Natural bridges and arches are found all over the United States, with many in our most visited national parks. An amazing geographical feature is along Highway 65 in Van Buren County, four miles north of Clinton.  

I have passed the barns and the signs on Highway 65 advertising the Natural Bridge of Arkansas for years. I travelled to the Western United States to see some of the most famous arches and I hadn’t ever visited any of Arkansas’ natural bridges. 

I decided it was time to visit the Natural Bridge in the 501. I was glad I took the time to visit. For a small admission fee, you can enjoy the wooded beauty of the site, and see and get close to a natural marvel. 

The bridge is found down a narrow, winding paved road just off Highway 65.  The drive down into the valley is beautiful. It is filled with many types of hardwood trees. I suspect the drive from Highway 65 to the bridge will be filled with gorgeous fall color in early November, and I am planning to return during that time to see if I am right.  

The rock bridge is described as a compression bridge. The span of the bridge is a huge flat rock slab supported by two enormous stones at either end. The bridge is a 12 foot high sandstone formation. It is only 4 feet thick at the center and spans about 120 feet.  

It was created by thousands of years of erosion on the Little Johnny Creek. From the attraction’s entrance, a short, tree-shaded path leads to the bridge.  Another path leads to the top of the bridge. Walking on the Natural Bridge is no longer allowed for safety reasons, but the view from the top is a great spot for photos.  

The attraction was opened in 1969, but long before its opening as a tourist destination, it was an essential crossing for both the Quapaw Indians and the early pioneers. It has also been associated with notorious outlaws who used the Ozark Mountain Region as a hideout from law enforcement.  

During the Civil War, Jayhawkers used the rock shelters in the area as a hideaway. In the late 19th Century, the bridge was used by loggers with horse-drawn wagons to haul timber out of the valley.  

Along with the natural wonder of the area, there is a small museum containing many pioneer era artifacts. These include two log cabins, one of which was built in 1871. Other items of note include a covered wagon, a moonshiner’s still, household goods and farming equipment from the pioneer days.  

The site is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. mid-March through mid-November. The address is 1120 Natural Bridge Road, Clinton.   

If your family is looking for a quick Saturday trip to an Arkansas natural wonder, one such place to visit would be the Natural Bridge of Arkansas. So, take a day, load up the car with the family and enjoy a simple but scenic spot in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains.