Although the 35 rooms at Hemlock Lodge feel their age, the location couldn’t be better.

Hemlock Lodge: The Hemlock Lodge (2135 Natural Bridge Road) was built in 1961 and is the most well-known accommodation option.Balanced Rock Trail: If you can handle a lot of stairs, make a loop of your hike to Natural Bridge by taking a left from the Original Trail onto Balanced Rock Trail (trail #2).

For a bonus arch, the trail to Henson’s Arch leaves from the same campground and is an exceptionally easy hike.

Whittleton Arch: The 2-mile hike along the creek from Whittleton Campground to Whittleton Arch is enjoyable and dog friendly.

Rock Garden Trail: For a longer hike (1.6 miles one way) with less traffic to Natural Bridge, go right at the fork on the Original Trail and follow signs for Rock Garden Trail (trail #4).

Lookout Point: Continuing across Natural Bridge, you can follow signs less than a mile to Lookout Point and Lover’s Leap for excellent side views of Natural Bridge.

Natural Bridge: The Original Trail (trail #1) is the shortest route (about 0.75 miles) to Natural Bridge and runs moderately uphill with some stairs.

Natural bridge basket bingo