A review of Virginia's Natural Bridge by Aaron Tanner

Spring is just around the corner, which eventually will lead to summer. With Covid vaccinations underway, there might be the possibility of vacations occurring this year.

Last year, the only overnight vacation I took was to visit family in Maryland. On the way back, my mom and I stopped at a cool place in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia called Natural Bridge. Only minutes off Interstate 81, Natural Bridge is a state park featuring a tall bridge made out of the natural rock.

Since the 1800s, tourists have marveled at the beauty of Natural Bridge.  A two-lane road goes over the top of the sturdy formation while tourists walk through the breezy path past a winding creek and initials carved into the rocks' side by George Washington. The trail also features a Native-American village replica and a picturesque waterfall at the end of the mile-long walk.

Unfortunately, those with mobility issues face a long flight of stairs between the visitor's center and the bridge. During non-Covid times, a shuttle is available to transport visitors to the beginning of the trail. Fortunately, there are a few parking spaces, both handicapped and non-handicapped, located at the trailhead's start. Although these special parking spaces are first-come, first-serve, my mom and I had no problem contacting staff at the visitor's center on a busy Saturday afternoon to let us drive down the one-way road to the parking area. Outside the stairs, the trail to the Natural Bridge is evenly paved and is wheelchair accessible.

For those traveling by car from Huntsville to Washington D.C., or who want to visit somewhere different from Gulf Shores, Panama City Beach, or Gatlinburg, the Natural Bridge of Virginia is an excellent place for stretching one's legs or a multi-day vacation destination. Those with younger ones can enjoy the nearby drive-through safari park and a unique attraction called Dinosaur World that combines a unique take on these pre-historic creatures with the Civil War.

Across the street from the park is the Natural Bridge Hotel which features an in-house restaurant with vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan menu items. A few minutes down the road are a Kampgrounds of America and a Jellystone Park Campground featuring cabins for families to stay and make memories. For those needing a bigger selection of accommodations and restaurants with menus for those with dietary restrictions, the cities of Roanoke, Lynchburg, and Lexington are only a half-hour away.

As much as I like traveling, many popular tourist destinations can be crowded and overwhelming for someone with sensory issues. At Natural Bridge, I felt safe visiting a beautiful part of nature and did not get sensory overload despite the park being busy the day we visited. Best of all, Natural Bridge State Park is an inexpensive way to get into the great outdoors and enjoy the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. For more information about the park, click here.

What is your favorite tourist destination, especially one that is off the beaten path? Comment in the section below.