Virginia Is Getting A Brand New State Park… And It Looks Amazing
Virginia is about to get a brand new state park. With 36 of them already up and running, thankfully there is no shortage of state parks in Virginia. This 37th will build on something that has a long-standing history with the state: Natural Bridge. Natural Bridge has been a well-known landmark since the days of George Washington. It’s one of the most iconic images of the Shenandoah Valley, and visitors from all over eagerly make the drive to see it. However, it has become a destination spot and one that is not easily accessed. With high admission fees ($20 for adults), the trend has been to visit the bridge briefly before stopping at some of the nearby attractions. Luckily things are about to change, because Natural Bridge is soon to become part of a new state park where accessibility, preservation, and outdoor education will be prioritized.
The unique bridge formation occurred when hundreds of years ago, a cavern collapsed. A young George Washington would survey this beautiful Shenandoah territory for Lord Fairfax. The initials "GW" are even carved into the bridge. In 1774, Thomas Jefferson purchased this portion of land, including the bridge, from England's King George III. By the late 1700s, the area had become a highly-visited one and Jefferson built a log cabin to accommodate guests. The site was again sold and by the late 1800s, was considered a resort. In 1998, Natural Bridge was registered as a National Historic Landmark.
What's fascinating about this 215-foot limestone arch is that it seems like there would have been a state park there all along, due to the high visitor traffic. In fact, it has enough status to pass as a National Park. Over a year ago, the bridge became owned by the Virginia Conservation Legacy Fund, which got the ball rolling on opening a new state park.
One of the reasons for the admission fee is because of property debt, which is close to 9 million dollars. Tom Clarke, the CEO of Virginia Conservation Legacy Fund, looks forward to a day where admission fees won't be necessary. In an interview he notes, "What we would love is to see free access to the bridge...we just want more people to have that experience to see the bridge, to be inspired by the bridge."
Opening a state park, as opposed to trying to expand any nearby hotels or accommodations, will allow for more people to engage in nature. This is the beauty of a state park. Rather than trying to profit off of this historical site, the VCLF aims to make the important experience of nature and historical preservation more accessible to everyone, especially children.
So what will this new state park look like? The beauty is that not much, if anything, will change about the surroundings. The goal of the park is to encourage people to explore the land and admire the bridge, rather than simply take a picture of the bridge and leave. The Conservation closed the nearby wax museum and is working on expanding the trail systems as well as educational programs for children.
The Legacy Fund is successfully moving its way through debt and the General Assembly has given permission for the area to work as a state park before the area has been donated. Important meetings will be held this June, and it shouldn't be much longer after that before Natural Bridge is officially a state park. There's even a ribbon cutting ceremony tentatively scheduled for this upcoming September.
Check out this video for more information about Natural Bridge State Park:
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A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Alexandria. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains.
