Creelsboro Natural Bridge

Creelsboro Natural Bridge

Map of Kentucky

Location Russell County, Kentucky
Nearest city Creelsboro
Coordinates 36°53′05.97″N 85°14′11.13″W / 36.8849917°N 85.2364250°W / 36.8849917; -85.2364250Coordinates: 36°53′05.97″N 85°14′11.13″W / 36.8849917°N 85.2364250°W / 36.8849917; -85.2364250
Designated 1987

Creelsboro Natural Bridge (more commonly referred to as Rock House or the Rockhouse) is a natural bridge in southwestern Russell County, Kentucky, United States. It is located near the community of Creelsboro, approximately 7 miles (11 km) downstream from Wolf Creek Dam, which impounds Lake Cumberland. The Rockhouse is classified as a meander natural bridge because it was created by river erosion of a cliff on the outer side of a sharp meander in the river. Jim Creek flows through it before merging into the Cumberland River. With a span of 104 feet (32 m), it is the seventh largest natural bridge in the United States.

History

Rockhouse strata is over 440 million years old (Upper Ordovician Period, Cumberland Formation, Silty Dolomite). Unlike most natural bridges it is made of dolostone rather than sandstone. First discovered in 1770 by a group of hunters, Rockhouse is a popular site for camping. It was designated a National Natural Landmark by the U.S. National Park Service in 1987.[1] It remains privately owned but is accessible by a short walk from KY 379. Immediately across the river in Clinton County is the private Rockhouse Trace.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Creelsboro Natural Bridge". nps.gov. National Park Service.


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