Natural Bridge State Park to open Sept. 24

Natural Bridge, one of the iconic and historic sites in the United States, and 1343 surrounding acres will become the 37th Virginia State Park during a public ceremony at 10 a.m. on Sept. 24.

Federal, state and local officials will gather at Natural Bridge State Park in Rockbridge County when the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation assumes management of the Natural Bridge. The ceremony begins at 10 a.m., and shuttle bus service to the ceremony begins at 8:30 a.m.

“At long last, this historic site will be under public management, operated by Virginia State Parks as a state park in perpetuity,” said Craig Seaver, director of Virginia State Parks. “Visitors will immediately see changes with new signs, new Virginia State Park staff, new state park branded items in the gift shop and lower daily admission fees.”

Admission to the new state park will be free on opening day. The last concert in the Natural Bridge Live concert series will be at 7 p.m. Admission to the concert will be free as part of the celebration.

The property continues to be owned by the Virginia Conservation Legacy Fund, Inc. (VCLF), a nonprofit organization that aims to conserve Virginia’s natural resources and enhance public access and enjoyment of the outdoors.

VCLF purchased the bridge and an additional 1,343 acres, for a total of 1,531 acres, with $9.1 million from the Virginia Clean Water Revolving Loan Fund. Once the loan is retired, the property will be transferred to state ownership.

Virginia State Parks will manage the 1,531 acres, including the bridge and Rockbridge Center.

Natural Bridge Historic Hotel and Conference Center and the Caverns at Natural Bridge, adjacent to Natural Bridge State Park, will remain the property of VCLF.