Curve Appeal: Alabama’s Natural Bridge
Close to Alabama’s William Bank National Forest, stands a small cave area with a curved bridge. The bridge is 60ft tall and 148 ft long. However, it’s not the bridge’s size that makes it unique, but the fact that it’s completely natural. Consisting of iron ore and sandstone, the bridge was formed over 200 million years ago.
Today, visitors can gain entry to Natural Bridge Park for just $3,50. Even though it’s not permitted to walk on the bridge, visitors are welcome to take a stroll underneath.
Nearby, they’ll find a carving of an American Indian head. It is similar to one, found on a buffalo nickel. Also, the couple, who own the park run a gift shop there. So, visitors can purchase some souvenirs.
The bridge has placed the park firmly on the tourism map. It may not be a tourist attraction yet, but the bridge stands patiently, with its beautiful curvature among stunning rock formations and lush surrounding forest.
Location: County RD 314
Natural Bridge, Alabama, 35577
United States
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Natural Bridge Park visitor area and trail access, 315 County Road 3500, Natural Bridge, Alabama, USA
- Coordinates
- 34.09302, -87.61455
- Access
- Enter from US Highway 278, park in the gravel lot and sign in/pay at the gift shop. Stay on designated trails; the park prohibits pets. The marker is the OSM-mapped visitor/picnic area, not a surveyed point on the natural arch.
- Admission
- Adults US$10; children ages 6–12 US$5; ages 5 and under free. Confirm with the park before visiting.
- Time needed
- Allow about 1 hour for the park walk. North Alabama tourism describes the trail as roughly 2 miles round trip, and a recent visitor reported about an hour walking the paths; rough footing may make it take longer.
- Best season
- Fall is a good choice if you want autumn foliage, based on recent visitor reports. The park does not publish an official best season.
- Opening hours
- The park operator currently lists 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. daily. Alabama Tourism lists 8:00 a.m.–dusk, so call the operator at (205) 486-5330 to confirm the day’s closing time.
- Location checked
- 2026-10-20
- Facts checked
- 2026-10-20
Location
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