Ohio is full of places to explore – but just when you think you’ve found everything there is to see, you discover something else.
Most people are familiar with Hocking Hills State Park, the Old Man’s Cave hiking trails and even the Rock House. But there’s another hidden gem in the state park that you won’t find in any of the more popular hiking areas. The Rockbridge State Nature Preserve in the small town of Rockbridge features a natural bridge that stretches more than 100 ft. long – and it’s truly incredible. See for yourself:
You’ll find the nature preserve right off of U.S. Route 33 on Dalton Road.
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The Natural Bridge Loop Trail is less than two miles long, so it’s perfect for a short day hike.
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Along the way, you’ll see some beautiful countryside.
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Portions of the trail follow wooden bridges into the woods…
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…and other sections can be strenuous, with tree roots to step over and steep hills to conquer.
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Overall, the trails are clearly marked, so you won’t get lost.
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The closer you get to the natural bridge, the more signs you’ll see…
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…and once you finally stumble upon it, you’ll feel like you’ve just discovered a beautiful secret.
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Millions of years ago, this incredible bridge of Black Hand Sandstone formed from great pressure and steady erosional processes.
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Over the years, the crevice widened, creating a stunning natural arch over the ledge. Today, it’s a beautiful, sturdy structure you can feel safe walking across…
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…and exploring from underneath. It measures more than 100 feet long and 10-20 feet wide, arching 50 feet across the ravine.
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After steady rainfall, the water trickling down into the ravine increases and forms what locals call “Rockbridge Falls” beneath the bridge.
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As an added bonus, you can even stay overnight in the area. Pictured is At Boulders Edge Cabin and Tipi Retreat.
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Rockbridge State Nature Preserve is located at 11475 Dalton Rd., Rockbridge, OH 43149. If you’ve explored the area before and found the natural bridge, share your experiences and photos with us via our Facebook page!
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And if you’re looking for some more places to explore in Ohio, check out our previous article on the nearby Rock House, as well as These 13 Incredible Places In Ohio Will Bring Out The Explorer In You.
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