Natural Bridge, Virginia

This is one of those "pictures can't do it justice" places.

Once surveyed by George Washington, who carved his initials into the rock of the bridge, and later owned by Thomas Jefferson, Natural Bridge is just a beautiful place to visit. On the day we met friends there, there were cars from New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, and more there. 

The bridge is easy to access (and Route 11 actually goes over the top of it), and after you marvel at it, you can hike up a very easy, accessible trail to a waterfall vista.  Along the way you'll see a cave, a "lost river" that flows inside the mountain, a Monacan Indian village, and a Tolkien quote carved into stone.

The friend I met there is a Virginia resident, and she was able to enjoy free admission because she checked a "state parks" backpack out of the local library system.  This is such a neat idea! So if you are a Virginia resident with access to a backpack via your local library system, check it out.

I could have stood in gaping awe at the bridge for hours. 

And imagining George Washington and Thomas Jefferson standing in the exact same spot you're standing and admiring the exact same thing you are seeing is--well, it's just wonderful.  

Truly. If you ever drive Interstate 81 through Virginia, stop at Natural Bridge!  It's just off the interstate, awe-inspiring, and the hike is easy and fun for children.  A perfect little outing.