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. Very soon thereafter, you will see the Natural Arch. Coincidentally, Thomas Jefferson also owned the land on which the Natural Bridge is located.Īfter paying your admittance fee at the center, you head down several stairs and will pass a small waterfall. 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. This is a perfect place to take a road trip break! We did exactly that on a recent drive from Asheville to Richmond. My kids were pleasantly intrigued by all of the things that they saw and especially enjoyed the fire! I would love to visit this park again in another season and see the difference. There was yet another lovely ranger keeping the fire going. The fire was incredibly warm and necessary on this cold wet day. To end our adventure, we spent some time by the large fire at the ranger station. the Bridge itself would have been enough to keep my interest. We continued our walk discovering lots of interesting things along the way including a cave, some historic elements, and of course, the waterfall. 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. We began our walk and just before the bridge, we took some photos. 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. As instructed we ventured down the 127 steps to the next ranger who would check our admission ticket. The kids used the bathrooms, we paid admission, and bundled up for our adventure. Upon entering the Park store we discovered a very large space with a vast assortment of goods for purchase. The day was overcast with intermittent misty rain and the temperature was about 40 degrees. Our family stopped at Natural Bridge as an "adventure stop" on our way from Florida to DC. 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. I tried to find George Washington's initials but I did not see them. All the park rangers that I had interaction with were very friendly. Not sure if that program runs year round or just in the warmer summer months. There are benches set up for people to sit and watch it. I was there during the day but if I'm correct they do a nightly light show at the bridge. 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. 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. The entire path is I believe just over a mile one way so figure a little over 2 miles back and forth. It was actually quite depressing to see the little village just bare brown sticks with nothing going on. 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. 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. Once you are at the natural bridge though it is a very pleasant relatively flat walk. There are quite a few steep steps that you need to go down to the bridge and back up to the visitor center. If you have any mobility or walking issues I would not recommend this. 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. Disappointing that they didn't even have bottles of water or grab and go for folks to grab. 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. It truly is an amazing piece of nature and to see it in person is not the same as seeing it in pictures. 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.
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