This Massachusetts State Park Named the #1 Best to Visit in USA
When you think of State Parks, what do you think of? Most of us just think of a boring picnic area. I can promise you, this is more than just any old picnic area ever since my first visit here during a summer program field trip.
According to onlyinyourstate.com, Natural Bridge State Park, is a 48-acre underrated park located in North Adams, where visitors can discover the only naturally-formed white marble bridge in North America.
This park was once home of a commercial white marble quarry that was active from 1810 up until 1947. In order to preserve the unique geological attributes that are found here, it became a state park in 1985.
If you take a quick 0.3-mile hike, it will take you to the natural bridge for which this park is named. There are stairs that lead to it lead to it allow for an up-close and personal look. However, be aware of any temporary closures due to repairs according to Mass.gov.
A little brief history, over 13,000 years ago, glacial meltwater carved away at 550 million-year-old bedrock marble to create this natural bridge which is considered a wonder in both the natural and geological world. We're talking over 15 feet thick as this impressive bridge spans 30 feet across Hudson Brook found inside a steep 60-foot gorge. It's very impressive to see if you ask me.
While Inside the park, visitors can also tour the abandoned marble quarry and see a man-made white marble dam. Like the natural bridge, it's the only one of its kind in North America. The perfect summer destination and the #1 spot for education for any summer program.
The park is open now until Columbus Day from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. daily and is a must-stop destination in Massachusetts.
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Gallery Credit: Angela Underwood