Natural Bridge is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World with over 250,000 visitors each year. It is located at the top of Southside Virginia in the Shenandoah Valley of the state's western Appalachian Mountains. This is a gigantic natural limestone arch, estimated to be 500 million years old, spanning a canyon from 200-300 feet deep and some 100 feet wide which. It towers 215 feet (about 55 feet higher than Niagara Falls) above a small spring-fed Cedar Creek, which is a tributary of the James River. The span between the two walls is 90 feet long, averaging 100 feet wide. It is also 50 feet thick. The sold stone arch contains 450,000 cubic feet in volume and is estimated to weigh 36,000 tons.

There are several other exciting sites to see while visiting the Natural Bridge. Every evening beginning at sunset, a 45-minute narrated sound and light show is presented called the "Drama of Creation." If you hike to the end of the trail, you will get to the Lace Waterfalls which originate headwaters of Ceder Creek. Outside of the Bridge entrance, one can also visit the Natural Bridge Wax Museum and Factory Tour which recreates Virginia's history in three-dimensions with over 125 life-like replicas. Upstairs is an amazing museum while downstairs a factory tour is given for every trip.

If you would like more information about Natural Bridge, visit their website.

Luray Caverns is another beautiful natural attraction not to be overlooked this summer. Located in the northern Shenandoah Valley, it offers some of the most breathtaking underground natural art exhibits known to man. Millions of years of geological erosion has formed beautiful natural attractions such as the Dream Lake and the Stalacpipe Organ, a natural organ that uses 37 stalactites to make its music.

Above ground, you'll find more local attractions such as the Luray Singing Tower and Monticello.

For more information about Luray Caverns, check out their website.