Rockbridge State Nature Preserve is a nature reserve featuring a natural bridge located in the unincorporated community of Rockbridge in Hocking County, Ohio, United States. It is part of the Hocking Hills region, but the sandstone that forms the natural bridge is located lower in the stratigraphic sequence than that which forms most of the region's notable features.
| Rockbridge State Nature Preserve | |
|---|---|
 The natural bridge at Rockbridge State Nature Preserve | |
  Location in Ohio  Rockbridge State Nature Preserve (the United States) | |
| Location | Rockbridge, Hocking County, Ohio, United States |
| Coordinates | 39°33.982′N 82°29.965′W / 39.566367°N 82.499417°W[1] |
| Area | 182 acres (74 ha) |
| Established | 1978[2] |
| Governing body | Ohio Department of Natural Resources |
| Website | Rockbridge State Nature Preserve |
Nature preserve
editThe preserve consists of 182 acres (0.74 km2) of land which borders the Hocking River and is connected to the trailhead via a narrow easement. The park's 2.75-mile (4.43 km) trail system[3] includes two loop trails, one of which passes the natural bridge, while the other passes a rock shelter. Both formations are located a short distance from the Hocking River on small tributaries. The preserve was acquired by the state of Ohio in 1978.[2]
Natural bridge
editThe natural bridge is the largest of at least 12 natural bridges in the state of Ohio. It is approximately 100 feet (30 m) long, 10 to 20 feet (3.0 to 6.1 m) wide, and 3 feet (0.91 m) thick. It was formed when water eroded the softer layers of Mississippian Black Hand sandstone underneath the bridge.[1][3] The nearby community of Rockbridge, Ohio is named after the formation.
References
edit- ^ a b Johnny Molloy (2013). Best Hikes Near Columbus. Guilford, CT: Falcon Guides.
- ^ a b "Ohio's Natural Arches". Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved December 22, 2016.
- ^ a b "Rockbridge State Nature Preserve". Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved December 22, 2016.
External links
edit- Official website of the Rockbridge State Nature Preserve
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