Natural Bridge

Natural Bridge is a limestone arch rising 65 meters (215 feet) above Cedar Creek with a span of 27 meters (90 feet), crossing a deep gorge in Rockbridge County. The arch forms part of the public road that passes over it, and visitors can walk both above and below through the valley.

Jefferson purchased the property from King George III in 1774 for 20 shillings and built a log cabin for guests wishing to view the formation. The site later became a popular travel destination before eventually passing into the ownership of the state of Virginia.

The Monacan people call this formation the "Bridge of Hell" in their language and regard it as a sacred site recalling an important victory over enemy tribes. Visitors today find interpretive signs along the path that tell of the spiritual importance this place holds for the original inhabitants of this region.

The parking area is located near the entrance, from where paths lead down to the creek bed where you can stand directly beneath the arch. Walks range from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on whether you go only to the formation or continue onward to the waterfalls.

A stone discovered in 1927 bears the initials G. W. and surveyor marks, suggesting Washington may have measured the formation in 1750. The markings are located roughly 7 meters (23 feet) above ground level and remain visible on the rock face to this day.