It looks a bit like an abstract art painting in the photo at right, but the Natural Bridge in North Adams, Massachusetts, is actually the work of natural forces. This scenic attraction just off the Mohawk Trail is an ideal place to contemplate the power and artistry of nature.
A sign inside Natural Bridge State Park explains:
"You are standing on the only marble bridge in North America. It is 15 feet thick and spans a distance of 30 feet across the chasm. The marble in the bridge was formed when limestone, a rock made of ocean sediments, was subjected to tremendous pressure and high temperatures during mountain building. The heat and pressure transformed the limestone into marble."
All of this, of course, happened ages ago. In fact, these fascinating rock formations are estimated to be 550 million years old. As the glaciers that covered New England began their northward retreat, they carved intricate patterns and created the Natural Bridge, which spans a brook flowing through a 60-foot deep, craggy, marble-walled gorge. Click here to see additional pictures of this natural wonder.
The Natural Bridge is situated within an abandoned marble quarry that became a Massachusetts State Park in 1985.
What You Need to Know About
Visiting Natural Bridge State Park
Getting There: From Route 2 (the Mohawk Trail), turn onto Route 8 North just east of the city of North Adams. Turn left on McCanley Road, following signs to Natural Bridge State Park.
Schedule of Operation: Staffing at Natural Bridge State Park has been severely curtailed due to state budget cuts, so the "official" schedule of operation at the park has been limited recently to Memorial Day through Columbus Day. When the park is open, a parking fee applies. When the park is not officially open, there is nothing to prevent you from parking in the small dirt area outside the entrance road and walking in to view the bridge, but you do so at your own risk. As a matter of fact, this is exactly what I did when I took these photographs. Stick to designated viewing areas, and you should be perfectly safe. It's a good idea, though, to allow plenty of time to hike back out of the park near sunset.
Parking Fee: The day use parking fee at Natural Bridge State Park is $2 per car as of 2009, but there is no charge to park outside the park and walk in during non-operating periods.
For More Information: Call 413-663-6392.
