Rockbridge State Nature Preserve
Ohio State Preserve

Rockbridge State Nature Preserve

11475 Dalton Road, Rockbridge, OH 43149
Available Activities
  • Hiking
  • Bird Watching

🌤 Weather at Rockbridge State Nature Preserve by season

SpringSummerFallWinter
28–74 °F57–84 °F30–78 °F19–43 °F

Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Logan, 6 mi away, elevation 722 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.

✓Compiled by the America’s State Parks Editorial Team from official state park agency sources. Fees, seasons and hours change — verify with the park office before you go.

Rockbridge State Nature Preserve protects the largest natural bridge in Ohio, a sandstone arch in Hocking County. It is run by the Ohio DNR Division of Natural Areas & Preserves, not by Ohio State Parks.

Quick Facts

CountyHocking County
Address11475 Dalton Road, Rockbridge, OH 43149
Trails2.8 miles of hiking trails
Park Size182 acres
Established1978

The Natural Bridge

The arch is more than 100 feet long and 10 to 20 feet wide, and it spans 50 feet across a ravine. Ohio has at least 12 natural bridges, most of them in the sandstone country of south central and eastern Ohio, and this is the largest. It formed in Black Hand sandstone: wind, rain and groundwater hollowed out the softer middle of the cliff, while a crack behind the cliff edge kept widening until only the narrow arch was left.

Trails and Wildlife

The preserve has 2.8 miles of hiking trails through woods. ODNR lists hiking and birding as the activities here and spring wildflowers among the natural features. Stay on the designated trails at all times.

Visitor Tips

Rockbridge is a state nature preserve run by the Ohio DNR Division of Natural Areas & Preserves, not an Ohio state park. No entrance fee is listed. The preserve is open from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset. Pets are not permitted, and there are no restrooms. As of October 2026.

Explore More Ohio State Parks

Looking for state parks in Ohio? Discover them in our Best State Parks in Ohio guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.

Nearby parks: If you have extra time, Lake Logan State Park is a short drive away, and A.W. Marion State Park is a short drive away.

America's State Parks is an independent online guide to state parks and other public lands in the United States. Our editorial team compiles park profiles from official agency and operator sources and other identified references, and follows our published editorial policy and review methodology. Where a profile shows a source-check date, that date applies to the detail it names. We correct errors when we find them or when readers report them.

🐾 Dogs & Pets at Rockbridge State Nature Preserve

Park policy: Pets are not permitted under the Ohio DNR preserve rules, and visitors must stay on the designated trails (ODNR, October 2026).

Pets allowed?
No, pets are not permitted in the preserve

Are dogs allowed at Rockbridge State Nature Preserve?
No, pets are not permitted in the preserve.

More: Ohio state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared

Last updated: October 10, 2026

Park Map

11475 Dalton Road, Rockbridge, OH 43149

Plan your gear for Rockbridge State Nature Preserve

From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities: