Top 8 Natural Monuments in Rockbridge County

Lace Falls is a picturesque waterfall located at the end of the Cedar Creek Trail in Natural Bridge State Park. This 30-foot cascade marks the trail's end, where Cedar Creek tumbles over a series of rocky ledges, creating a lace-like pattern in the water. The falls are set in a peaceful wooded area, providing a nice spot for visitors to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. Lace Falls is the perfect end for those who explore the length of the trail; they are a beautiful and quiet turn-around point after exploring the trail's many geological and historical landmarks.

Saltpeter Cave, located along the Cedar Creek Trail in Virginia's Natural Bridge State Park, is a small but historically significant cave. It was mined for saltpeter, a key component of gunpowder, during the early 19th century, particularly during the War of 1812. The cave's interior is relatively shallow — and you can actually go inside of it — but its historical importance adds interest to the trail.

The Natural Bridge in Virginia's Natural Bridge State Park is a stunning geological formation located along the Cedar Creek Trail. Standing 215 feet high and 90 feet wide, this natural limestone arch was carved by Cedar Creek over millions of years. The bridge has a rich history; once considered sacred by the Monacan people and later surveyed by a young George Washington, it is a National Historic Landmark, drawing visitors to marvel at it and explore the surrounding trails. The Cedar Creek Trail beneath the bridge offers a scenic 1.6-mile walk, passing by the bridge, a waterfall, and the Monacan Indian Living History Exhibit, making it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.

Goat Point, or Goat Overlook, is a scenic, rocky outcropping that offers panoramic views just a short distance from the summit of Big House Mountain. The short spur trail to Goat Point is just before a rock canyon on a ridge and Tabletop Rock, a huge slab of rock precariously balanced on another. Goat Point gets its name from a local goat actually used to live on the mountain and would look for handouts from hikers around the 2010s. Sadly, the goat has not been seen for some time, but the overlook named after it is a fantastic spot to stop at as you make your way to the summit.

One of the more unique overlooks on the parkway in this part of Virginia, Thunder Ridge Overlook can be found at Milepost 74 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It peers over the Arnold Valley and offers views to the south of Thunder Ridge, which the Appalachian Trail traverses on its way towards the state of North Carolina.

One of the more unique overlooks on the parkway in this part of Virginia, Thunder Ridge Overlook can be found at Milepost 74 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It peers over the Arnold Valley and offers views to the south of Thunder Ridge, which the Appalachian Trail traverses on its way towards the state of North Carolina.

The Irish Creek Valley Overlook is located at Milepost 42.2 on the Blue Ridge Parkway and offers views of the valley that Irish Creek carves into. It's a cool overlook between two mountainsides that you can see from the parking area without ever having to get off of your bike.

The Irish Creek Valley Overlook is located at Milepost 42.2 on the Blue Ridge Parkway and offers views of the valley that Irish Creek carves into. It's a cool overlook between two mountainsides that you can see from the parking area without ever having to get off of your bike.