A man and woman looking at The Natural Bridge of Alabama in Winston County — *The Natural Bridge of Alabama. Photo via NorthAlabama.Org*

Alabama is home to some amazing natural wonders and scenic viewpoints, just a short distance away from Birmingham. Whether you’ve lived here your entire life or you’ve just moved to the area; we love sharing fun short road trip ideas that inspire y’all to explore. Find out more about visiting the Natural Bridge of Alabama in Winston County – the longest natural bridge in the USA east of the Rockies.

Road Trip: The Natural Bridge of Alabama

The Natural Bridge of Alabama in Winston County — *The bridge was formed over 200 million years. Photo via Just an Alabama Girl Facebook*

Location

Miles from Birmingham: 72 miles (144 miles round trip)

Driving time from Birmingham (approx): 1hr 15mins (2hrs 30)

Entrance Fee: $3.50 for adults. $2.50 for children.

Hours: 8AM – dusk

Sat Nav: Natural Bridge Park, Co Road 3500, Haleyville, AL 35565

The Natural Bridge of Alabama

Natural rock feature Natural Bridge of Alabama — The Natural Bridge is not accessible to cross but still looks great from below. *Photo by Shannon Ballard via Explore the South*

The Natural Bridge of Alabama is a 148 foot sandstone bridge, towering 70 feet over the forest trails of Natural Bridge Park. Located to the west of the Bankhead & Sipsey Wilderness Area of North Alabama (in Winston County).

How was the natural bridge created? It was formed over 200 million years by water erosion of the weaker sandstone away from under the stronger stone where the bridge spans today, creating an erosion feature – the natural bridge.

It’s only an hour and fifteen minutes away from Birmingham (70 miles) which makes it a great little road-trip to consider if you only have half a day.

I’d recommend planning to spend a little more time to enjoy a picnic, take all the natural beauty in, and take a photo or two.

Sign above road. Road Trip to Natural Bridge of Alabama — *Natural Bridge Park is just off AL 278W, 70 miles from Birmingham. Photo by BADOSU via Tripadvisor*

Accessible via Natural Bridge Park ($3.50 admission fee) which includes picnic tables, a natural well which supplies drinking fountains, a gift shop and a 30-minute nature trail through the forestry.

The trail to the bridge is a natural so be prepared for varying gradients, twists and turns. It’s not a long hike to the bridge but the path isn’t suitable for wheelchairs as it’s unpaved.