This is a spectacular geological wonder located in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Roanoke, VA. You can take the steps or a shuttle down to the trail leading you alongside Cedar Creek, which flows beneath this magnificent stone archway formed by only natural water flow and weather forces. As you stand beneath the massive opening, contemplating the amount of time required to form such a structure, you can't help but feel appreciation anew for the precious short lifespan you have been allotted.

The park surrounding its namesake is to be enjoyed as well. An example of a Colonial-America Indian settlement has been re-created just a few yards past the Bridge, and one of the descendants of those settlers gives regularly scheduled presentations of historical information. Farther along the trail, which is about 1 1/2 miles total, is a saltpetre cave that once supplied this ammunition ingredient to the armies of the Civil War. Up from that is the opening in the rock that releases water of the Lost River in a trickle across the trail and into Cedar Creek. According to literature from the park, the source of the Lost River has yet to be found despite numerous efforts. At the end of the trail, a circular rock balcony is provided for the viewing of spectacular Lace Falls, where Cedar Creek tumbles over a ridge and boulders to form a veil of water that is aptly named. Then you get to turn around and make your way back over the gentle and scenic trail, getting a chance to walk underneath the magnificent Natural Bridge once again before reaching the visitor center. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and would recommend the Natural Bridge Park to families and nature buffs everywhere.

We only had time to view the Natural Bridge and it's surroundings; but we would like to visit the other attractions also. The entrance fee also is good for viewing a Monacan Indian Living History Village and a light and sound show called the "Drama of Creation". The walk to the Natural Bridge (from the gift shop where fees are paid) is approximately 1/4 mile. After admiring the arch and taking many photos of it (attempting, as always to get the perfect picture), we continued down the trail until we came upon the Monacan Village. This particular day the "indians" were giving a talk on the construction of their living quarters and a cooking demonstration. After viewing the village and listening to the talks; we meandered down the trail (alongside a river) until it came to an end (approximately 1 mile from where we began). At this point there is a small waterfall to view. When we were here in early October, the falls were only a trickle. There had been no recent rain and this area was experiencing a drought.

Overall the walk to the nonexistent falls was very pleasing and pretty and the Monacan Village was interesting. We also did not choose to stay for the Drama of Creation; which I now regret. This event takes place at dusk and is the story of creation told with a light and sound show which is projected onto the Natural Bridge.

The Natural Bridge is appoximately a 1 1/4 hour drive south of McGaheysville. It is located on Route 11, between exits 175 and 180 from Interstate 81. There is also lodging next to the Natural Bridge if you choose to visit the area overnight. More information can be obtained at www.naturalbridgeva.com