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by MikeInTown
Leesburg, Virginia
August 13, 2013
From journal Virginia Roadside Attractions
by chicanese2
Virginia Beach, Virginia
August 17, 2006
From journal Natural Bridge, VA
by jmhook
Williamsburg, Virginia
January 19, 2006
http://www.naturalbridgeva.com This is a paid attraction for $12 (kids under 5 are free), and there are other discounts for the other attractions (caverns, wax museum). You can take the free bus ride or walk down several scenic steps to get to the Natural Bridge.
The rock formation is 215 feet tall and 90 feet wide. As you continue on the trail, you'll pass through the small Monacan Indian Village, where they have reenactments and you can ask them questions. Farther along the trail you'll follow Cedar Creek and pass Saltpeter Cave, where they mined for nitrates to make gunpowder during the Civil War. There is also The Lost River, visible through a low arch in the side of the mountain, its sparkling waters flowing from an unseen cavern above to one below the creek. And at the end of the hike is Lace Falls, with small cascades along the 50-foot drop.
From journal Tennessee Smoky Mountains Vacation
by TheRockGAcrew
The Rock, Georgia
November 11, 2005
This is a spectacular geological wonder located in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Roanoke, VA. You can take the steps or a shuttle down to the trail leading you alongside Cedar Creek, which flows beneath this magnificent stone archway formed by only natural water flow and weather forces. As you stand beneath the massive opening, contemplating the amount of time required to form such a structure, you can't help but feel appreciation anew for the precious short lifespan you have been allotted.
The park surrounding its namesake is to be enjoyed as well. An example of a Colonial-America Indian settlement has been re-created just a few yards past the Bridge, and one of the descendants of those settlers gives regularly scheduled presentations of historical information. Farther along the trail, which is about 1 1/2 miles total, is a saltpetre cave that once supplied this ammunition ingredient to the armies of the Civil War. Up from that is the opening in the rock that releases water of the Lost River in a trickle across the trail and into Cedar Creek. According to literature from the park, the source of the Lost River has yet to be found despite numerous efforts. At the end of the trail, a circular rock balcony is provided for the viewing of spectacular Lace Falls, where Cedar Creek tumbles over a ridge and boulders to form a veil of water that is aptly named. Then you get to turn around and make your way back over the gentle and scenic trail, getting a chance to walk underneath the magnificent Natural Bridge once again before reaching the visitor center. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and would recommend the Natural Bridge Park to families and nature buffs everywhere.
From journal Nate/Kate/Noah's newest addition
by Arciek
Irving, Texas
September 15, 2004
From journal My First Trip to Virginia
by Kathy-n-John
Glen Burnie
July 17, 2004
A disappointment awaited us there. "Overly commercialized" and "hokey" comes to mind when I think about a description. To see the bridge, you have to go through this HUGE building, the main floor of which was a knick-knack and travel memento emporium. I bought an ice cream from a terribly rude woman. Then you can either walk down the steps or take a shuttle bus to the entrance to the bridge. Small restaurant/cafe on the river at the entrance then you walk to the bridge (short walk) pass rows and rows of seating for the nighttime sound and light show. I was planning to stay for that but scotched the idea because it seemed it would be too corny for words.
The bridge itself was interesting - but Route 11 runs right on the top of if so you hear all the vehicles passing overhead.
There were also other "attractions" co-located: a wax museum, toy museum, monster museum and caverns. We bypassed the museums because they seemed tawdry, and skipped the caverns because we had already visited several others.
All-in-all -- worth a detour if you're passing by, but not a destination trip.
From journal Do Wine for Virginia
by Vinay
Kokomo, Indiana
June 10, 2004
The entire complex is situated on over 1,600 acres and comprises the Natural Bridge, Monacan Indian Living History Village, waterfalls, wax museum, caverns, toy museum, and the Haunted Monster Museum. Apart from these attractions, there is a hotel, restaurant, and gift center.
Purchase a ticket for $10 per head and walk for about a quarter mile to see the Natural Bridge. After passing the bridge, one can see the Monacan Indian Village where the locals explain their daily activities, etc.
Further down, there is a one-mile trail going along Cedar Creek, which leads to the Lost River and Lace Waterfalls. The falls are about 50 ft high. But the interesting thing is how this creek cut the rock into layers all along its course.
Though this place is commercialized, it’s worth seeing the Natural Bridge.
From journal Vacation in Shenandoah Valley
by gheald
Hayward, California
December 19, 2002
We only had time to view the Natural Bridge and it's surroundings; but we would like to visit the other attractions also. The entrance fee also is good for viewing a Monacan Indian Living History Village and a light and sound show called the "Drama of Creation". The walk to the Natural Bridge (from the gift shop where fees are paid) is approximately 1/4 mile. After admiring the arch and taking many photos of it (attempting, as always to get the perfect picture), we continued down the trail until we came upon the Monacan Village. This particular day the "indians" were giving a talk on the construction of their living quarters and a cooking demonstration. After viewing the village and listening to the talks; we meandered down the trail (alongside a river) until it came to an end (approximately 1 mile from where we began). At this point there is a small waterfall to view. When we were here in early October, the falls were only a trickle. There had been no recent rain and this area was experiencing a drought.
Overall the walk to the nonexistent falls was very pleasing and pretty and the Monacan Village was interesting. We also did not choose to stay for the Drama of Creation; which I now regret. This event takes place at dusk and is the story of creation told with a light and sound show which is projected onto the Natural Bridge.
The Natural Bridge is appoximately a 1 1/4 hour drive south of McGaheysville. It is located on Route 11, between exits 175 and 180 from Interstate 81. There is also lodging next to the Natural Bridge if you choose to visit the area overnight. More information can be obtained at www.naturalbridgeva.com
From journal Fall in McGaheysville, VA
by nilgun
, Virginia, Turkey
September 24, 2002
It is said that George Washington surveyed it first and carved his initials on the left leg of the bridge, 20 feet above the ground.
There is Monocan Indian Village on the trail, as well as Saltpeter Cave, which was mined for nitrates to make gunpowder during the Civil War (they used mostly bat droppings for it). The trail ends with the Lace Falls, which you can observe at a distance. We saw two different kinds of snakes, and wild turkeys on our hike.
I suggest if you can, go there on a weekday. We went there on an April Sunday and to our suprise it was packed. It is handicapped accessible. There is a shuttle from the visitors center or you can take the stairs. Admission is $10 for adults and for students and kids it is $5.
From journal The Natural Wonders of Virginia