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Lace Falls

📍 Natural Bridge, VA🥾 1.6 mi round trip · easy🎟 Virginia State Parks parking fee (varies by season; see dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/parkfees)

A 50-foot falls on an easy 1.6-mile trail in a state park; no swimming and not wheelchair-accessible.

DirectionsOfficial site

Getting there

easy1.6 mi round trip50 ftDog-friendlyNo swimming

Virginia State Parks parking fee (varies by season; see dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/parkfees)

Conditions

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Our take

Lace Falls is a 50-foot cascade on Cedar Creek, reached via a scenic 1.6-mile easy trail through Natural Bridge State Park. The first portion is paved and gentle, but the final approach requires descending 137 wooden steps, making wheelchair access impossible despite the paved start.

Swimming is prohibited throughout the park, so plan for viewing only. Leashed dogs (6 feet maximum) are welcome. The hike suits those seeking a short, manageable walk without extreme climbing, though the staircase descent and return climb warrant attention if you have knee or hip concerns.

Virginia State Parks charges a seasonal parking fee. Spring and early summer offer the fullest flows; visit early on weekends to secure parking.

Planning your visit

Best time to go

Spring through fall; the paved/concrete trailhead is navigable year-round.

How long to budget

1 hour

Accessibility

The trail near Natural Bridge is paved or concrete, but the 137-step stairway to the falls means this is not ADA-accessible.

What to bring

  • parking fee (varies by season)
  • water

Who it suits

Good for

  • casual hikers
  • dogs on leash
  • waterfall introduction

Skip it if

You want to swim or have mobility limitations; swimming is prohibited and stairs are required.

Common questions

Is there a fee to visit Lace Falls?

Virginia State Parks parking fee (varies by season; see dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/parkfees)

How do I get to Lace Falls?

Via a 1.6-mile round-trip trail rated easy by the managing agency.

Can I bring my dog to Lace Falls?

Yes, per the managing agency's own page — but check current leash rules before you go.

Is swimming allowed at Lace Falls?

No — the managing agency's page states swimming/wading is not permitted here, often for safety reasons (current, rockfall, or cold water).

Lace Falls in Blue Ridge Highlands VA

We track 13 waterfalls in Blue Ridge Highlands VA.

Other waterfalls near Natural Bridge

Quick facts

Height50 ft
Trail1.6 mi round trip
Difficultyeasy
Fee / permitVirginia State Parks parking fee (varies by season; see dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/parkfees)
Managing agencyVirginia State Parks — Natural Bridge State Park
DogsAllowed
SwimmingNot allowed
ADA accessNo
CountyRockbridge County
RegionBlue Ridge Highlands VA
Official pageView source ↗

Directions

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Source

dcr.virginia.gov

DCR Natural Bridge State Park page and DCR blog '4 Favorite Falls of Virginia State Parks', checked 2026-09-03; Cedar Creek Trail to the falls is paved/concrete near the bridge but requires navigating a 137-step stairway, so marked not ADA accessible; park page states swimming is prohibited (no designated swim areas); pets allowed leashed (max 6 ft); no closure found.

Checked September 2026.