Cedar Creek (James River)

Cedar Creek is a 12.0mi tributary of the James River in the U.S. state of Virginia. It is notable for flowing through the Natural Bridge rock formation, a National Historic Landmark.CourseThe creek rises at the Rockbridge-Botetourt County line near the crest of the Short Hills within the Short Hills Wildlife Management Area, and flows northeast for 3mi along the ridgecrest before dropping off the mountain to the east. Upon reaching the base of the mountain ridge, Cedar Creek turns south, then southeast, flowing under Interstate 81, then flowing under the Natural Bridge, which carries U.S. Route 11. The creek continues south 2mi farther, reaching the James River at Gilmore Mills.Cedar Creek TrailA trail runs alongside Cedar Creek for 1+1/4mi, allowing visitors to see the bridge and other places of interest, including a Native American village, Saltpeter Cave, the Lost River, and Lace Falls.