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Natural-Bridge-S
Eden Index
Climate
8.2
•
Recreation
6.8
•
Community
1.0
•
Safeguard
5.9/10
Natural Bridge is a scenic town nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Known for its breathtaking natural formations and outdoor beauty, the town offers a pleasant climate, abundant water resources, and various outdoor recreation opportunities.
The climate in Natural Bridge is characterized by mild summers and cool winters. Average high temperatures in summer range from 85-90°F (29-32°C), while winter temperatures range from 40-50°F (4-10°C). The area receives a moderate amount of rainfall throughout the year, contributing to the lush vegetation and vibrant ecosystem.
Hydrologically, Natural Bridge benefits from the presence of the James River, which flows nearby. This waterway provides opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. In addition, the town boasts the iconic Natural Bridge geological formation, a 215-foot (66-meter) tall limestone arch spanning Cedar Creek. Visitors can explore the Natural Bridge State Park, which offers hiking trails, a nature center, and the opportunity to witness the incredible geological wonder.
Other outdoor recreational activities in the area include camping, bird watching, rock climbing, and horseback riding. With its picturesque landscapes and diverse natural beauty, Natural Bridge-S, Virginia is a paradise for nature enthusiasts seeking to immerse themselves in the great outdoors.
What is the Eden Index?
The Snoflo Eden Index serves as a comprehensive rating system for regions, evaluating their desirability through a holistic assessment of climate health, outdoor recreation opportunities, and natural disaster risk, acknowledging the profound impact of these factors on livability and well-being.
Climate Health Indicator (CHI): 8.2
Natural-Bridge-S receives approximately
1186mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 82%
and air temperatures averaging around
14°C.
Natural-Bridge-S has a plant hardyness factor of
7, meaning
plants and agriculture in this region tend to thrive during the non-winter months.
By considering the ideal temperature range, reliable water supplies, clean air, and stable seasonal rain or snowpacks, the Climate Health Indicator (CHI) underscores the significance of a healthy climate as the foundation for quality living.
A healthy climate is paramount for ensuring a high quality of life and livability in a region, fostering both physical well-being and environmental harmony. This can be characterized by ideal temperatures, reliable access to water supplies, clean air, and consistent seasonal rain or snowpacks.
Weather Forecast
Streamflow Conditions
James
Area Rivers
James
Snowpack Depths
James
Reservoir Storage Capacity
James
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 6.8
The Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI) recognizes the value of outdoor recreational options, such as parks, hiking trails, camping sites, and fishing spots, while acknowledging that climate plays a pivotal role in ensuring the comfort and consistency of these experiences.
Access to outdoor recreational opportunities, encompassing activities such as parks, hiking, camping, and fishing, is crucial for overall well-being, and the climate plays a pivotal role in enabling and enhancing these experiences, ensuring that individuals can engage in nature-based activities comfortably and consistently.
Camping Areas
| Campground | Campsites | Reservations | Toilets | Showers | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glen Maury Park | 52 | 895 ft | |||
| Smith Mountain Lake | None | 929 ft | |||
| Peaks of Otter - Blue Ridge Parkway | None | 2,593 ft | |||
| Laurel Fork | 14 | 3,108 ft | |||
| Cave Mountain Lake | 51 | 1,273 ft | |||
| Otter Creek - Blue Ridge Parkway | None | 841 ft | |||
| North Creek | 16 | 1,127 ft |
Nearby Ski Areas
Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI):
The Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI) recognizes that natural disaster risk, encompassing floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, can drastically affect safety and the overall appeal of an area.
The level of natural disaster risk in a region significantly affects safety and the overall livability, with climate change amplifying these risks by potentially increasing the frequency and intensity of events like floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, thereby posing substantial challenges to community resilience and well-being.
Community Resilience Indicator (CRI): 1.0
The Community Resilience Indicator (CRI) recognizes that education, healthcare, and socioeconomics are crucial to the well-being of a region. The CRI acknowledges the profound impact of these elements on residents' overall quality of life. By evaluating educational resources, healthcare accessibility, and economic inclusivity, the index captures the essential aspects that contribute to a thriving community, fostering resident satisfaction, equity, and social cohesion.