Natural Bridge State Park
Marvel at a colossal limestone gorge in Virginia or Wisconsin's largest natural arch, carved by time and nature.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Natural Bridge State Park
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Marvel at a colossal limestone gorge in Virginia or Wisconsin's largest natural arch, carved by time and nature.
"A must-see natural wonder, though be prepared for stairs in VA and trail upkeep in WI."
🎯 Virginia Park Fees
Virginia park admission is per person ($9 adults, $6 kids). Consider an annual pass if visiting multiple VA state parks.
👟 Virginia Stairs Alert!
Be ready for 137 stairs down to the bridge in VA. Wear comfy shoes!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Natural Bridge
Natural Bridge, Virginia
A colossal 215-foot-tall limestone gorge carved by nature over millennia. A truly awe-inspiring sight.
Wisconsin's Natural Arch
North Freedom, Wisconsin
Wisconsin's largest natural sandstone arch, accessible via a short, easy walk. A unique geological wonder.
Monacan Indian Village
Natural Bridge, Virginia
Step back in time at this recreated Monacan village, offering a glimpse into the history of the region's indigenous people.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Know Before You Go: Virginia vs. Wisconsin
Virginia Park Entry & Accessibility
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
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🎯 Virginia Park Fees
Virginia park admission is per person ($9 adults, $6 kids). Consider an annual pass if visiting multiple VA state parks.
👟 Virginia Stairs Alert!
Be ready for 137 stairs down to the bridge in VA. Wear comfy shoes!
🦟 Wisconsin Trail Caution
Wear pants on Wisconsin trails to avoid thorns and burs. Mosquitos can be present in summer.
🚗 Easy I-81 Pit Stop
Virginia's park is a convenient stop right off I-81 for road trippers.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Virginia Park Fees
Virginia park admission is per person ($9 adults, $6 kids). Consider an annual pass if visiting multiple VA state parks.
👟 Virginia Stairs Alert!
Be ready for 137 stairs down to the bridge in VA. Wear comfy shoes!
🦟 Wisconsin Trail Caution
Wear pants on Wisconsin trails to avoid thorns and burs. Mosquitos can be present in summer.
🚗 Easy I-81 Pit Stop
Virginia's park is a convenient stop right off I-81 for road trippers.
💧 No Restrooms in WI
Wisconsin park lacks restrooms and picnic areas. Plan accordingly!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the unique geological formations at both Natural Bridge State Parks, whether it's the massive gorge in Virginia or the arch in Wisconsin. The ease of access in Wisconsin and the historical context in Virginia are often highlighted. However, some find the Virginia park's admission fee steep for the experience, and trail maintenance in Wisconsin has been noted as an area for improvement.
"Short hike from road to trail to enjoy the bridge. Part of “DriftlessWisconsin.” This showcases the area’s distinctive sandstone formations and deeply carved valleys that glaciers would have obliterated elsewhere."
Curt Hess
"Great natural areas.
From the parking lot, follow the big mowed path for a short hike to the bridge. Able to do a small loop back to the lot or cross the street and a random field to follow a larger, more overgrown trail. Wear pants- lots of small thorns and burs."
Rachel Bushey
"$13 to walk a narrow path through some trees to see some cool rocks. For me, it was not worth it. No restrooms. No park. No picnic area."
Andra Massey Weckler
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Natural Bridge State Park in Virginia is located at 6477 South Lee Highway, Natural Bridge, VA 24578. It's easily accessible from I-81, making it a convenient stop for road trips. It's also about 3 hours from Washington D.C. and less than 2 hours from Charlottesville and Shenandoah National Park.
Natural Bridge State Park in Wisconsin is located in North Freedom, WI. It's known for being a quick and easy state park to visit, featuring Wisconsin's largest natural arch.
Yes, parking is free at the Natural Bridge State Park in Virginia. You can park in the large lot at the Visitor Center.
Absolutely! The Virginia park is a great pit stop right off I-81, and the Wisconsin park is also noted as an easy stop.
From the parking lot at the Visitor Center, you'll follow a path that includes 137 stairs down to reach the Natural Bridge itself.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The admission fee for Natural Bridge State Park in Virginia is $9 per person for ages 13 and older, and $6 per person for ages 6-12. Children younger than six are free.
Information regarding specific entry fees for the Wisconsin park is less prominent, but it's generally described as an easy state park to check off a list, suggesting it may have different fee structures or be more accessible.
In the Virginia park, you pay the admission fee at the Trail Store before beginning your hike.
You can purchase an annual Virginia State Parks pass, which covers admission to Natural Bridge State Park.
The Virginia park is generally open daily from 9 a.m. to dusk. The Visitor Center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the Trail Store is open daily from 8 a.m. to dusk.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
In Virginia, you can marvel at the 215-foot-tall Natural Bridge, explore the Monacan Indian Village, and hike trails like the one to Lace Falls. Wisconsin's park features the state's largest natural arch and a cave shelter.
To reach the bridge in Virginia, you must descend 137 stairs, which may be challenging for those with mobility issues or young children.
The Wisconsin park offers a short, relatively easy walk to the bridge. In Virginia, there are trails, including a 2-mile out-and-back to Lace Falls, but trail maintenance could be improved, and some paths can be overgrown with thorns.
The Wisconsin park notably lacks restrooms and picnic areas, despite what maps might suggest. The Virginia park has a Visitor Center and Trail Store.
While specific wildlife sightings aren't heavily promoted, the natural settings of both parks offer opportunities to observe local flora and fauna. The Wisconsin park is part of the 'Driftless Wisconsin' region known for its unique geological formations.
📸 📸 Photography
The main attraction, the Natural Bridge itself (in either location), offers stunning photographic opportunities. Capture the scale of the Virginia gorge or the unique formation of the Wisconsin arch. The Monacan Indian Village in Virginia also provides historical and cultural photo subjects.
Yes, the natural formations are inherently photogenic. For the Virginia park, be mindful of the stairs and crowds when setting up shots. The Wisconsin park's arch is accessible via a short walk, making photography straightforward.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best lighting for landscape photography, minimizing harsh shadows and capturing the natural beauty of the bridge and its surroundings.
Drone usage is typically restricted in state parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. It's best to check the specific park's regulations before your visit.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the grandeur of the Natural Bridge in Virginia. For the Wisconsin arch, a standard lens should suffice. Don't forget a polarizing filter to enhance skies and reduce glare.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 If visiting Virginia, consider the Monacan Indian Village for an educational element, and ensure you have snacks and drinks as amenities are limited. 🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
+1 However, parking is free at the Virginia location, and if you plan to visit multiple Virginia State Parks, an annual pass could offer savings. 🚗 Road Trippers
+1 The Wisconsin park is also noted as a quick and easy state park to visit, perfect for breaking up a longer journey. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Natural Bridge State Park (Virginia)
+1Beyond the bridge itself, the park offers other points of interest. The Monacan Indian Village provides an educational experience, showcasing the history and culture of the indigenous people who once inhabited the area. For those who enjoy hiking, there are trails available, including a 2-mile out-and-back trail to Lace Falls. However, some visitors have noted that trail maintenance could be improved, and certain paths might be overgrown.
Practicalities for visiting the Virginia park include a per-person admission fee ($9 for adults, $6 for children 6-12), free parking, and operating hours generally from 9 a.m. to dusk. The Visitor Center and Trail Store have specific hours. It's a convenient stop for those driving along I-81.
+1Exploring Natural Bridge State Park (Wisconsin)
This park is part of the 'Driftless Wisconsin' region, an area characterized by its distinctive sandstone formations and deeply carved valleys that were spared by glacial activity. In addition to the arch, visitors can explore a cave shelter. The park is noted for being quiet and offering a pleasant natural setting.
It's important to note that the Wisconsin park has some limitations. Visitors have pointed out that trail maintenance could be improved, and there are no restrooms or picnic areas available, despite what some maps might indicate. Additionally, during warmer months, mosquitos can be present, and wearing long pants is recommended to avoid thorns and burs on the trails.
Planning Your Visit: Fees and Accessibility
+1 A significant accessibility consideration for the Virginia park is the 137 stairs required to reach the Natural Bridge itself, which may pose a challenge for some visitors. +1In contrast, the Wisconsin park is generally described as an easy and quick visit, focusing on its natural arch. While specific fee information is less detailed, the emphasis is on its accessibility via a short walk. However, visitors should be aware that the Wisconsin park lacks amenities like restrooms and picnic areas, and trail maintenance has been noted as an area for improvement.
For those considering an extended visit or frequenting Virginia State Parks, purchasing an annual Virginia State Parks pass can be a cost-effective option. Regardless of the location, comfortable footwear is recommended for exploring the trails.
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