Natural Bridge State Natural Area

Natural Bridge is a three-acre natural area located in Franklin County. Natural Bridge is a 25 feet high natural sandstone arch with a span of 50 feet that provides a scenic overlook of Lost Cove. There is a wet weather spring associated with a rock house located behind the natural bridge. The spring probably contributed to the formation of the arch. Lost Cove is a large karst formation on the dissected section of the Cumberland Plateau. It is essentially a giant sinkhole. Lost Creek flows into the valley and disappears into Lost Cove Cave at the Big Sinks and re-emerges as Crow Creek from Buggytop Cave within Mr. & Mrs. Harry Lee Carter State Natural Area. The site also has been referred to as Sewanee Natural Bridge since the University of the South in Sewanee once owned it. The natural area is a part of the South Cumberland Recreation Area.

Site Management

South Cumberland Recreation Area, 11745 US 41, Monteagle, TN 37356, phone (931) 924-2980. Division of Natural Areas, William R. Snodgrass Tennessee Tower, 312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, 2nd Floor, Nashville, TN 37243-0447, phone (615) 532-0431.

Public Access

Open to the Public - Full Access
Parking and a short hiking trail is provided. The natural area is operated by Tennessee State Parks.

Parking: Yes

Trail: Yes

Dogs on Leash: Yes

Hunting: No

Fishing: No

Camping: No

Directions

Natural Bridge is located south of Sewanee. The natural area is accessed via Highway Alt. 41. In Sewanee turn south onto Highway 56 and proceed 2.5 miles to Natural Bridge Road. Turn left onto Natural Bridge Road and proceed one half mile to the parking area.

Details & Map

• Map to Natural Bridge
• Owned by the State of Tennessee
• Sewanee 7.5-minute quadrangle
• Cumberland Plateau Physiographic Province
• Designated in 1973