Alabama's Natural Bridge

Amidst blindingly green foliage and stunning rock formations is Alabama’s Natural Bridge, a sprawling sandstone and iron ore bridge formed over 200 million years ago.

Just outside William Bankhead National Forest, the overpass spans a small cave area with a curved rock formation 148 feet long and 60 feet high. Although the area was recognized as a national park in 1954, Native Americans had been dwelling in the area and underneath the natural bridge for hundreds of years.

Just a short walk from the bridge is a mysterious carving of an Indian head, similar to that on the buffalo nickel. Despite some guesses that the carving depicts a chief from the area, almost nothing is known about who created the relief, when, or for what purpose.

Visitors strolling through the park can take in the incredible landscape for $10 for adults, $5 for children. Unfortunately, you are no longer allowed to walk over the bridge for safety purposes, as there are no guard rails, and the 200-million-year old bridge cannot be trusted to hold thousands of visitors each month.