A short loop hike through an oak and beech forest leads to the 90 foot Pomona Natural Bridge nestled in trees by a cliff.
In the 1930s the Civilian Conservation Corps made improvements to the trail to make it more accessible to hikers by building stone steps and bridges.
My time here
I headed down the loop trail and went to the right. This part of the trail goes up and enters the natural bridge from the top.
The walk across is easily done as it is naturally paved with stone.
Around the Natural Bridge
I took some time going below the natural bridge checking out a small brook.
Nearer the cliff water pooled, I scared a frog that jumped into the water.
Walking underneath you can see the stone bridge up close.
Then I walked along the cliff face that went away from the natural bridge until it ended. The rocky terrain here is worth spending time wandering around.
I checked out the right side of the natural bridge where the rock is cracked and cratered.
Going Back
I headed back in the other direction. First taking time to follow a wet waterfall.
I then came up to two small bridges both crossing dry stony brooks today. It would be nice to be here after a rainstorm.
Selfie
I was almost where the trail goes into a loop and remembered I wanted to do a selfie so I walked back and did a quick photo with the arch in the back before heading to the trailhead.
Final Thoughts
Since it is a short hike at .3 mile this is probably a good one to pair with another hike in the area as I did this day with a hike at LaRue-Pine Hills or a much harder hike at Little Grand Canyon.
Dangers Here
Venomous snakes and poison ivy are present in the area so be out on the lookout for them and wear bright orange or red during hunting season.
DETAILS
Drive: Take Interstate 64 east out of St. Louis to exit 50 for Highway 127 toward Nashville, Ill. Turn left onto Highway 127 heading south and follow signs for this highway through the different towns including the nearest town of Murphysboro. After going through Murphysboro look for Pomona Road. Go west on Pomona Road .7 mile to Natural Bridge Road. Turn north (right) onto Natural Bridge Road and continue two miles to the “Y” in the road. Veer left, staying on Natural Bridge Road for .25 miles to the trailhead parking lot.
Hours: 6 am – 10 pm
Admission: Free
Address: Natural Bridge Rd, Pomona, IL 62975
Lunch Stop
17th Street BBQ
On the way back I stopped for a late lunch in nearby Murphysboro at 17th Street BBQ. I like their spiced nachos with a side order of pork rinds and added an order of baby back ribs to take home for the family. You can order online or by calling them. There is a drive-thru.
Hours: 11 am – 9 pm Thursday- Sunday, 11 am – 2 pm Monday- Wednesday
Address: 32 N 17th St, Murphysboro, IL 62966
Nearby Illinois Hikes
Dad Hikes: Larue-Pine Hills and Snake Road
Larue-Pine Hills has inspirational views and below its bluffs a road known for snake migration in the spring and fall. This area is part of the Shawnee National Forest and has a diverse habitat to explore.
Dad Hikes: Piney Creek Ravine Nature Preserve
The largest area of Native American Rock art in Illinois is found at Piney Creek Ravine Nature Preserve.
This 198-acre nature preserve also has cascading waterfalls and colorful limestone cliffs.
More Illinois Hikes
Dad Hikes: Illinois Mississippi River Bluffs
My journey today was to explore two trails along the bluffs on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River south of St. Louis.
Dad Hikes: Horseshoe Lake State Park
Walking among the green stalks of a cornfield and admiring the lakeside flowers were part of our adventure on Walker’s Island at Horseshoe Lake State Park.
Dad Hikes: Olin Nature Preserve
A bubbly waterfall and a monument to the Underground Railroad were found on the trails at the Olin Nature Preserve.
