Welcome back to National Parks and other public lands with T!
We visited the Natural Bridge in Virginia on our road trip to the Great Smoky Mountains. It’s not far off Interstate 81 and boasts a mile long trail under a 215 foot natural stone arch. The trail meanders past the ‘lost river’, a native American village replica and some waterfalls. There are also tours of the nearby Natural Bridge Caverns.
This area is a National Historic Landmark. Thomas Jefferson purchased the 157 acre property from King George III for 20 shillings in 1774. It was a tourist attraction even back then. George Washington surveyed the area and carved his initials on the wall of the bridge, allegedly.
When we visited this site in 2013, it was under private ownership. In 2016, ownership transferred to the state of Virginia and became Natural Bridge State Park. Also in 2016, the new state park was designated an affiliated area by the National Park Service which provides for federal funding.
Location: 6477 S Lee Hwy, Natural Bridge, VA 24578
Designation: State Park, National Historic Landmark
Date designated/established: August 6, 1998
Date of my visit: August 16, 2013
This is an amazing site.
Yes indeed 🙂
Such amazing beauty.
Thanks! 🙂
Your photographs capture the beauty of the park. I (Kellye) would love to visit there and see it in person. For now, I will travel through your post. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks so much!
I remember visiting this park when it was a private enterprise. If I recall correctly, there was a light and music show at dusk, and it was entitled “Creation.” Anyone else recall this?
When we last visited, it was still under private ownership. We were there pretty early in the day, but I remember them setting up chairs for the evening show.
Since we will be using Virginia as our home base as we full-time RV, T, we will have to check it out! –Curt
Oh! Home base in the east now?
Yep. 🙂 Although we will be traveling close to full time for a couple of years, or longer if age allows it. –Curt
Many happy travels to you!
That’s an impressive arch and the waterfalls are exquisite. I love the history behind it, but skeptical of GW’s initials!
I agree it’s unlikely 🙂
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How very magnificent!
Thanks 😊