- Natural Bridge Zoo is a private zoo engaged in a breeding program for endangered wild animals.
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What is Dinosaur Kingdom II?
- Dinosaur Kingdom II is a quirky tourist attraction with figures of dinosaurs fighting Union soldiers during the Civil War.
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