Located a stone’s throw away from Logan, Ohio, Rockbridge Natural Bridge stands as the state’s most expansive natural arch. This geological wonder spans over 100 feet in length and varies from 10 to 20 feet in width, creating a 50-foot arch across a picturesque ravine.
Ohio is home to just twelve natural bridges, predominantly situated amidst the large sandstone formations of the south-central and eastern regions of the state.
The story of Rockbridge Natural Bridge dates back millions of years, to a time when Ohio was submerged under a warm inland sea. Rivers meandered into this vast expanse, depositing layers of sand, which over time compressed and solidified into Black Hand sandstone. As tectonic forces birthed the Appalachian Mountains, the sea retreated, unveiling the sandstone to the elements. Wind, rain, and groundwater began their slow dance of erosion, sculpting a cavernous recess in the softer central portion of the Mississippian Blackhand sandstone. Simultaneously, erosion worked its magic along a natural joint plane set back from the cliff’s edge, gradually widening the gap and leaving behind the slender rock arch we see today. Rockbridge Natural Bridge stands as a testament to the beauty and persistence of nature.
