Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m. through April 30 per the 4 p.m. Burning Law. This includes wood and charcoal. Gas is permissible. Campground fires are allowed during the restricted time if a camp host is on duty and signage to that effect is posted in the campground. Failure to observe the 4 p.m. Burning Law can result in a fine. Contact the Park Office for additional information.

2024 Eclipse Viewing at Natural Bridge State Park

Location of Natural Bridge State Park in Virginia

Where

Natural Bridge State Park, 6477 South Lee Highway, Natural Bridge, VA 24578.
Children's Discovery Area-Skyline Trail

When

April 8, 2024. 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

A crowd watching the 2017 eclipse

Come view the last solar eclipse in the continental US until 2044 at Natural Bridge State Park! 87% of the sun will be covered by the moon. A viewing party will take place at the Children's Discovery Area, with rangers providing details about the eclipse and doing crafts. The eclipse begins at 2:00 p.m. and will peak at 3:12 p.m. before ending at 4:00 p.m. Come for the whole time to see it in action; bring something comfortable to sit on and enjoy the show.

Safety first! Looking at the sun is dangerous. Come prepared with special eclipse viewing glasses or use a pinhole or box viewer to watch the eclipse's shadow. Can't find any glasses? Eclipse viewing glasses will be available for purchase ($1 plus tax) on site.

Park at the Skyline Trail trailhead to access the viewing party. Fees at the Skyline Trail trailhead will be waived. No pre-registration is necessary. For more information, call (540) 254-0795.

Want to learn more? Check out NASA's 2024 Eclipse website.

Other details

Standard parking or admission fee applies: No.
Extra fee: $1.05 for solar eclipse glasses; no parking fees..
Children welcome: Yes.
Phone: 540-291-1326
Email Address: NaturalBridge@dcr.virginia.gov