Overview
The Natural Bridge Loop is a short plateau hike in William B. Bankhead National Forest, visiting a sandstone natural bridge formed by the same differential erosion processes that created the forest's canyon system. The 3-mile loop is one of the easier routes in the forest, covering mixed oak-hickory plateau terrain before reaching the geological highlight.
The natural bridge is modest in size compared to famous examples in Utah or Kentucky, but it is a genuine geological curiosity in the Alabama Cumberland Plateau context and worth a stop for visitors in the area.
No permit required. No facilities at the trailhead.
The Route
Miles 0 to 1: Plateau forest. The loop begins on a wide forest path through mixed oak-hickory and Virginia pine. The plateau terrain is gently rolling with good wildflower habitat on the rocky outcrops in spring.
Miles 1 to 1.5: Natural bridge. The loop reaches the natural bridge at approximately mile 1. The bridge spans a seasonal creek drainage where erosion has removed the softer shale beneath the sandstone cap, leaving the harder rock spanning the gap. A short scramble below the bridge gives the best view of the span.
Miles 1.5 to 3: Return loop. The return section traverses slightly different plateau terrain before completing the loop at the trailhead.
When to Hike
March through May: Best wildflowers on the rocky outcrops. Spring lighting in the open plateau makes photography rewarding.
October and November: Fall color in the mixed hardwood canopy. Comfortable temperatures.
What to Bring
Many hikers carry 1 liter of water for this short loop. No water available on trail. Standard trail shoes adequate for the gentle plateau terrain.
Trailhead Access
On SR-13 about 8 miles north of Double Springs. Look for the forest road pullout on the east side of the highway.
Practical Details
No permit is required for day hiking on this trail. Dogs are welcome on leash. The trail is popular with families. No restroom facilities are at the trailhead; plan accordingly. No water source is available at the trailhead; carry all water from home. Cell service is limited in this area; downloading offline maps before your visit is recommended.
The recommended season for this trail is March through November. Conditions outside this window may include challenging weather, trail closures, or reduced accessibility. Always verify current conditions with the William B. Bankhead National Forest ranger district before visiting, particularly at the beginning and end of the recommended season when conditions are most variable.
Summit and viewpoint conditions depend on weather and visibility; clear days produce the best results. Wildflower timing varies by year; spring and early summer are generally the peak bloom window.
Before any visit, review the Leave No Trace seven principles and our checking conditions guide for current fire restrictions, trail closures, and ranger district advisories. The America the Beautiful pass covers day use fees at developed recreation areas where applicable. Veterans and active military have additional access options covered in our veteran benefits guide.
Nearby
The primary canyon trails including the Sipsey Fork Loop are about 15 miles west on FR-60. The Clear Creek Trail is in the southern portion of the forest near Smith Lake. See the full William B. Bankhead National Forest guide. Follow Leave No Trace principles at the natural bridge.