Rockbridge State Nature Preserve

Did you know that the town of Rockbridge (and Rockbridge State Nature Preserve) is named after a natural geological arch (bridge) feature located right in the backyard of Hocking Hills Canopy Tours. This bridge, made out of "Black Hand Sandstone" is the largest natural bridge in Ohio.

Rockbridge is just under 100 feet long and varies from 10 to 20 feet wide. You can actually walk across the bridge, but if you're afraid of heights (like me!) it may raise some hairs on the back of your neck. Local folklore says that the farmer who originally owned the land would lose an average of one head of cattle per year to the heights of the arch.

This view was taken from underneath the Rockbridge, looking up.

Another "less than successful" attempt to capture Rockbridge!

The "ledge" behind the bridge creates a dramatic waterfall most months of the year.

Rockbridge was formed millions of years ago when much of the midwest was covered by an in-land sea. The geological process that formed the rock bridge is very interesting... you can read about it here. There are 12 such arches/bridges in Ohio—you can read about all 12 here.

The runoff from the stream/waterfall is welcomed by the scenic Hocking River.

 
My favorite time to visit Rockbridge (the bridge) is in the winter, when its relatively unobstructed by foliage. I get a little frustrated every time I try to photograph Rockbridge, because it's impossible for even the best photographer to capture the essence of Rockbridge "in-camera". Not just due to the shear size of Rockbridge, but because no artist can begin to capture the "majesty" of such a place.

This is an angle of the bridge that would be impossible to see during the "foliage" months.

 

© 2014 Dan Eckel