Natural Bridge State Park. After several arctic cold months, spring finally started to show itself. Now, I’m someone who loves winter, but the winter of 2024/2025 was unusually brutally cold and the idea of spring was a good one. It enticed us to hit the backroads of Virginia to find Natural Bridge State Park. It did not disappoint.

Back Roads of Virginia

Here’s the thing about driving the backroads of Virginia, and Maryland. The countryside is beautiful, peaceful and depending on the time of year lush, green and full of color. But, even in the very early days of spring it can be lovely, and that’s just what we found on this adventure.

Small historic towns along the backroads await the visitor as well. Making our way to Natural Bridge, we took a lunch break in Winchester, before continuing on to Lexington.

Winchester, VA

Winchester, founded in 1744, is located in northern Virginia, approximately 75 miles from Washington, DC. It’s actually in the Shenandoah Valley, which tells you that fall is a glorious time of year to visit the area. With a population of just 27,000+ Winchester is full of small town charm and history.

We enjoyed lunch at Bonnie Blue Southern Market and Bakery where one can dine on authentic southern bar-b-que. Before getting back on the road, and to walk off our lunch, we took a good long stroll through the pedestrian mall in the historic center. Winchester offers civil war history, eateries, artisan shopping and a beautiful historic library. It’s definitely worth a drive along the backroads to visit.

Lexington, VA

While we had previously been to Winchester, we had absolutely no knowledge of what to expect in Lexington. Our reason for visiting was primarily to stay overnight before visiting Natural Bridge the next morning, as the park is only 12 miles from Lexington. It was a good overnight stop.

We tend to book accommodations at Hilton properties while traveling in the US. We’ve been members for decades and the points program has paid off for us many times. So, with that in mind we found the Lexington Hampton Inn. This was definitely not the standard Hampton Inn property. The hotel was incorporated into the restoration of the Col Alto Mansion.

The mansion was originally built around 1827 and is a Georgian style brick home. Adjacent to the two-story brick hotel rooms, the mansion offers 10 guest rooms. The hotel sits on seven acres of well-manicured lawn. It was such a beautiful (and quiet) property. What a find!

A University Town

Lexington, founded in 1778, is half the size of Winchester with a population of just about 7,500. Along with the historic center, shops and eateries, Lexington is home to Washington and Lee University and the Virginia Military Institute. As a point of reference, Lexington is approximately 200 miles from Washington, DC.

It was a lovely evening for a walk from our hotel to the center, but it was a weeknight and after 6:00 p.m. so almost everything was closed. I imagine though the streets are full during high tourist seasons and university parents’ weekends. Just the same we enjoyed our stroll getting a glimpse of Lexington and actually enjoyed the quiet of the evening.

Natural Bridge State Park

Natural Bridge was the destination of choice for this quick trip. We’d been talking about visiting the site for a few years, and we finally made it happen. We had two glorious days of early spring weather, nothing on our calendars and we were free to go.

After Jefferson died, the property was privately owned. A hotel was built (there is still a hotel) and for the next 200 years travelers from far and wide visited the bridge and found accommodations at the hotel. In 2016 the Natural Bridge State Park was founded. Jefferson, in the end and some 200 years later, got his wish.

Without exaggeration, Natural Bridge is by far one of the most spectacular examples of Mother Nature’s wonders that we have come across. The sheer magnitude of the bridge is breathtaking. It is an astounding 200 feet tall and it can boast the fact that it is the largest limestone arch in North America. And, its geologic history dates back millions of years. It really is something quite special to experience.

If You Go:

• Natural Bridge State Park – 6477 South Lee Highway, Natural Bridge, VA
• Ample surface parking.
• Visitor center offers shopping, food, restrooms, information and ticket purchase. We bought a 1-year Virginia State Park senior pass online. Definitely a good value.
• Dogs must be on leash.
• There are 137 stairs (starting in the visitors center) down to the ranger station and bridge.
• Map of hiking trails available in visitor center.
• The trail to the bridge and Lace Falls is well-maintained and an easy 1-mile walk.
• There are several picnic areas near the ranger station and visitor center.
• Restrooms are located in the visitor center and ranger station.