When it comes to natural beauty, Hocking Hills has got it in spades.
Rockbridge Nature Preserve is no exception. The feature of this charming park is the 100+ foot natural bridge. The bridge is 10-20 feet wide and arches 50 feet over a scenic ravine. It is considered the largest natural bridge in Ohio and it originated millions of years ago when Ohio was under a warm inland sea.
As the centuries passed, sand accumulated and thickened, then compressed to form the hard sedimentary rock known as Black Hand sandstone. You’ll find Black Hand sandstone throughout southeastern Ohio, frequently with some of the most stunning geological sites the state has to offer.
The nature preserve has 2.8 miles of hiking trails, which visitors are asked to stay on at all times. The park opens a half hour before sunrise and a half hour after sunset and pets are not permitted. There aren’t any bathrooms on site, so make sure you plan accordingly.
When hiking in the Hocking Hills, visitors can expect to see an abundance of wildlife, beautiful plant life, and tons of scenic vistas. White-tailed deer, barred owls, ruffed grouse, and occasionally bobcats make the wooded ravines and ridgetops their home. Black bears are even making a comeback in the region.
Rockbridge Nature Preserve is located at 11475 Dalton Rd, Rockbridge, OH 43149. It’s the perfect place to swing by when you’re visiting other Hocking Hills highlights like Old Man’s Cave, Cedar Falls, and Conkle’s Hollow.
Featured image via ODNR Facebook.
