Between the two of us, Anne and I have driven past Exit 175 on I-81 probably 200 hundred times or more. Invariably one of us would say something like, “I want to stop here one day. Natural Bridge is supposed to be spectacular.” Saturday, the day finally came. We met our son-in-law, Jon, at the visitor’s center so he could deliver the Little Prince and Heir Apparent to us for a week’s visit and spent an excellent afternoon along Cedar Creek Trail exploring one of the Ancient Natural Wonders of the World.

Called the “Bridge of God” by the Monacan Indians and once owned by Thomas Jefferson, Natural Bridge is truly awe-inspiring, rising some 215 feet above Cedar Creek whose waters eroded the limestone which forms the 36,000 ton natural arch, estimated to be 500 million years old.

Along the way, one can view an authentic Monacan village, the entrance to the Saltpeter Mine, the Lost River, and Lace Falls. Though we didn’t go ourselves owing to time and my extreme claustrophobia, the largest underground caverns on the east coast (located 34 stories below ground) can also be explored.

The park is open year round. Admission is $18 for adults and $10 for children, which also includes the Wax Museum and Factory tour, the Toy Museum and The Drama of Creation, a light show each evening at dusk which unfolds in words and music.

cedar creek

entrance to the saltpeter mine

the lost river

lace falls

the little prince and heir apparent