Natural Bridge (Virginia)The Natural Bridge is a natural limestone arch in Rockbridge County, Virginia, forming a vaulted span over the creek and rising approximately 215 feet (66 m) above the gorge. It is a well known geological feature in the state with a long history as a tourist attraction.
A carved limestone arch created by the erosive action of water on soluble rock frames a deep, wooded gorge; trails lead to viewpoints above the bridge and to the base of the arch where the stream passes. The site includes visitor facilities and interpretive signage that explain the geology and local natural history.
The arch was formed by the gradual erosion of limestone by running water over long geological time. The site entered the historical record in colonial times and was acquired and sketched by Thomas Jefferson in the 18th century; it has been a named tourist destination since the 19th century.
The Natural Bridge is located in Rockbridge County in southwestern/central Virginia, adjacent to the small community of Natural Bridge. It is accessible by road from the surrounding Shenandoah Valley region and the interstate corridor that serves central Virginia.
- Height: Approximately 215 feet (about 66 metres) from the base of the arch to the creek bed below.
- Thomas Jefferson: Owned and drawn by Thomas Jefferson in the 18th century, who recorded the site in his notes and took an interest in its preservation.
Best Time to Visit Natural Bridge (Virginia)#
Spring and autumn are the best times to visit for comfortable weather and fewer summer crowds.
Weather & Climate near Natural Bridge (Virginia)#
Natural Bridge (Virginia)'s climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 30°C. Abundant rainfall (1029 mm/year), wettest in July, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -4° - 7° | -2° | 73 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -3° - 9° | 3° | 73 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 1° - 14° | 5° | 89 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 5° - 20° | 12° | 80 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 10° - 24° | 17° | 101 mm | - | - | 2.6 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 15° - 28° | 21° | 90 mm | - | - | 2.3 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 17° - 30° | 24° | 104 mm | - | - | 2.1 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 17° - 29° | 23° | 91 mm | - | - | 1.9 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 13° - 26° | 19° | 85 mm | - | - | 2.1 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 6° - 20° | 13° | 91 mm | - | - | 2.3 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 1° - 14° | 6° | 78 mm | - | - | 2.7 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -2° - 9° | 1° | 74 mm | - | - | 2.8 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Natural Bridge (Virginia)#
Natural Bridge is about a 20-30 minute drive from Lexington, Virginia, and around 90-120 minutes from Roanoke, depending on route. Follow U.S. Route 11/State Route signs to the Natural Bridge area and the state park entrance.
Tips for Visiting Natural Bridge (Virginia)#
- Arrive early to avoid buses and to see the bridge illuminated by morning light through the gorge.
- Visit the Monacan Indian Living History area and the nearby hiking trails for context beyond the main bridge viewpoint.