Top 10 Hiking Trails In Natural Bridge, Virginia

natural bridge hiking trails
Pallavi
Pallavi 
Published
| 5 min read

Natural Bridge is not a city or a town but a community based around a geological formation once owned by Thomas Jefferson. The natural bridge and the surrounding 157 ac (64 ha) that he purchased were used as a private retreat and referred to as “the most sublime of nature’s works” by the former President. Today, the 215-ft (66-m) limestone bridge is part of Natural Bridge State Park. With over 7 mi (11 km) of easy to moderate-level trails, this is an ideal place for novices as well as experienced trekkers. Children’s Discovery Area, with interactive learning combined with a trail to the Natural Bridge, will keep things interesting for the little explorers. If you want to visit soon and bask in mesmerizing views, hiking some trails would be perfect! Feel like David Attenborough himself as you explore the top hiking trails in Natural Bridge, Virginia.

1. Monacan Trail

Monacan village visitors-Natural Bridge State Park
Source: Photo by Flickr user Virginia State Parks used under CC BY 2.0

The 3.3-mi (5.3-km) looped Monacan Trail is a moderate-level trek that leads visitors through a variety of landscapes. Along the way, you will also come across a recreation of the Monacan Indian Village, however, this exhibit is only open from April to November.

Trekkers will navigate through forest land, streams, and open meadows as they complete the trail. A man-made dam along the route has resulted in a wetland that is a hotspot for bird spotting. Winter wren, northern cardinals, and woodpeckers are some birds that you are likely to spot.

Monacan Trail

Address: 6477 South Lee Highway, Natural Bridge, VA 24578, United States

Website: Monacan Trail

Opening hours: 8am - dusk (daily)

Price: 6 USD (Ages 3-12), 9 USD (Ages 13 and older), 5 USD (per car)

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2. Buck Hill Trail

NB 10-19-20 Buck Hill Trail
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Virginia State Parks used under CC BY 2.0

The Buck Hill Trail is a relatively short hiking trail of 1.8 mi (2.9 km) that follows a circular route. It takes around an hour to complete the trail, where you are likely to encounter some steep climbing. Visitors on this path will cross Natural Bridge Caverns and must stop to explore these underground caves that descend almost 34 stories below the surface. The caverns are open daily from March to November and only on weekends from December to February.

Buck Hill Trail

Address: 6477 South Lee Highway, Natural Bridge, VA 24578, United States

Website: Buck Hill Trail

Opening hours: 8am - dusk (daily)

Price: 6 USD (Ages 3-12), 9 USD (Ages 13 and older), 5 USD (per car)

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3. Lace Falls via Cedar Creek Trail

Cedar Creek Trail couple walking path natural bridge state park (30284490760)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user vastateparksstaff used under CC BY 2.0

Cedar Creek Trail is a moderate-level straight trek, where visitors will have views of Lace Falls at the end. A distance of 0.8 mi (1.3 km) is covered when you return back to your starting point. Part of the trail has a paved path, making it accessible for wheelchairs. Along the way, trekkers will cross Natural Bridge and follow a pathway adjacent to Cedar Creek, which is responsible for the formation of the natural attraction.

Lace Falls via Cedar Creek Trail

Address: 6477 South Lee Highway, Natural Bridge, VA 24578, United States

Website: Lace Falls via Cedar Creek Trail

Opening hours: 8am - dusk (daily)

Price: 6 USD (Ages 3-12), 9 USD (Ages 13 and older), 5 USD (per car)

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4. Balcony Falls Trailhead

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This place is a unique multi-functional trail where participants can hike, bike, and even horseback. It is a 3.78-mi (6.08-km) trail that begins at 780 ft (238 m) and takes trekkers to a peak height of 2,588 ft (789 m), where it intersects with the Appalachian Trail.

Despite what the name suggests, there are no actual waterfalls at the end of the trek, but you can enjoy fantastic views of unspoiled woodland. A portion of the trail path is via the James River Face Wilderness area, where group sizes are limited to 10 participants.

Bicycles are also prohibited in this stretch of the trail. Moreover, the place is a moderate to difficult hike with a trekking time of four hours, so remember to carry ample drinking water since there are no fresh water sources along the route. Any water from natural sources needs to be purified before it is considered safe for drinking.

Balcony Falls Trailhead

Address: Natural Bridge, VA 24579, United States

Website: Balcony Falls Trailhead

Opening hours: 24 hours

Price: Free

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Nearby hiking trails

5. Glenwood Horse Trail

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Exploring trails does not always mean getting your feet dirty. Glenwood Horse Trail is one such trail that allows visitors to explore a tiny portion of the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests on horseback and mountain bikes. The trail covers a distance of approximately 112 km (70 mi) one way and is of medium difficulty. Moreover, it has an elevation of 3,610 m (2,001 ft).

Glenwood Horse Trail

Address: Virginia 24066, United States

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6. Jennings Creek Appalachian Trail

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The Appalachian Trail, which extends to Jennings Creek, allows participants to experience a stretch of the magnificent 2,190 mi (3,524 km) of one of the most popular trails in the United States. This trail begins at Cove Mountain and is better suited to experienced trekkers due to its moderate level of difficulty. An alternate route is the slightly longer 10.8 mi (17.3 km) point-to-point Apple Orchard Falls to Jennings Creek route.

You could even begin your trek from Jennings Creek and head towards James River. This trail, however, requires stamina and likely an overnight stay as it covers a distance of 28.6 mi (46 km).

Jennings Creek Appalachian Trail

Address: Jennings Creek Rd, Buchanan, VA 24066, United States

Price: 30 USD

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7. Apple Orchard Falls Trailhead

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This is a multi-use trail that welcomes hikers, horses, and mountain bikers. Moreover, its 3.3-mi (5.3-km) path is accessible from FR #59 at an elevation of 1,480 ft (451 m). Hikers can reach the 3,400-ft (1,036-m) peak at Sunset Fields on the Blue Ridge Parkway, which also provides additional access to enter the trail.

The trail follows the meandering North Creek as it flows down the mountain with a view of the falls from a wooden platform. Hikers need to come prepared with enough water to last them throughout the trek. Any water taken from a natural source on the trail is unsafe to consume directly and must always be purified. There are also no restrooms along this moderate-level trail.

Apple Orchard Falls Trailhead

Address: Blue Rdg Pkwy, Buchanan, VA 24066, United States

Opening hours: Year round

Price: Free

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8. Cornelius Creek Trail

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Not everyone can complete the Appalachian Trek, but when you prepare to trek the Cornelius Creek Trail, you can experience a small part of one of the most popular treks. Who knows, it might even convince you to complete the entire stretch. Following an uphill route with the creek to keep you company, you will reach Apple Orchard Falls Trailhead.

You can combine the Cornelius Creek Trail with the Apple Orchard Falls Trailhead for an 8.7-mi (14-km) looped route and for about 5 hours. Moreover, it has an elevation of 661 m (2,169 ft). Pets are also welcome on this trail.

Cornelius Creek Trail

Address: Buchanan, VA 24066, United States

Opening hours: Year round

Price: 30 USD

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9. Little Cove Mountain Trailhead

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This 7.1-mi (11.4-km) looped trail can be completed in about 4 hours. The loop offers the opportunity to walk the iconic Appalachian Trail and a chance for a scenic break at the Cove Creek Waterfall. This place is a somewhat challenging trek, where you are not likely to meet a lot of fellow trekkers, and it offers you some quiet time surrounded by nature.

The trailhead can be accessed via Jennings Creek Road inside George Washington & Jefferson National Forests and begins from a wooden bridge over Jennings Creek. The looped trail is more scenic but uses parts of unmaintained trails, therefore it is imperative that trekkers carry a GPS and follow exact routes for their safety.

Little Cove Mountain Trailhead

Address: 2576-3108, State Rte 614, Buchanan, VA 24066, United States

Opening hours: Year round

Price: 30 USD

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10. Flat Top Mountain Trail Head

Flat Top Mountain 1
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Lvaughn7 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

This trailhead is part of the Blue Ridge Parkway—the longest linear park in the United States. The parkway’s scenic path runs for a total of 469 mi (755 km) and is quite popular for driving and hiking. Multiple intersections allow trekkers and leisure drivers to access the popular parkway and experience a portion of it.

Buchanan is the closest town if you want to begin your trek from this trailhead. On the way, you will cross the Peaks of Otter Recreation Area, the lake, and the lodge. This is a head-out and return 6-mi (10-km) trek that takes around 3.5 hours to complete. You can park your vehicles at Fallingwater Cascades Trail Parking, which is just a one-minute drive from the trailhead.

Flat Top Mountain Trail Head

Address: Blue Rdg Pkwy, Buchanan, VA 24066, United States

Opening hours: Year round

Price: Free

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Visit Natural Bridge for a fun day outdoors

The community of Natural Bridge is built around a National Monument that allows visitors to see nature at its very best. You can experience it all with its rolling hills, flat meadows, campsites, and picnic areas. Plan a holiday where you will rough it in nature and explore the top hiking trails in Natural Bridge, Virginia.

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Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Raised in Bangkok and now living in India, Pallavi loves planning and going on road trips around the country. She believes they are the best way to understand a region!

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