Shared by Glen Mitchell, as Guest Blogger.

The main attraction of Natural Bridge State Park is, of course, the bridge. It is a magnificent 200-foot limestone arch that towers above Cedar Creek. Photographs don’t convey just how large and impressive this geological wonder is. It has historical significance as well, being surveyed by George Washington (whose initials are allegedly chiseled into the arch) and once owned by Thomas Jefferson.

Abundant wildlife at Natural Bridge State Park like this Green Heron taking flight

What first-time visitors may not realize, however, is that the creek abounds with wildlife. The animals that live in and along the creek can be viewed from Cedar Creek Trail.

I recently walked part of the trail with family and friends. We didn't have to go far to see plenty of wildlife.

Cedar Creek has a large population of northern water snakes. They are non-venomous, but it is best to give any snake plenty of room.

A watersnake carrying a fish he caught for dinner at Natural Bridge State Park

On the opposite bank we saw one that appeared to be carrying something in its mouth. It turned out the snake had caught a small fish. I believe it was a mad tom, a small catfish.

Snakes weren't the only reptiles we saw; a five-lined skink was hiding in the leaves just off the trail.

Amphibians were also represented. There was an American Bullfrog, the largest frog in North America. He was, to use scientific terminology, ginormous!

Speaking of ginormous, this Dark Fishing Spider was nearly the size of my hand (not that I was about to get close enough to compare).

If you look in the creek bed, there are many circular mounds of pebbles that are two to three feet across. These aren't just random deposits of rocks. They are nest mounds built by river chubs. We were lucky to see one carrying pebbles for its nest. The white spots on the chub's head are called tuberles. The chub in the photo was about six inches long.

Green herons are also common in Virginia creeks, lakes, and rivers. These chicken-sized birds are well camouflaged and very hard to see in the shadows and underbrush. The long neck is useful for lunging at prey. Green herons eat many small aquatic animals, including fish, frogs, and crayfish.

Trails

More than 6 miles of hiking trails wind through the park providing a glimpse of nature. The Cedar Creek Trail is universally accessible and goes under the Natural Bridge to the Monacan Village, Lost River and Lace Falls. The nearly 2 miles of Buck Hill Trail and more than 3 miles of the Monacan Trail offer spectacular views of the Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains. Pack a lunch to take along and enjoy many scenic vistas. Click here for a trail guide.

Location

Drive Time: Northern Virginia, three and a half hours; Richmond, two hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, four hours; Roanoke, 30 minutes. From I-81, take exit 175 or 180A to U.S. 11 and follow signs to the park. Click here for a Google map.

We hope you'll be able to enjoy a leisurely stroll under the bridge and along Cedar Creek Trail to see the some of the park's natural residents. Learn more about Natural Bridge State Park to help plan your visit here.

You may also enjoy: Otter Encounter at Fairy Stone.