Story & Photos by Matt Bayman
There are 35 natural rock arches and rock bridges that the public can visit in Ohio, and many more located on private land, with the total number being around 86. However, even though several of the best arches are located on public land, they require a free permit to visit, probably because the areas (and arches) are so special and the geology so delicate.
After contacting the friendly staff at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), hikers and sightseers can set out on an adventure that will lead to some of the greatest hidden treasures in the state—literally. This includes Raven Rock Arch and Ladd Natural Bridge (both of which require a permit to visit), as well as Rock Bridge, Rock House and Miller Sanctuary (among others) that do not require a permit. It’s an experience that will take you to a number of obscure (but nonetheless beautiful) parks and preserves, and that can be combined with other unique sightseeing opportunities in the area.
With a few scattered exceptions, almost all of the public arches and bridges are located in two clusters—one in southern Ohio (near Serpent Mound), and another in the Hocking Hills region. The closest arch is right here in our own backyard—that is, the natural rock arch at Greenville Falls in Covington (seen below right). Others are as far away as Cleveland and Marietta. Many are worth visiting.
Winter (minus snow and ice) and early spring are great times to visit these gravity defying formations. This is mainly because there is little-to-no foliage to block the views, plus it’s less crowded, there or no bugs to worry about, and it’s not too hot, which is good because most of the arches require a hike to reach. However, after being stuck inside for the winter, a cool hike on a crisp sunny day might be just the thing needed to shake off cabin fever.
The Greenville Falls Arch in Covington.
What are rock arches and rock bridges?
Everything you need to know about Ohio’s rock arches, including a full list of locations and a map, can be found in an ODNR guide written by Timothy A. Snyder titled, “Ohio’s Natural Arches.” It is available for free online and contains the above map and graphic.
Without getting into too much detail, according to Snyder, a natural arch is defined as: “a rock exposure with a hole completely through it, created by the natural removal of some of the rock to leave an intact rock frame around the hole.” (Pretty cut and dry!) In turn, if the resulting arch crosses a valley of erosion, such as a stream channel, the arch is also considered to be “a natural bridge.”
There are six different ways arches form. The most common way is from natural weathering (wind, water and ice over thousands of years), but they also form at the “faces” of waterfalls and in collapsed caverns. In order to be considered a significant arch in Ohio, its opening must have a span or clearance that extends at least three feet with the other dimension extending at least one foot.
Many arches are located in the unglaciated part of Ohio in the south and are estimated to be older than 1.6 million years. The Greenville Falls arch is much younger, being only thousands of years old. Either way, they’ve been here a long time.
The following list of parks and preserves highlights some of the best arches and bridges in Ohio. Since many of these formations are located in remote, lesser-known parts of the state, they can be hard to find, even with phone maps. With this in mind, in the following pages, we’ve tried to add the best directions possible, but we encourage you to bring an old-fashioned map as a backup, and to be prepared to travel off the beaten path, sometimes on gravel roads.
But, rest assured, all of this remoteness and map-work will pay off when you reach these magnificent natural wonders.
Raven Rock State Nature Preserve
(Across from) 14864 U.S. 52, West Portsmouth MAP IT
Maybe the most notable and rarest of Ohio’s rock arches is at Raven Rock State Nature Preserve, located just west of Portsmouth on a tall bluff 500 feet above (and overlooking) the Ohio River. The arch itself (carved out of sandstone) is not particularly large (although it is very impressive), but the view from the arch is what really stands out, not to mention the folklore that surrounds this ancient place.
For eons, before European contact, Native Americans used this bluff to watch over the Ohio River and the sacred land below. It is said (but not confirmed) that the bluff got its name from the Native Americans, who saw the multi-layered outcrop (which contains the arch) as a swooping bird coming out of the mountain, like a raven. Others think settlers named it.
Regardless, it is not easy to find and requires a permit to visit. To obtain one, fill out a simple form online, which can be found in the “Nature Preserve Access” section of the ODNR website HERE, and someone will get back with you with your parking permit and additional information. Make sure to submit your request 14 days before you plan to visit, although it is usually approved much faster.
The nature preserve does not have an address and contains only a small, 2-space parking lot, which is located at the end of Malone Cox Road. Most visitors will be coming in on U.S. Route 52. In terms of an address, it is located across the street from 14864 U.S. 52 in West Portsmouth, directly across from a tall sign that reads “Portsmouth Shrine Club.”
From the parking lot, the hike to the top of the bluff is about one mile—and it’s all uphill, including several steep sections that require very secure footing. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes. An official sign and an historical plaque are located just inside of the woods from the parking lot at the entrance of the trail and explain the significance of the preserve and its history.
Once you’re at the top of the bluff, you’ll follow a flat path to Raven Rock Arch and a panoramic vista of the Ohio River that includes a view of downtown Portsmouth (seen above) and the rolling hills of the river valley to the east and west.
Standing there, it is easy to understand why this place was so important to the Native Americans. From the top, you can not only see for miles in both directions, but also hear almost everything that’s going on down below, as if it were amplified to the highest degree. Maybe the only drawback to this location, then, today, is the fact that the traffic on U.S. 52 continually disturbs the peace of what otherwise is a truly magical place.
A beautiful mural of Raven Rock can be seen in the lobby of the nearby Shawnee State Park Lodge. Learn more about Ohio's State Park Lodges HERE.
Rockbridge State Nature Preserve
11475 Dalton Rd., Rockbridge MAP IT
Not far from Old Man’s Cave in Hocking Hills is this sometimes forgotten, yet very special nature preserve—home to Ohio’s largest natural bridge, as well as an ancient rock shelter.
Rockbridge State Nature Preserve consists of 182 acres and contains 2.75 miles of hiking trails, including two loop trails. One trail passes the natural bridge and the other passes the rock shelter.
The bridge (one of at least 12 in the state), is 100 feet long and ranges from 10 to 20 feet wide. It is about 3 feet thick and stands 50 feet above the gorge. This makes it a little intimidating to cross on foot! It is made of sandstone, as are almost all of the sculpted landscapes that Hocking Hills is known for.
Located just of off U.S. Rt. 33 (with very good signage), the nature preserve is surrounded by private property and backs up to the Hocking River. For this reason, visitors are required to hike down a long narrow path between two farms before entering the wooded preserve. A one-mile hike leads to the impressive natural bridge (where you can explore it from above and below), and a mile-or-so-more can be added by hiking to the rock shelter. Both features are found deep in the woods, far from the parking lot, which makes them even more special, and less traveled.
If you have the right gear for winter, photographers enjoy taking pictures of the large icicles that form on and around the bridge in the colder months.
Rock House at Hocking Hills
19852 Ohio Route 664 S, Logan MAP IT
Snyder describes Rock House as “Ohio’s most unusual arch…with a span of 20 feet and a clearance of 40 feet and a length of 185 feet, it is not only our largest natural arch but also our longest natural tunnel.”
According to the ODNR, various groups have used Rock House as a shelter for thousands of years. There is archaeological evidence of baking ovens that once existed inside of the “house” and troughs on the tunnel floor that were dug out to collect water.
Upon entering the “house,” it is easy to see why it made such an ideal dwelling place. Most striking are seven “windows” separated by massive solid stone columns that overlook the beautiful gorge below. Inhabitants would have been high, dry, and well-ventilated, plus had great views.
As part of Hocking Hills State Park, Rock House is a popular tourist destination, and has been for nearly two centuries! Although long gone, the Rock House Hotel (offering 16 guest rooms) stood nearby starting in 1835 and was torn down in 1925. A historical marker near the parking lot tells the story of the hotel.
A short, but somewhat strenuous hike is required to reach Rock House. The one-way trail system first takes hikers down into (and then back up from) a deep gorge, above which sits the whimsical Rock House. Manmade stone steps help visitors climb inside of the “house” for a closer look. If possible, bring a flashlight to view the beautiful rainbow colored sandstone found throughout Rock House.
