Attractions and Places To See in Rockbridge County - Top 19

It's a very nice hike with the steepest incline at the end. Beware especially the last stretch between goat point and the Big house mountain outlook leads trough pretty heavy undergrowth. The trail at this point is well marked although not always well noticeable on the ground and ticks are all around. The overlook is not at the top of the mountain as the pictures on the komoot map make believe. It is all the way at the end of the marked trail even further than what komoot indicates. Because of that we unfortunately missed it.

Pete’s Cave Trail (and/ or North Mountain Trail) is a hidden gem! The trailhead parking area is along a steep gravel road and accommodates about four cars. Once you park, you head just a few yards down the road to pick up the trail. This ridge-line hike along the border of Rockbridge and Allegheny Counties offers abundant, breathtaking views of the surrounding area and of Big and Little House Mountains. Because you are ridge-running, this is a relatively flat trail with lots of trees, ferns, and large rocky outcroppings, where you get those great views. The trail, however, can be a little hard to follow at points due to sparse blazes and occasional overgrowth.

The Visitor Center and Bridge Entrance at Natural Bridge State Park serve as the starting point for exploring the park's main attractions, including the Natural Bridge along the Cedar Creek Trail. The Visitor Center offers amenities such as restrooms, a gift shop, and informative displays about the park's geology, history, and natural features. It's also where visitors can purchase admissions tickets and receive maps and guides for their visit. It is open from 10 am – 6 pm and the fee is $9 per persons 13 years and older, and $6 per person ages 6-12. Children younger than six are free.

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.

Big House Mountain stands at 3,645-feet and is a great, challenging peak for anyone looking for an adventure. This is the taller of the two peaks that make up House Mountain. The challenging, steep trail is fairly easy to follow, thanks to some recent trail work, but is unblazed. There is a shelter for camping a few miles below the summit on the saddle between Little House and Big House Mountains, making it a great destination for an overnight trip.

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.