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Photo: Ben Schumin / CC BY-SA 2.0 · source

Attractions

Natural Bridge

Natural Bridge, VA · Shenandoah Valley$Adults $9, ages 3 to 12 $6

About

You reach the 200-foot arch at Natural Bridge, Virginia, by a 137-step stairway, so leave the stroller in the car. Thomas Jefferson called it "the most sublime of Nature's works" and in 1774 bought it, with 157 acres, for 20 shillings. Past the arch, Cedar Creek Trail goes on to Lace Falls, a 50-foot cascade. In winter, call ahead, because icicles can limit access to that stretch. Somewhere along the trail is a hidden engraving of lines from Tolkien's hobbit walking song.

Highlights

200-foot limestone arch over Cedar CreekVirginia state park and National Historic LandmarkBought by Jefferson in 1774Trail to Saltpeter Cave and Lace FallsInternational Dark Sky Park

Getting there

6477 South Lee Highway, Natural Bridge, VA 24578

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