NATURAL BRIDGE
Search for availability in this area
On May 22, 1927 then President of the United States Calvin Coolidge pressed the button that inaugurated the night illumination of Natural Bridge. Phineas Stevens, celebrated lighting engineer, had designed and installed an impressive system of lighting which
at night transforms the Bridge and glen into a marvel of living stone. To this, musical accompaniment
was added to form a moving drama of creation, interpreted by some of the greatest symphonic compositions of all time and vocal
music of unusual quality and appeal. During the night pageant, mountain sides form a vast stage. Scenes move and change with
the mood of gripping music in a spectacle which takes the onlooker back into the eternal ages. We can,
through the Drama of Creation, note that there are two Bridges; one by daylight and another by night.
The Cedar Creek Nature Trail begins with the walk down Cascade Creek
and ends about a mile later at Lace Falls. Natural Bridge is included
in the Virginia Birding &
Wildlife Trails Peaks of
Otter Loop. The trail includes many curiosities unique to Natural Bridge, especially
the 1500 year old Arbor Vitae tree.
Natural Bridge and the Monacan Indian Nation of Virginia have joined together to construct a living
history Monacan Village complex. Visitors will be invited to step back in time and see what life would have been in a typical Monacan Village 300 years ago.
The Bridge has been included in several "Seven Natural Wonders of the World" lists, mostly in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It has been designated a National Historic Landmark, a Virginia Historic Landmark, and is listed in the National Register of historic Places.
