It’s a nature-made bridge to nowhere in the middle of nowhere. Nevertheless, it’s easy to find off Highway 278 in Northwest Alabama. Once important to ancient inhabitants, today it’s a significant Alabama tourist attraction.
According to Peter J. Gossett, author of a paper titled Bald Rock: “Natural Bridge, Alabama is located in southwestern Winston County. It’s a popular landmark for tourists all over the country. The town is named for the bridge, which is made out of sandstone and iron ore. It’s sixty feet high and one hundred forty-eight feet across.” It’s purportedly the longest natural bridge east of the Rockies.
Recognized as a national park in 1954, it’s believed that Native Americans had been dwelling in the area and underneath this natural formation for centuries. A short distance from the bridge is what is said to be a mysterious carving high up on a cliff wall. But, to me, it appears to be a naturally occurring likeness of a man’s features, kind of like the image on the buffalo nickel. Some believe the so-called “carving” may be of a distant-past tribal chief. If it was carved, no one knows who did it, when or why. The park’s website also gives a perspective on the face. “Don’t miss the Indian face that’s etched by nature in the large rock!”
The site continues: “The park has a picnic area perfect for bringing a lunch to eat before or after you hike the approximately 2-mile trail through the park. At the back of the park is a small waterfall that is refreshing to listen to, and there is a stream that runs throughout the park. During the spring, you’ll find all kinds of wildflowers, and in the fall, you’ll see the vibrant fall foliage. Under the natural bridge at Natural Bridge Park is a cave-like bluff that you can walk around in.
This natural bridge formation dates back to two million years ago, and it is known that the Creek Indians lived in the area. They probably used this cave-like formation as shelter from the elements. The park also offers a great gift shop that has local products as well as products from all over the U.S. Natural Bridge Park is open daily from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, year-round. Admission. No pets allowed. Service animals are welcome.”
Perhaps Alabama’s natural bridge was formed during Noah’s Flood, circa 2348 BC.
On our recent visit to the park, we met the Roe family from Arkansas. They had been to their annual family Christmas dirt bike racing trip in Talladega. They were passing through the area on the way home when they discovered the park and stopped to let their three boys romp. They loved the park and seemed to be thoroughly enjoying themselves.
If you do visit the park, I’d suggest “13 Grill” for lunch in nearby Haleyville. The food’s good and the price is right. You’ll love it.
Speaking of love, I first learned about this natural wonder fifty-two years ago while driving to Hamiliton, Alabama. I was escorting a young lady home from the University of Alabama to visit her family. (Or, maybe, she was taking me home to meet her family. Not sure.) We were students; and, maybe, somewhat in love. I don’t remember there being a sign at the entrance. All I remember is her pointing down a road on the right and, in the most feminine voice, sweetly saying, “The natural bridge is right down that road. Would you like to see it?”
She seemed a bit crestfallen when I replied that I really didn’t care to see it. What a naïve fool I was. For this was back in an era bereft of cell phones, when young lovers enjoyed walking together, holding hands, reveling in the majesty of nature, and yes, even making eye contact. “It’s not far,” she gushed. But I was concerned about how far “not far” was. After all, money was tight and gas was .50 cents a gallon!
I had not yet grasped the art of living life in the moment. You see, failing to master the art of living life in the moment is a recipe for how missed opportunities of yesterday become tomorrow’s book of regrets.
I can only imagine what modern-day courting must be like with gas prices sky high and every eligible young woman clutching a cell phone, eyes glued to the abominable screen. Today, a poor love-sick young gentleman looks over and, in the seat beside him, his girl is NOT entreating him to go see Natural Bridge. No! She’s pecking away at her iPhone screen, her thumbs frantically working like a couple of woodpeckers competing for pine beetles. How does love even happen anymore? No wonder young people aren’t getting hitched. Marriage is under assault! And the devil’s assault weapon of choice is the cell phone. I think divorce lawyers invented the dang thing.
So, what’s a fellow to do?
Caution, gentlemen: This may or may not work better for you than for me. When I tried it, Cindy looked at me with concern and said, “What’s wrong?”
But … try this. Try gazing into your significant other’s eyes for several minutes and see what happens. If you don’t, someone else may. A lingering, technology-free gaze into her beautiful eyes may turn a bridge to nowhere into a bridge to somewhere. She might even suggest, “Let’s go see Natural Bridge.” Let me know if it works.
Many blessings.
www.northalabama.org/listing/natural-bridge-park/269/
Jeff Barganier is a novelist, travel writer and speaker. He travels far and wide upon the slightest excuse for something interesting to write about. His novels include Lawson’s Bluff (2021); The Slash Brokers (1998). He also manages Cindy Barganier Interiors LLC (www.cindybarganier.com) at The Waters in Pike Road, Alabama. Contact Jeff at Jeffbarganier@knology.net. You may print out his features at www.jeffbarganier.com and take them with you when you travel!