Have you ever ever had a kind of experiences the place you felt so extremely small but so fortunate to be current in that second? That’s how I really feel each time I stand beneath Virginia’s Pure Bridge. At 215 ft tall—43 occasions my peak—the arch carved out over hundreds of thousands of years by Cedar Creek towers above all who go to.
I’ve visited Pure Bridge State Park in each season. Nicely, besides within the winter as a result of I don’t get pleasure from spending greater than ten minutes outdoors when it’s colder than 50 levels. So I’ve visited nearly each season. I’ve visited on days when the paths had been crowded with individuals from everywhere in the world and days after I noticed solely park rangers. I used to be there the day the property, as soon as owned by Thomas Jefferson, grew to become a state park in 2016.
I can say, undoubtedly, summer time is my favourite season to go to. In these early mornings earlier than the solar rises over the mountains or within the evenings as the whole lot begins to chill off once more, the shadows are dramatic, the transferring creek feels cool to the contact, and the whole lot is so gosh darn inexperienced. As I stand beneath the bridge, I get misplaced within the sensation of understanding my place in a world full of pure wonders.
All advised, the park consists of entry to six miles of mountain climbing trails round this pure marvel. The accessible Cedar Creek Path connects the bridge to the Monacan Indian Village and the 30-foot cascade of Lace Falls. In the event you discover the warmth is sporting on you, discover the close by Caverns at Pure Bridge. All through a 45-minute tour, you’ll descend 34 tales underground into a lot cooler temperatures. Like Pure Bridge, the cavern constructions you see had been shaped over hundreds of thousands of years.
You possibly can even return to the bridge after sundown for one of many park’s Darkish Sky Nights. As an Worldwide Darkish Sky Park, Pure Bridge is open for self-guided excursions each Tuesday from April by October, plus particular astronomical occasions all year long. From nightfall till 11 p.m., stroll Skyline Path and use star charts offered on the info kiosk to orient your self within the night time sky. Away from metropolis lights, it’s superb how a lot you may see past our environment. But the charming cities of Lexington and Buena Vista are solely 20 minutes away. It’s arduous to beat entry to spectacular pure sights and eating at among the area’s greatest eating places with out having to drive for hours.
By way of the pedestrian tunnel beneath Route 11, stroll a couple of ft from the park to the Pure Bridge Historic Lodge, a handy spot to chill out after a protracted day exploring the realm. Seize a chew to eat from the Colonial Eating Room or Crimson Fox Tavern earlier than heading out on one other journey the following day. In the event you favor to camp, Jellystone Park at Pure Bridge and a number of other nationwide forest campgrounds close by present ample house to unfold out beneath the celebrities.
A go to to this slice of Virginia isn’t full with no cease at Rockbridge County’s namesake. Uncover the marvel of Pure Bridge for your self this summer time on a visit you received’t quickly neglect.
Ellen Kanzinger is a journey author and photographer based mostly in Charlottesville, Va.
