The natural arch or bridge known as Rockbridge is considered the largest natural bridge in the state.
Actually, Rockbridge State Nature Preserve is just a short drive from Columbus,Ohio and almost no drive from Lancaster,Ohio..Having spent most of my life in Lancaster I am almost ashamed to say this was my first visit to this nature preserve. Just about ready to pull into the parking lot.
The preserve features two loop trails, one of which passes the natural bridge, which is the largest in Ohio, and the other of which goes to a rock shelter. Today we will check out the Natural Bridge.
The preserve comprises 202 acres.The formations are set back from the banks of the Hocking River only a short distance.
Love that blue sky and white puffy clouds.(Is that a duck in the sky?)
There are 89 preserves in Ohio open to the public.
Some of the Ohio State Nature Preserves require an access permit.CLICK but not Rockbridge.
Rockbridge Natural Bridge originated millions of years ago, when Ohio lay under a warm inland sea.
Rockbridge is nearly 100 feet long and ranges from 6 to 20 feet wide—it also features a 50 foot seasonal waterfall cascading over a cliff behind the arch.
On the Hocking Valley Birding Trail Rockbridge is stop #20. Birds to look out for include Bluebirds, Cardinals, Wood Ducks, Wild Turkey, Red-tailed Hawks, Turkey Vultures, Yellowthroats, Indigo Buntings and, Pileated Woodpeckers. (A highlight of my hike.)
All I can say is WOW…. Time to head back.
Part of the trail can be strenuous but pace yourself and you will be fine. If you get too tired, there are benches strategically placed along the way for you to rest.(and I used them) Near the parking lot there is even a Trading Post (not open when I was there).Are you a Natural Born Hiker?
Thanks for stopping by..For more adventure:: FROM LANCASTER,OHIO, A MY QUALITY TIME POST LINKING TO SKYWATCH FRIDAY, FRIDAYS FENCES, SCENIC SUNDAY, NF WATERS, WATER WORLD WED.A GREAT BUY FROM AMAZON..Ohio a great place to spend QUALITY TIME
Technorati Tags: LANCASTER OHIO,ROCKBRIDGE STATE NATURE PRESERVE,BIRDING,OHIO A GREAT STOP IN THE HOCKING HILLS REGION OF OHIO
These is why I like exploring preserve areas. We can find things that are not common and may surprise us. I also like birding in this area because birds most likely love to live here. Great photos and thanks for sharing. Thank you for joining Water World Wednesday do appreciate it a lot.
ReplyDeleteOne of the great things about Ohio is our many state parks -- great escapes from the daily life!!! Thanks for reminding me that summer is on the way and hopefully, I'll be on the road to visit fav places.
ReplyDeleteIt looks really pleasant! If I am ever in the area, I am going to check it out. Great pictures!
ReplyDeleteWonderful hike Joe -- I love this kind of place. We both do (especially since there are those strategically-placed benches ;>)~
ReplyDeleteCool to see that woodpecker and all those other birds! I'm really impressed with all the great natural areas in your state.
Those little trickle waterfalls are delightful!
ReplyDeleteJust stopped by again to say hi since we're next door neighhbors on SWF ;>)... and also because I meant to tell you before that I love your header shot -- just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteI just googled to see how far away this was and found I'm about two hours away here in WV. What a lovely place your captured for us!
ReplyDeleteLove the fence pics! The Pileated Woodpecker was a great find. I've only seen one twice in my life. Once was last week in my yard. I just posted pics yesterday.
LOVE your header shot - a beautiful spring scene!
What a wonderful hike you've taken us on, Joe! Such a lovely place and beautiful skies as well! Love the birds!! Terrific captures! Hope you have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
Awesome shots...looks like a great place to hike with your camera.
ReplyDeletelove your header photo. love all the details. looks like a great place to visit. i see a pileated woodpecker in the backyard all the time. & the silly little dude won't stay put long enough for me to take a picture though. so i just enjoy myself. so gorgeous!! have a good weekend. (:
ReplyDeleteOh, my, this was/is a nice post....I really enjoyed all the photos...love the one looking straight down the road, but all are pretty wonderful.
ReplyDeleteYou visit so many wonderful places, Joe!
ReplyDeleteI always loved to hike in the past. Bad knees keep my walks to a minimum now, sadly. This looks like a truly wonderful place to go! I loved all the amazing photos. Some great fences in there, too. And that Pileated Woodpecker! I would be so excited to see him, too!
ReplyDeleteThat photo of the trees on the hillside with the huge sky is incredible!!!!!
What gorgeous scenery! The natural bridge is fantastic! Wonderful photos!
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful photos and interesting post for SWF!Thank you for sharing and have a nice weekend!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tour, Joe. Makes me sorry I haven't hit any of the close by nature trails, camera in hand lately. Enjoyed all your photos but my favorite is near the beginning where it looks like a tall grass-lined path leading into the preserve. Reminds me of England country walks. Oh, I did spot the "sky" duck!
ReplyDeleteHi there, You know how much we love that area of your state. The entire Hocking Hills area is awesome. We didn't go to Rockbridge--but would love to have taken than hike to see the natural bridge... Awesome!!!! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBetsy
This looks like a wonderful place to hike and enjoy the beauty of nature. If I was closer, I would SO be there looking around!!!
ReplyDeleteFantastic touring with you today- thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post. We have one just 5 miles from us, and it has a wonderful trail too.
ReplyDeleteYour photos tell a lot of good scenic spots for photography!
thanks Joe for the lovely trek through the Preserve. Wonderful scenery and the bridge fascinating
ReplyDeletewhat a great adventure!
ReplyDeletebeautiful shots
Yes, I think it is a duck! Beautiful skies, and happy skywatch Friday.
ReplyDeletedo people always listen to the sign? It makes me upset when people go to sacred areas.
ReplyDeleteAmazing photos Joe, you do seem to have picked yourself a great state to live in :)
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the tour! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great hike and lovely photos - that's an incredible natural bridge!
ReplyDeleteI also live near a hiking trail (The Bruce Trail - 500 mi of hiking!) that I have barely stepped foot on!
ReplyDeleteThe natural bridge is a beauty.
A wonder-FULL hike! Thanks for taking me along... And the ancient natural bridge is fascinating. :-)
ReplyDeleteI also support the idea of building more fences for this wildlife reserve. It is a way to keep out poachers.
ReplyDelete