Wonder At One Of The Only Natural Bridges In Indiana At Portland Arch Nature Preserve
By Tori Jane|Published May 10, 2021
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Tori Jane
Author
Tori Jane is a storm chaser, writer, photographer, and the village idiot - in that order. When she's not out and about dancing with the meanest storms on planet Earth for funsies she can be found wandering, shooting landscapes, writing, editing photos, and otherwise up to no good. Legend has it that she can also be occasionally spotted typing up short bios in the third person, but those rumors are unsubstantiated.
Let’s face it: when it comes to natural bridges in Indiana, we’re not exactly overflowing with them. In fact, throughout the entire Hoosier State, there are just four natural bridges and/or arches, but we feel that this makes them all the more special and unique. A natural bridge is defined as exactly what it sounds like: a naturally occurring archway, usually made of stone. They form over millions of years thanks to natural erosion processes, and they’re simply a sight to behold.
It's more than just a natural bridge: the preserve also includes plush wooded valleys, ravines, and some gorgeous cliffs, all along a section of Bear Creek.
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The arch itself is eroded Mansfield Sandstone, thought to be about 230 million years old!
The park is in an area of Indiana nearby the Wabash River that sees relatively pleasant temperatures all year, though it does snow in the winter from time to time.
The good news is that despite the ideal climate, the Portland Arch Nature Preserve seems to be vastly under-appreciated and underrated. That means more time to yourself, especially if you choose to visit during the week, or early in the morning.
Better still, there are no admission or entry fees to get in.
We also suggest bringing a camera; the preserve is remarkably beautiful, especially when the trees are at their peak lushness. Depending on what time of year you visit, you might also encounter some of the most vibrant wildflowers you've ever seen.
The trail through the area is easy and brief, coming in at just under a mile in length.
It's good for even smaller children and adults who need to take it easy, and you're not likely to encounter many crowds.
So, what do you think? Do you plan to visit all the natural bridges in Indiana? If so, Portland Arch Nature Preserve is a great place to begin. Check out this page for more information about hiking the area! Craving a little more inspiration for beautiful sights to see in the Hoosier State? Look no further!
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