Natural Bridge State Park has long been a destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The park, known for its 200-foot-tall Natural Bridge, offers scenic hiking trails, gorgeous views and a large visitor center with educational exhibits, a gift shop and an Artisans Center.

Recognizing the importance of making these experiences accessible to everyone, the park has taken a significant step forward by installing the RightHear Accessibility system. This cutting-edge technology is designed to assist people who are blind or visually impaired, ensuring that they can navigate the park with greater independence and confidence.

Keep reading to learn more about RightHear and how Natural Bridge became the first state park in the U.S. to install the accessibility system.

What is the RightHear Accessibility system?

RightHear Accessibility system

The RightHear system operates through a smartphone app that provides audio descriptions of the surroundings, helping users to orient themselves, navigate unfamiliar areas and receive real-time information about their location.

The system works by using Bluetooth beacons installed throughout the park. These beacons communicate with the RightHear app on a user’s smartphone, delivering detailed auditory cues about nearby landmarks, facilities and points of interest. The information can be delivered in up to 26 languages.

For instance, as a visitor approaches a trailhead, the app might announce, “You are now at the beginning of Cedar Creek Trail. This trail is 1 mile long and leads to the Natural Bridge. The terrain is moderate.”

Key features of the RightHear system at Natural Bridge include:

• Real-time audio assistance: The RightHear mobile app, available for both iOS and Android, provides users with real-time audio guidance and information about the Bridge, visitor center and other areas of the park.
• Orientation assistance: Users can effortlessly acquire better orientation, receive audio descriptions about their surroundings, and easily locate important areas, enhancing their overall experience and independence.
• Event and service information: The RightHear system is capable of delivering detailed information about upcoming events and any relevant announcements, ensuring that everyone is well-informed when they arrive at the park.

RightHear and Natural Bridge State Park

RightHear user Lou Smith and RightHear CEO and Co-Founder Idan Mei navigating the Cedar Creek Trail at Natural Bridge State Park

In 2023, Layne Johnson, who is blind, visited Natural Bridge with his wife. Afterward, he contacted the park and suggested installing an indoor orientation system to make the park more inclusive. One of the systems he recommended was RightHear.

After reading Layne’s email, Assistant Park Manager Chris Fritze contacted RightHear and started working with CEO & Co-Founder Idan Meir and U.S. Operations Director Darren Gladstone on installing the accessibility system at the park.

Between product testing and securing funding, the process took nearly a year. During this time, Ranger Fritze was promoted to park manager at Smith Mountain Lake, and Dave Myers took his place at Natural Bridge, bringing the project to fruition and making Natural Bridge the first state park in the U.S. to offer the accessibility system.

"At Natural Bridge, we believe that everyone should have equal access to the park,” said Park Manager Jim Jones. "With the installation of RightHear, we are taking a significant stride toward creating an inclusive environment where all guests, including those who are blind or low vision, can enjoy their visit. The implementation of the RightHear system aligns with our ongoing dedication to social responsibility and community engagement. As a beacon of inclusivity in the heart of Rockbridge County, we continue to set an example for businesses across the state and beyond." 

The installation of RightHear at Natural Bridge was made possible with support from the Friends of Natural Bridge State Park and Rockbridge Community Health Foundation. 

If you or someone you know could benefit from the RightHear Accessibility system, consider downloading the app before your next visit to Natural Bridge State Park. For more information on the park's accessibility features and to stay updated on future developments, click here. To learn more about RightHear, click here.