Natural Bridge

The arch is the remains of a cave roof that collapsed, leaving a limestone span about sixty-six metres above Cedar Creek with an opening around twenty-seven metres wide, and US 11 crosses over the top - most drivers pass without realising. George Washington surveyed the site as a young man and initials cut into the rock are attributed to him, though that attribution is not certain. Thomas Jefferson bought the bridge and 157 acres from the Crown in 1774 for twenty shillings, kept it for the rest of his life and described it in his Notes on the State of Virginia. It stayed in private hands as a commercial attraction for over two centuries and only became a state park in 2016.

What's there

• A limestone span sixty-six metres high - a collapsed cave roof.
• A working road across the top - US 11 crosses the arch.
• Jefferson's purchase of 1774 - bought for twenty shillings.
• Initials attributed to Washington - though not securely.

When to go

April to October. Two hours.

What to expect

The walk down and back up is a steady climb. It only became public land in 2016 after long commercial ownership, and the surrounding attractions reflect that. A light show at the arch is not to everyone's taste. It is a short visit.

Nearby

Lexington is north; the Blue Ridge Parkway is east.