The Natural Bridge Traditional Cache

A National Historic Landmark and a wonder of the natural world, The Natural Bridge rises 215 feet above Cedar Creek. Surveyed by George Washington and bought from King George III by Thomas Jefferson, the massive limestone arch is truly a sight to behold.

The Natural Bridge was formed millions of years ago from the partial collapse of a cavern carved in the limestone by Cedar Creek, leaving a 36,000-ton remnant above. 50 feet thick, averaging 100 feet in width and spanning about 90 feet, in modern times the bridge performs civic duty, carrying US Route 11 over Cedar Creek as one enters the town of Natural Bridge from the southwest.

The bridge has been privately owned since Jefferson's day, but it has been managed as a state park since 2016. The bridge is open year-round but entrance is by paid admission. It is still free to drive across the bridge on U.S. 11, and the cache, placed with permission, is freely accessible.

A small film container is hidden at the listed coordinates, with ample parking nearby.

DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS CACHE FROM U.S. 11. It is not necessary to walk on or near the roadway to find the cache.

Please replace the cache and it's container EXACTLY as found. Please be discrete and avoid attracting attention to the cache site!

This cache is part of a series. The Gems of Rockbridge Geocaching Trail has been developed as part of an Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant to enhance the gateway communities along the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway. The grant funds projects that promote sustainable tourism and enhance the local community while protecting the area's natural beauty and cultural heritage.

The Geocaching Trail consists of 10 strategically placed caches highlighting the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Rockbridge County. The first 200 geocachers who complete the trail will receive a commemorative coin featuring the Gems of Rockbridge Geocaching Trail on one side and the 75th Anniversary of the Blue Ridge Parkway on the other side.

How it works: each of the ten caches along the trail contains a question that can be answered from information available near the cache location. Log all 10 caches and answer each of the 10 questions to complete the trail. The first 200 to complete the trail will receive a limited-edition commemorative coin!