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Natural-Bridge
Eden Index
Climate
8.1
•
Recreation
6.2
•
Community
•
Safeguard
5.4/10
Natural Bridge, Virginia is located in the central part of the state, nestled in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. The area experiences a moderate climate, with warm summers and cool winters. Temperatures range from an average high of 87°F (31°C) in the summer to an average low of 25°F (-4°C) in the winter. Precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year, with an average of 44 inches (112 cm) annually.
One of the highlights of Natural Bridge is its namesake, the Natural Bridge itself. This geological wonder is a 215-foot (66 m) tall natural limestone arch spanning over a gorge carved by Cedar Creek. The area is also home to several outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking trails, camping sites, and fishing spots along Cedar Creek. Additionally, the region offers opportunities for birdwatching, wildlife spotting, and scenic drives through the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains.
The hydrology constituents of Natural Bridge are primarily centered around Cedar Creek, which flows through the area. The creek offers opportunities for kayaking and canoeing, allowing visitors to explore the picturesque surroundings. With its stunning landscape and diverse outdoor activities, Natural Bridge, Virginia is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat in a beautiful natural setting.
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): 8.1
Natural-Bridge receives approximately
1202mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 82%
and air temperatures averaging around
13°C.
Natural-Bridge 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): 6.2
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Creek | 16 | 1,127 ft | |||
| Otter Creek - Blue Ridge Parkway | None | 841 ft | |||
| Cave Mountain Lake | 51 | 1,273 ft | |||
| Peaks of Otter - Blue Ridge Parkway | None | 2,593 ft | |||
| Smith Mountain Lake | None | 929 ft | |||
| Laurel Fork | 14 | 3,108 ft | |||
| Glen Maury Park | 52 | 895 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):
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.