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Virginia
221

Virginia State Parks

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USA Parks
Virginia
Shenandoah Valley Region
Natural Bridge State Park
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Natural Bridge State Park © Famartin / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Entrance to the stairs leading to the bottom of the Natural Bridge in Natural Bridge, Rockbridge County, Virginia
Natural Bridge State Park © Famartin / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Natural Bridge State Park visitors center in Natural Bridge, Rockbridge County, Virginia
Natural Bridge State Park © Moofpocket / CC-BY-SA-3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Natural Bridge State Park © Virginia State Parks / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
NB, NaturalbridgeLearn more about Virginia State Parks here www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/
Natural Bridge State Park © vastateparksstaff / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Uploaded by SA Learn more about Natural Bridge State Park here http//www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/natural-bridgegeneral_information
Natural Bridge State Park © Famartin / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
View up Cedar Creek within Natural Bridge State Park in Natural Bridge, Rockbridge County, Virginia
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NATURAL BRIDGE STATE PARK
NATURAL BRIDGE STATE PARK
6477 South Lee Highway
Natural Bridge, Virginia   24578
(lat:37.6286 lon:-79.5437) map location

Phone: 540-291-1326
The 37th state park was dedicated on September 24, 2016, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a National Historic Landmark in 1988. The 215-foot tall Natural Bridge is a limestone gorge carved out by Cedar Creek. The park is more than just the bridge beautiful forests and rolling meadows showcase the area's karst terrain, and vistas of surrounding mountains and the James River valley display nature's splendor. Access these via 7 miles of hiking trails, including Cedar Creek Trail, which leads from the park's Visitor Center under the bridge to the Monacan Indian Village and Lace Falls with its 30-foot cascade.
History of the Area
In 1774, Thomas Jefferson bought 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.

In May 2013, then owner Angelo Puglisi announced plans to sell the Natural Bridge complex by year's end. Nearby Lexington, Rockbridge and Buena Vista passed resolutions urging a positive outcome as did land trusts across Virginia and the nation. The Valley Conservation Council and Rockbridge Area Conservation Council hosted tours, wrote articles, encouraged support and formed the Friends of Natural Bridge.

On Feb. 6, 2014, the dream to ensure the protection of the bridge in perpetuity came together thanks to the nonprofit Virginia Conservation Legacy Fund and its leader, Tom Clarke. Puglisi gifted the bridge and 188 acres of the property valued at $21 million to the fund. The nonprofit group agreed to pay for the remaining 1,300 acres with a loan from the Virginia Clean Water Revolving Loan Fund, from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and the Virginia Resources Authority.

The state will not own the Natural Bridge property until the debt is paid off but took over management of about 1,500 acres here on Sept. 24, 2016. The state park does not include the Natural Bridge Hotel and Conference Center or the Caverns at Natural Bridge.
Fishing
Those 15 and younger may fish in Cedar Creek. The nearby James River has plenty of sunfish, smallmouth bass, catfish and muskie. Access the James from DWR ramps in Buchanan and Arcadia in Botetourt County and take out in Glasgow in Rockbridge County.


Location
Natural Bridge State Park is located near Lexington, Lynchburg

Picnicking
There are picnic tables behind the visitorcenter. Cedar Creek Pavilion has a sheltered area for picnicking, and the Cascade picnic area seats up to 24 and can accommodate a tent. The Leave No Trace outdoor classroom has five picnic tables and a fire pit. Picnicking is also available at Base Camp behind the Visitor Center and the trailheads of Blue Ridge and Skyline Trails.
Trails
More than 7miles of hiking trails wind through the park providing a glimpse of nature. The Cedar Creek Trailgoes under the Natural Bridge to the Monacan Village, Lost River and Lace Falls. The Buck Hill Trail offers a hike much like hiking the Appalachian Trail.The Blue Ridge Trail and the Skyline Trail offerspectacular views of the Blue Ridge andthe Appalachian Mountains. Pack a lunch to take along and enjoy many scenic vistas. Cedar Creek Trail access beyond the bridge is limited during winter call before arriving for details.

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Area Campgrounds
Middle Creek Campground
1164 Middle Creek Road
Buchanan, VA
540-254-2550
Wildwood Campground
6252 Elon Road
Monroe, VA
434-299-5228
Natural Bridge/Lexington KOA
214 Kildeer Lane
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Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Natural Bridge
16 Recreation Lane
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Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
From I-81, take exit 175 or 180A to U.S. 11 and follow signs to the park.

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Virginia
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Virginia State Parks

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