the natural bridge of virginia

佛祖的弟子阿难对佛祖说：「我喜欢上了一女子。」佛祖问阿难：「你有多喜欢这女子? 」阿难说：「我愿化身石桥，受那五百年风吹，五百年日晒，五百年雨淋，只求她从桥上经过。」参观这＂天然石桥＂，我直觉想起了这个故事，如果化为永远都没有人会走的石桥多可怜，因为它永远等不到它心爱的人走过。而这天然石桥在那儿屹立了多少年呢？它等了多少年呢？

The bridge is natural but everything else about the site is man made. You enter through a huge visitors center with lots of things to buy. The only way you can get a glimpse of the landmark is to pay a fee and walk down man made steps to the viewing set. Because of ice we could not walk beyond the bridge to the falls, so can not comment on that. There is a road on the top of the natural bridge but tall wooden barriers keep you from seeing anything from the road. I will say that although I would label this as a 'tourist trap', it is worth the money to see this amazing site! There is no other way to see it so just bite the bullet and 'enjoy'!

We took our 5 year old to see the Natural Bridge the weekend after the area received 8 inches of snow. Positives- It was dog friendly (doggie poop bag stations along the trail) and staff members allowed us to leave our dachshund off leash. The stairs were cleared of all snow/ice and our daughter was leaping easily from steps without fear of falling. They had a staff member keeping a roaring fire near the river.Negatives- Though it was beautiful, I think overall we were disappointed at how commercialized it all was. The visitor center didn't open until 11am and once we got in there it smelled horribly of bug spray. For the 2 of us (kids are free) it cost $22 to basically go down 130ish steps. We weren't allowed to go under the bridge due to the icicle formations. We stayed less than an hour.

We visited the Natural Bridge on an unplanned stop on our way home through Virginia. I'm glad we did it, but there's a LOT you need to overlook to get to the neat stuff here. It's a good chance to get out of the car, stretch your legs and see something cool.I happen to enjoy the thing of a tourist trap. Seeing how people have eeked out a living over the history of this country is very interesting to me. It's history on a personal level. I enjoyed seeing the little left over operations nearby, looking at the massive MCM building where the tickets are sold (and the tourists are trapped!) and imagining the generations of people who had also stopped to stretch here. There are some dubious choices the latest owners have made (in my mind, anyway). There's a bit of Bible to wade through, but easily enough on our visit.The arch itself is impressive. The walk is a nice one. But what I took away from it personally was being in a place where George Washington had been before he was GEORGE WASHINGTON. Growing up in a midwestern town that was very in touch with it's prehistoric native ancestors, but only knows the early part of our country through history books, getting to touch the real beginnings of our nation was quite thrilling. Go ahead, see it, take a walk, get a drink. It will surely be the best potty break of your trip!

How many natural bridges are there? Buy the ticket, and go. Beautiful trees, water, flowers, etc., too. There is a trail along the river, ... just keep walking past the Native American village, to the end, for some more of Mother Nature's lovely handiwork. George Washington liked Natural Bridge, and he was one smart fellow!

By way of chance, we were traveling home from a trip to South Carolina and saw a sign that read "Natural Bridge" next exit. Being adventurous, and in need of a stretch your legs time, we followed the sign and discovered a wonderful adventure we weren't aware of. You can take a shuttle down and back up again. We decided to ride the shuttle one way and walk back. The bridge was amazing and the photo opportunities and learning experience that this was, would be a wonderful adventure for anyone who loves...well, adventures! While you are visiting the Bridge, don't miss the Indian settlement that they have set-up as a re-enactment of a time era gone by. It is well worth the trip!

I admit to being skeptical about stopping here, particularly after seeing the huge gift shop at the entrance. I was pleasantly surprised that the commercialization ended there. As noted, there's a shuttle service down into the canyon, but we found the walk down very pleasant and not very strenuous at all. The bridge and the setting are really quite remarkable, well worth more than just a simple walk-through. Continuing up the stream, we found the model Indian village well worth a leisurely visit. The layout, artifacts and construction techniques aided by actual Indians and volunteers who can answer questions make for an informative experience. Before climbing the hill on the way back, you may want to stop at the small cafe for a sandwich and refreshments, which were surprisingly good. There's a fairly large stone veranda outside on the edge of the stream. Too bad it's not on the downside of the small waterfall just beyond.

I've visited Natural Bridge several times, first as a kid and now as an adult. This was the first time I've ever walked the full distance to the falls. It was fantastic! There is a shuttle service available at no extra charge to arrive at the start of the trail, or you can walk down stairs. We walked down but took the shuttle up. The bridge is impressive. There are carving of initials on the walls of the bridge, one is believed to be George Washington's. Markers help explain the historical side of the bridge, but really, if none of that existed nature lovers will get a kick anyway. There is bench seating for presentations about the bridge or just resting. Past the bridge are Indian food gardens, a longhouse and other Monacan Indian structures. Costumed people will answer questions and give information. This area is small, but you are welcome to interact. Then there is a walkway over water and the entrance to a cave that is off-limits. The trail continues alongside the water until you reach the falls. There is a circular stone place to sit there and just enjoy the view before you turn back. Inside the ticket area are old but clean restrooms with only a couple of stalls, a penny press that needs adjusting, a large shop with books, souvenirs, and original artwork. There is also a cafe in there and on the trail before the bridge, however, both were closing at 5:00. This was too soon in my opinion as the trail was still open. There was a Drama of Creation show that night, but we couldn't stay for it. We did not have a chance to visit the caverns that day. The entrance is just across the road. The wax museum is closed and looks to have been for quite some time. There is a lovely-looking hotel across the road from the entrance. It has several restaurants. Check the website before going to this cluster of attractions as seasons and weddings will affect availability of some features.

A breathtaking view combined with a great history. It is a highlight of a visit to the Shenandoah Valley. Can also be done as a rest stop along I-81!

Nice easy walk and beautiful scenery. They REALLY should offer discounted off-season entry when half of the attraction is unavailable.

I grew up going to the Natural Bridge in eastern KY, and know the one in Virginia is more famous, so my husband and I visited while vacationing in Southern Virginia last fall. In hindsight we should've walked out when they told us the cost. We paid $26 each to do the Natural Bridge and Cave tour. I think the bridge alone was $18. Well... You take a short walk out to the viewing area - by no means a hike, and view the bridge from below. Apparently a road runs across the top. There are all kinds of seats along the sidewalk - I assume they do weddings or other money making events here as the whole thing is privately owned. then you can walk to a reconstructed American Indian village and further on to some falls. For $18/$26. Ive never been so swindled - and I live in the DC area. The cave tour was even worse. For profit - natural wonder tourism at its worst. The groups were huge - ours about 30 ppl. And everyone in the group was touching EVERYTHING. The caves themselves were not too impressive.- lights were everywhere which damages the stalactites/stalagmites by allowing moss and algae to grow. If you like nature you'll hate this, if you love paying tons of money for commercialized natural wonders- enjoy!

I enjoyed Natural Bridge more than I expected. When you round the last corner and see it you are quite impressed because this is an attraction that definitely looks more impressive in person than in photographs. I also enjoyed the walking path to the waterfall and found the Indian Village interesting and the guides informative.

I stopped in here when driving through on a business trip. I enjoyed the walk. It's a short walk to the bridge. If you can't walm downstairs well, you can take a shuttle bus. It was a nice fall day and not a lot of visitors. The Native American reenactment had closed for the season . The price was a bit much at $14.00 per person. I've seen natural wonders of equal caliber for cheaper. However, we plan to take our family in the spring.

...I can say I've seen it. We went to the light show...that was cheesy at best. They said it was the same one from the 1920s. I believe it! I enjoyed the music...but was not expecting it to be the Bible story about the creation of the universe. We returned during the day the next day and everything past the bridge was closed. We talked to a park ranger and he was helpful, but was sure to throw in that he didn't believe in the scientific explainations of it's existence, but prefered the biblical explaination. I just wish that there was more about the actual creation of it, and not so much focus on the Bible. But, it's like my boyfriend said: the owner feels the need to communicate that message, and it's his right to do so.

I wish I'd done this a long time ago. I've heard about this place all my life and finally got there to see it. The bridge is staggeringly majestic. I'm not sure words can do it justice. I was awestruck at the beauty and the wonder of it all. There is a long path to walk, not too difficult even with disabilities. Cedar Creek, which formed the bridge is peaceful and beautiful. There are rapids and falls all along the walking path. You'll also see a small Monacan Village, with loads of history to see and learn. The lost river is also fascinating, and there are markers and information along the way to clue you in on this. If you love nature, history, and breathtaking beauty and wonder, you simply must see Natural Bridge. Wiki has a lot of great info on this attraction and pictures. Again, I can't even find words worthy of a good description. You, too, will probably be speechless along most of the trail!