Natural Bridge State Park
- Status
- Status not posted
- Entrance fee
- Statewide rule — see below
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Statewide rule — see below
- Camping
- Yes
- Official site
- dcr.virginia.gov(540) 291-1326
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Overview
Covering about 1,531 acres, Natural Bridge State Park lies in Rockbridge County, about 12 miles southwest of Lexington.
Popular activities here are hiking. Its trail network totals roughly 10 miles, according to the park.
Hours
Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.
| Facility | Days | Hours | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor center | Not stated | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Mar 1 – Nov 30 |
| Not stated | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Nov 1 – Mar 31 | |
| Daily | 8 a.m. – sunset | — |
Official wording
Visitor Center: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. from March to November (during daylight saving time) (Closed Christmas Day); 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. November to March (after daylight saving time); Cedar Creek Contact Station and Trail Store: 8:00 a.m. to dusk year-round (Closed Christmas Day)
Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/New York).
Pets
'Pets are welcome in most outdoor areas of our parks.' 'Leashes may be no longer than 6 feet.' 'Pets are not permitted in yurts.' 'There is a $20 additional nightly charge per pet for cabin stays. There is no additional charge for pets in campgrounds.'
Statewide rule from Virginia's park system (source). This park’s page doesn’t state its own pet rules, so check for local restrictions.
Fees and passes
'A parking fee is required to enter most Virginia State Parks.' False Cape, Natural Bridge, Sailor's Creek Battlefield, Staunton River Battlefield and Southwest Virginia Museum do not charge parking, but Natural Bridge and Southwest Virginia Museum charge admission.
Statewide fee rule from Virginia's park system; this park’s page doesn’t list its own fees.
Virginia park passes
- Naturally Yours Passport — $85. Parking and admission for 12 months to all State Parks (admission for up to 4 at Natural Bridge and Southwest Virginia Museum) Details
- Senior Naturally Yours Passport — $40. Parking and admission for 12 months, age 62+ Details
- Naturally Yours Passport for Boaters/Equestrians — $180. Parking plus boat-launch / horse-trailer fees for 12 months Details
- Senior Naturally Yours Passport for Boaters/Equestrians — $145. As above, age 62+ Details
From the Virginia state guide. Confirm which passes this park accepts.
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Booking system
- Virginia State Parks reservation system (reservevaparks.com)
- Phone
- 800-933-7275
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Camping
OVERNIGHT FACILITIES Primitive camping is available at Blue Hollow. All sites are specifically reserved. To make a reservation, you can reserve online or call 1-800-933-PARK. Click here for park fees. Camping Camping Campsites at Blue Hollow have three small group tent sites, a private picnic shelter and fire pit. This campground is open year-round. As a primitive campground, there are no electric or water hookups. RVs and trailers are not able to access the campsites. There are centrally located port-a-johns.
From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Things to do
CampingHiking
Trails
More than 10 miles of hiking trails wind through the park's gorge, meadows and forests. The Cedar Creek Trail goes under the Natural Bridge to the Saltpeter Cave, Lost River and Lace Falls. The Buck Hill Trail offers a hike much like hiking the Appalachian Trail. The Blue Ridge Trail and the Skyline Trail offer spectacular views of the Blue Ridge and the Allegheny Mountains. Pack a lunch to take along and enjoy many scenic vistas. Cedar Creek Trail access beyond the bridge is limited during winter due to the growth of icicles under the Bridge; call before arriving for details. Natural Bridge is home to Thistle Ridge Disc Golf Trail, an 18-hole disc golf course, which features extensive views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is designed for players of all skill levels. The trail itself blends outdoor adventure with excellent examples of resource management. This course nestled in the midst of a massive pollinator habitat with tee pads made from recycled glass is provided by a generous donation from the Rockbridge Community Health Foundation. Thistle Ridge is located north of the Natural Bridge Visitors Center at the Blue Ridge Trailhead. State Park parking rates apply.
Swimming
Swimming is prohibited as there are no designated swimming areas in the park.
Boating and paddling
Those 15 and younger may fish in Cedar Creek. The nearby James River has plenty of sunfish, smallmouth bass, catfish and muskie. Access the James from DWR ramps in Buchanan and Arcadia in Botetourt County and take out in Glasgow in Rockbridge County.
Fishing
Those 15 and younger may fish in Cedar Creek. The nearby James River has plenty of sunfish, smallmouth bass, catfish and muskie. Access the James from DWR ramps in Buchanan and Arcadia in Botetourt County and take out in Glasgow in Rockbridge County.
A state fishing license is usually required.
Amenities
Facilities
- Restrooms
- Visitor center
- Park or camp store
- Restaurant or food service
- Amphitheater
Water
- Swimming beach: not available (stated by the park)
Accessibility
- Accessible trails
✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.
Accessibility
- Accessible trails
• The main level to the visitor center and restrooms are accessible. • Restrooms at the Cedar Creek Pavilion are accessible. • Accessing the Cedar Creek Trail requires navigating 137 stairs. Accommodations for those with accessibility needs can be made by calling the park for more details. • Cedar Creek Trail to the Natural Bridge is a level trail of concrete and asphalt; past the Natural Bridge, it is a gravel trail to the Lost River. • Strollers are not recommended because of the large amount of stairs. • Those with vision impairments can use the RightHear app on their phone to navigate the visitor center and Cedar Creek Trail. For more details, check out RightHear’s official website: https://www.right-hear.com/
Official accessibility information
Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.
Getting there
- Address
- 6477 South Lee Highway
Natural Bridge, VA 24578 - Nearest town
- Lexington — about 12 mi southwest (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 37.6289, -79.5452
- Phone
- (540) 291-1326
- NaturalBridge@dcr.virginia.gov
Google Maps directionsApple MapsOfficial park map (PDF)
Directions from the park
From I-81, take exit 175 or 180A to U.S. 11 and follow signs to the park. Drive Time: Northern Virginia, three and a half hours; Richmond, two hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, four hours; Roanoke, 30 minutes.
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- Virginia State Parks — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026; page says updated Aug 6, 2026
- Virginia State Parks 'Find a park' list (HTML, one 'Name (CODE)' link per park)
- Wikidata
- USGS PAD-US 4.1 (boundary and acreage)
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. No change has been detected since this page was first published. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology