New England's Natural Bridge
New England's Natural Bridge
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New England's Natural Bridge is a Massachusetts state park located in North Adams, Massachusetts, in the northwestern part of the state. Its natural bridge arches over a roaring brook—carved out over the course of 500 million years by glacial meltwater—to form the only natural white marble bridge in North America. IT'S MARBLEOUS!!
Formerly the site of a marble quarry (1810-1947), and then a privately-owned tourist attraction (1951-1983), the site became a state park in 1985 to continue to preserve its unique geologic features. The arch, and its associated marble block dam, and quarry have long been the hidden attraction in this old mill town. And it had garnered the attention of photographers, artists, and writers; including Nathaniel Hawthorne, who, in 1838, wrote of his visits in his book, Passages from the American Notebooks of Nathaniel Hawthorne.
Discover a geologic wonder at this 48-acre park. Examine the natural bridge up close, and from afar, over the network of boardwalks. Walk across the iron bridge and take in the sight and sound of the man-made white marble dam, built in the early 1800's to supply power to the quarry mill. And tour the old abandoned marble quarry; the 80-foot, crescent-shaped wall of marble, and its blasting rock. And catch glimpses of the remnants of its operations.
Be sure to visit the otherworldly Guardian Sculpture Garden—a striking permanent installation made up of nine cast concrete sculptures created by local teen artists, located nearby the Visitor's Center.
And come listen, as clear tones call across the natural amphitheater of the old quarry, for fifteen minutes of twilight delight, every evening. MASS MoCA's sound art installation, Music for a Quarry, by Walter Fähndrich, is sure to raise a few ears.
In the summer months, knowledgeable park interpreters are on hand to explain the natural forces that created the bridge and its more recent human-related history. There is a 0.25-mile walkway above and through the chasm, and a 0.5-mile wooded walking trail.
Click on image above for slideshow!
This website was last updated August 2020
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