Visiting Natural Bridge State Park

Your Guide to Visiting Natural Bridge State Park

The technical parts ...

• Natural Bridge State Park is located at 6477 S. Lee Highway, Natural Bridge, VA 24578
  
• $6 for ages 3 to 12; $9 for those 13 and older; $5 per car at trailheads
• The park is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to dusk, weather permitting
  Visitor Center: daily, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  Trail Store: daily, 8 a.m. - dusk
  Base Camp exhibits area: Friday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through May 17. May 22 - September 22: daily, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  Food service: Friday-Sunday to May 17. May 22 - September 22: daily
• Accessibility accommodations can be made upon request with the front desk rangers at the Visitor Center or by calling 540-291-1326.
• More Information

Park Activities

HIKING
More than six miles of trails meander through Natural Bridge State Park. The primary trail is the beautiful Cedar Creek Trail that leads visitors beneath the soaring limestone bridge, past the Salt Peter Cave to Lace Falls.
Park Trail Guide

FISHING
Park guests 15 and under may fish Cedar Creek, a clear stream that also draws in ducks and plenty of lizards and salamanders.

PICNICS
Picnic areas are available at the Visitor Center or along Cedar Creek Trail.

CAMPING
Blue Hole is Natural Bridge State Park's primitive campground. Each site is specifically reserved online or by calling 1-800-933-PARK. A shelter and fire pit are available, as are port-a-johns. There is no electricity or water. 

On September 24, 2016, Natural Bridge, a National Historic Landmark, became Natural Bridge State Park, and thus, the 37th jewel in the crown of the Virginia State Parks collection.

A Brief History of the Bridge

In 1774, Thomas Jefferson purchased the bridge and 157 surrounding acres from King George III of England for 20 shillings. The bridge passed from one private owner to the next and became a tourist destination. For nearly 250 years the Bridge stayed in private hands and that was fine; until it wasn't.

In May 2013 then-owner Angelo Puglisi announced his plan to sell the Natural Bridge complex before the end of the year. Local communities passed resolutions (Rockbridge, Lexington and Buena Vista), and land trusts across the state and nation urged a positive outcome. The Valley Conservation Council and Rockbridge Area Conservation Council assumed leadership roles and hosted tours, wrote articles, encouraged support and formed the Friends of Natural Bridge. Continue Reading ...

Last Updated: 5/11/2026