Background

Natural Bridge Picnic Area: Alabama's Forest Archway

Discover a geological marvel at Natural Bridge Picnic Area in Alabama's Bankhead National Forest, home to the longest natural bridge east of the Rockies.

Nestled within Bankhead National Forest near Houston, Alabama, the Natural Bridge Picnic Area offers a unique blend of geological wonder and recreational opportunities. The centerpiece is a massive 148-foot natural sandstone bridge, the longest east of the Rocky Mountains, formed over millions of years [11].

A brief summary to Natural Bridge Picnic Area

Local tips

  • Bring a picnic to enjoy in the tranquil picnic area surrounded by the sounds of nature [3, 5, 11].
  • Wear comfortable shoes for the short, paved trail leading to the Natural Bridge [10, 11].
  • Keep an eye out for the Native American head etched into the rock face near the bridge [3, 5, 7, 8, 11].
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From the intersection of U.S. Route 278 and County Road 63 in Houston, Alabama, head north on County Road 63 [6, 11]. The Natural Bridge Picnic Area will be a short drive away on County Road 63. Follow the signs for the picnic area [11]. Parking is available at the picnic area [11]. There are no tolls or fees associated with accessing the picnic area [11].

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Discover more about Natural Bridge Picnic Area

The Natural Bridge Picnic Area, located in the Bankhead National Forest, is a testament to the power of nature and time [11, 12]. The main attraction is the Natural Bridge, a 148-foot sandstone arch that stands 60 feet high [5, 11]. It is the longest natural bridge east of the Rocky Mountains [3, 5, 11]. Formed over 200 million years ago by fluvial erosion, where water gradually eroded the softer limestone, leaving the durable sandstone arch [3, 9, 11]. The area has a rich history, with evidence suggesting that Creek Indians used the bridge as a shelter [3, 5, 8, 11]. Visitors can also spot a rock outcropping resembling a Native American head [3, 5, 7, 8, 11]. Today, the picnic area provides a tranquil setting for enjoying nature. Visitors can explore the area's diverse plant life, including 27 fern varieties and eastern hemlocks dating back to the Ice Age [3, 7, 11]. A short, paved trail leads to the natural arch, allowing visitors to marvel at its size and beauty [10]. While crossing the bridge is prohibited, the trail offers various vantage points to admire the geological wonder [11].

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