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All the United States Illinois Pomona Pomona Natural Bridge
AO Edited

Pomona Natural Bridge

A natural sandstone bridge nestled within a mature forest in southern Illinois.

Pomona, Illinois

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Luke Fater
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This 90 foot natural bridge is the second longest in the state.   Mrostrichman
This 90 foot natural bridge is the second longest in the state.   Mrostrichman
A trail leading visitors to the bridge actually crosses over the top of it.   Courtesy of Forest Service, Eastern Region
A side trail allows visitors to venture under the bridge to appreciate its size.   Mrostrichman
The bridge occupies a scenic corner of Shawnee National Forest.   Courtesy of U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
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About

In the southern reaches of the Prairie State, there’s a striking natural bridge nestled within a scenic national forest.

The Pomona Natural Bridge is located in the northwest corner of Shawnee National Forest. Spanning 90 feet across a rocky ravine in a mature beech, oak, and hickory forest, this sandstone bridge is not only reachable by a quick hike—the trail crosses over the bridge itself. It’s a short hike (about a third of a mile) over a well-maintained pathway.

The trailhead is about a 30-minute drive from nearby Carbondale off of Route 127. The trail begins by descending into the forest, and after a few hundred yards, visitors will reach a fork in the path that marks the beginning of a loop. Taking a right will get you to the bridge faster, but taking a left has plenty of caves, creeks, and moss-covered rock walls. 

When you come to the bridge, the trail will lead you over the formation, but steps down on the far side will allow you to appreciate the structure from below. Mind your step as the bridge is only eight feet at its widest. The area below the bridge is pocked with mossy bluffage, streams, and small caves. 

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Geology Bridges Natural History

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This trail is not wheelchair accessible due to several steep, rocky sections. Mind your step during wetter weather, as some rockier surfaces can become slick.

Community Contributors

Added By

lukefater

Edited By

traceywilson

  • traceywilson

Published

May 15, 2024

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Sources
  • https://www.enjoyillinois.com/explore/listing/pomona-natural-bridge/
  • https://www.shawneeforest.com/pomona-natural-bridge/
  • https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/illinois/pomona-natural-bridge-trail
  • https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/shawnee/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=10678&actid=50
  • https://brookandholler.com/blogs/trail-guides/hidden-history-of-the-pomona-natural-bridge-shawnee-national-forest-illinois
  • https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/illinois/pomona-natural-bridge-il/
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gvu8axO9EM
Pomona Natural Bridge
Natural Bridge Rd
Pomona, Illinois, 62975
United States
37.648471, -89.342378
Visit Website
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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Illinois

Illinois

United States

Places 370
Stories 19

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Bald Knob Cross of Peace

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Illinois

Illinois

United States

Places 370
Stories 19

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