The Natural Bridge
If you are ever near the Blue Ridge Mountains
I can’t be sure, of course, but I doubt that many of you reading this are planning a trip to Roanoke, Virginia. It’s not like Myrtle Beach, or Virginia Beach, or Hilton Head, or Orlando. But there in the western mountains of Virginia, is one of the most spectacular natural sights I have ever seen. Now it’s not the Grand Canyon or Monument Valley, but for the East Coast, this rock formation is amazing.
The Natural Bridge is a sight I had heard of – rather, actually seen – in a painting, a long time ago. So on a recent trip to Greenville, S.C. (that will be another post), I took the extra time for a little side trip to see it.
It’s a 215-foot-tall arch with a 90-foot span that was once the roof of a cavern through which Cedar Creek flowed. Looking at it, I felt very tiny and was awed, in the true sense of the word. For a sense of scale, look closely at the photo and you’ll see people on the trail. It’s hard to believe that this was carved by the flow of water, since it is really high! These are old mountains, I guess.
The site is a National Historic Landmark about 40 miles northeast of Roanoke in Natural Bridge State Park, off the Blue Ridge Parkway. There’s a big Visitor’s Center and store in a rural setting. The glen from which you see the bridge is a short walk from the center, but there are some stairs to manage, and you are heading down. Wear sturdy shoes. Entry fee is $9.
The approach is interesting, and the bridge will take you by surprise, towering over you. A woman was reading an information kiosk, and her partner called over, “Forget that. Look here,” pointing. He got a big “wow!” in return.
At the same kiosk, I read that Thomas Jefferson once owned this land and encouraged American artists to come paint this scene. Hudson River School artist Frederic Edwin Church did so in 1852: “The Natural Bridge, Virginia,” in the Fralin Museum of Art at the University of Virginia.
The Natural Bridge. The painting that drew me here.
Once you’re done gazing at the bridge, you can hike under it along the creek and also to Lace Falls, a pretty 30-foot cascade.
Definitely try to go if you are ever in western Virginia, driving to Nashville, Asheville, or anyplace that takes you near Roanoke. It’s worth it.
Info: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/
There’s a cool poster you can find on etsy. https://www.etsy.com/listing/845635073/natural-bridge-virginia-vintage-wpa