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Natural Bridge of Virginia – Onion Mountain Overlook loop from Buchanan Quick Stop

Natural Bridge of Virginia – Onion Mountain Overlook loop from Buchanan Quick Stop

Hard

4.6

(6615)

6,616

riders

Natural Bridge of Virginia – Onion Mountain Overlook loop from Buchanan Quick Stop

06:03

114km

2,040m

Road cycling

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: March 2, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

James River Face Wilderness

Thunder Ridge Wilderness

Blue Ridge Parkway

Jefferson National Forest

George Washington National Forest

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

7.80 km

Buchanan Swinging Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

This is the only swing bridge to cross the James River. It was originally constructed in 1851. Back then, each person had to pay 5 cents to cross and 5 …

Tip by

25.9 km

Natural Bridge of Virginia

Highlight • Natural Monument

The Natural Bridge in Virginia's Natural Bridge State Park is a stunning geological formation located along the Cedar Creek Trail. Standing 215 feet high and 90 feet wide, this natural …

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26.5 km

Natural Bridge State Park

Nature Reserve

54.3 km

View of Otter Lake

Highlight • Viewpoint

You get a great view of Otter Lake without ever having to leave the parkway from here. You'll bike beside Otter Creek and Otter Creek Trail for a few miles …

Tip by

55.5 km

Crossing the James River

Highlight • Bridge

The Blue Ridge Parkway crosses over the James River here via a bridge. There are some trails and parking areas here near the river, making this a great starting/stopping point or a resupply location.

Tip by

73.5 km

Thunder Ridge Overlook

Highlight • Viewpoint

The Thunder Ridge Overlook (situated at Milepost 74 on the Blue Ridge Parkway) peers over the Arnold Valley. The overlook also offers views to the south of Thunder Ridge, which …

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81.7 km

Onion Mountain Overlook

Highlight • Viewpoint

At 3,145 feet, Onion Mountain Overlook towers over the foothill peaks it views over. It's located at Milepost 79.7 on the Blue Ridge Parkway and attracts a lot of visitors …

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91.2 km

Peaks of Otter Lodge

Highlight • Rest Area

If your budget allows, this would be the place to spent a day and relax.
Lovely setting on the lake surrounded by three mountain peaks, all accessible by hiking trails. …

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91.4 km

View of Abbott Lake and Peaks of Otter

Highlight • Lake

Abbott Lake is located on the property of Peaks of Otter Lodge. There is a footpath point around the lake and a bunch of other trails leaving from the property. …

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114 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

69.6 km

43.7 km

716 m

197 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

113 km

966 m

476 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (1,200 m)

Lowest point (190 m)

Weather

Today

Saturday 23 May

16°C

11°C

98 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 10.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Natural Bridge of Virginia – Onion Mountain Overlook loop from Buchanan Quick Stop

Buchanan Swinging Bridge

Natural Bridge of Virginia

View of Otter Lake

Crossing the James River

Thunder Ridge Overlook

Onion Mountain Overlook

Peaks of Otter Lodge

View of Abbott Lake and Peaks of Otter

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