Natural Bridge, Virginia

May 2023

Natural Bridge is, well, pretty much what it sounds like: a massive stone archway over a river, created by nature rather than human hands.

It’s an amazing sight, and well worth it just to stand and gape at it for a while. Fortunately, a number of benches have been erected on both sides of the bridge.

It’s a little hard to get to, though. This is one of those big Local Landmarks, so you have to park just outside a visitor center, pay $9, then hike down a narrow, steep (though paved) trail for 10 to 20 minutes before you arrive at the natural bridge itself. You will pass out-of-shape visitors sitting and wheezing on the side of the trail. You might just sit and wheeze yourself, even if you’re not totally out of shape.

Still, the trail winds along next to a beautiful river, making an excellent little trip. And you can extend your hike with a visit to a cave a little ways beyond the bridge. Overall, this is an easy 1 to 2 hour excursion, depending on your fitness level, the number of kids and/or pets with you, and how long you want to just sit next to the bridge and stare up at it in wonder.

Fees: $9 for adults, $6 for kids

Conditions: Sunny, 75° Fahrenheit