Between Columbus And Athens Is A Scenic Stop With Ohio's Largest Natural Rock Bridge, Camping, And Trails

Halfway between Columbus and Athens is Rockbridge, an outdoor enthusiast's paradise surrounded by state parks and nature preserves. The Ohio town takes its name from a large natural arch a few miles away. At a length of 100 feet, it's Ohio's largest natural rock bridge (and the only one about the same size as a blue whale). Besides this rock bridge, the town is also a gateway to places like the Rhododendron Cove State Nature Preserve, Clear Creek Metro Park, and Hocking Hills State Park, all within a 20-minute drive. 

With at least 20 trails winding through these and nearby areas, Rockbridge has a hike for everyone, whether you're just breaking in your hiking shoes or slipping on mud-covered boots for the hundredth time. The landscape around Rockbridge is marked by distinct Black Hand sandstone formations, like imposing cliffs and the Rockbridge arch, making it a wonderful spot for outdoor adventures. Caves, waterfalls, and wildflower-covered valleys add extra flair to the area's rocky character, while the Hocking River bordering the town allows you to get your feet off the ground and into a canoe or kayak. Or you can take a bird's-eye view of Rockbridge by flying through the treetops on one of the nearby ziplines.

For an overnight stay, consider finding a spot at one of Rockbridge's campsites. The Hocking Hills Riverside Campground has primitive sites on the Hocking River. Campers are close to the Hocking Hills Family Fun Center, where you'll find mini golf and the world's biggest bounce house with 27,000 square feet of bouncy fun. For a unique alternative, Nature's Way is a primitive, clothing-optional site hidden among 75 acres of woods just minutes from town. It doesn't have showers, toilets, or developed amenities, so it's best for those looking to reconnect with nature.

You can't visit Rockbridge without seeing its namesake, which is arguably a highlight of the Hocking Hills area. That's saying a lot, considering the towering trees and waterfalls of nearby Hocking Hills State Park are impressive in their own right. Just a five-minute drive from town, the Rockbridge State Nature Preserve has around 200 acres of forest and riparian habitats, where you can spot bald eagles and ducks above and below the Rockbridge arch.

This natural stone bridge formed over millions of years, starting when Ohio was covered by an inland sea. Rivers flowing into the sea brought sediment that settled at the bottom, which eventually formed into Black Hand Sandstone. When seismic activity created the Appalachian Mountains, the sea disappeared — leaving its sandstone bottom exposed. The elements slowly eroded this layer to create the natural bridge you see today.

You can kayak or canoe to the Rockbridge arch or hike to it. A moderate 2.5-mile loop takes you to the arch and a rock shelter via a forested trail that's sometimes steep and uneven. You can cross the bridge, but be sure to stick to the official trails around it. The Rockbridge Nature Preserve is open year-round from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset. There are no restrooms, and pets aren't allowed, as per the general regulations of Ohio's nature preserves. While Rockbridge is a fantastic sight at any time of year, consider going in the winter, when the arch is transformed by frozen icicles.

With such an abundance of wilderness around Rockbridge, it's not surprising that there's a plethora of trails for hikers. So once you're done exploring the eponymous rock bridge, head over to Clear Creek Metro Park's dramatic cliffs, just 10 minutes from town. At nearly 5,500 acres, Clear Creek Metro Park is Ohio's biggest nature preserve and offers over 10 trails spanning 20 miles. 

For a healthy dose of flowers, you can bop on over to Rhododendron Cove State Nature Preserve (just five minutes away), which is believed to be home to Ohio's largest native population of great rhododendron. The 1.3-mile Rhododendron Cove Trail offers views of the Hocking River Valley and takes you around the preserve, which goes into full bloom in late June and early July. Hocking Hills State Park is a favorite spot for hikers, as it has over 25 miles of trails spanning all difficulty levels. They lead to places like Old Man's Cave, a popular hiking spot that was the home of a hermit in the 1800s.

Although it feels as if it's hidden deep in the wilderness, Rockbridge is easy to access from major cities. Columbus is just a 45-minute drive, while the artsy and walkable Athens is just 35 minutes away. The closest major hub is Port Columbus International Airport (CMH). If you're seeking another small town to add to your itinerary, the enchanting gateway city of Logan is just 10 minutes away and has a local bus that goes to Rockbridge.