If You're NearbyNatureGeologyHiking

Natural Bridge

Virginia

A 215-foot limestone arch carved by Cedar Creek, once owned by Thomas Jefferson and carrying a highway across its top.

Photo: Quintin Soloviev · CC BY 4.0

Sacred to the Monacan people, the arch was surveyed as legend has it by young George Washington, whose initials may still be seen. Jefferson bought it in 1774 for 20 shillings, calling it 'the most sublime of nature's works'.

It's now a Virginia state park, with a paved walk along the creek to Lace Falls.

Best Time
April to October
Time Needed
2 hours
Cost Level
$$$$
Open
Every day
Getting There
About 15 minutes south of Lexington, Virginia, on I-81.

What to See

0 of 3 are free
30 minutes

The Bridge

Look up from the creek-side trail at its huge underside.

1 hour

Cedar Creek Trail

An easy walk past a Monacan village exhibit to Lace Falls.

30 minutes

Monacan Living History Exhibit

A recreated village, on the trail, in season.

Know Before You Go

  • There's an entrance fee.
  • US 11 runs on top of it, but you can't see it from the road.
  • Lexington, with its historic colleges, is nearby.

Where to Stay

Stay in Lexington.

Where to Eat

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Last checked 2026-11-01. Part of the Mid-Atlantic list.