This Waymark will highlight the Natural Bridge, considered one of the "great natural wonders of the world."
Natural Bridge is located in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley in the Southern Appalachians.
The Natural Bridge and the surrounding acreage was first surveyed in 1750 by George Washington whose initials can still be seen today carved in the wall across Cedar Creek. Development of the area began in 1774 when Thomas Jefferson purchased the Natural Bridge and 157 surrounding acres from King George III. Two years into his term as President of the United States, in 1803, he constructed a small log cabin on the grounds for guests. It remained in his estate until 1833 when sold by his heirs.
The Natural Bridge is exactly what it sounds like - an arch of calcareous rock spanning the canyon above Cedar Creek. It served as a bridge for travelers both on foot and horseback when owned by Jefferson and still performs the same function today as the route of U.S. Highway 11.
Many geologists believe that the Natural Brigde was formed when the waters of Cedar Creek were diverted into a cave. The stream flowed through a natural tunnel, for a distance of several miles, before once again emerging above ground. Eventually the roof of the tunnel collapsed leaving Cedar Creek flowing through a canyon. The surviving bridge remains as the last stable part of the former tunnel roof.
Both before and after the tunnel you will notice that the layers of rock are inclined rather than flat lying. The fractures in these layers are a result of the uplifting of the Appalachian Mountains about 200 million years ago. Many of the breaks have been forced open by the freezing and thawing of water over the years. These fractures and the inclined angle of these layers are likely responsible for the collapse of this portion of the tunnel. Once under the bridge you will then notice that the layers of rock seen here are flat lying. The layers are inclined toward the bridge, both upstream and downstream because the location of the bridge is the axis, or center, of a downward fold in the strata known as a syncline. This is likely the only reason the bridge remains standing today.
The Natural Bridge and Cedar Creek Trail are operated as a commercial attraction and require a fee for entrance. You may choose to take a series of steps to the bottom of the Cedar Creek canyon or a shuttle bus. The Natural Bridge is open every day. While it is possible to go at night, I will need to see what I have asked for in the pictures in order to recieve credit, so daylight is best.
Park at N 37 37.729 W 079 32.625, pay fee at visitors center and then head down the Cedar Creek Trail to the Natural Bridge.