Exploring
Rock Bridge Memorial State Park
Eric
Wright, Posted Sep. 18, 2006
The
sun rises above Rock Bridge Memorial State Park with few to
bear witness. However, by afternoon the sun will be shining
across the brows of people drawn to the park’s beauty.
As a refuge of natural wonderment, it’s surprising that
many campus students overlook the area to weekday studies
and weekend parties.
It takes but 10 minutes by car going south on Highway 63 to
reach the park from campus. One of the more visited paths
on the 2,273 acres is the Devils Icebox Trail. It takes visitors
on a half-mile loop going both over and under the parks namesake,
Rock Bridge. The bridge is actually a cave roof that remained
after the rest of the cave collapsed. In addition, the trail
winds through Conner’s Cave, home to an underground
sinkhole, stream and spring.
If you enjoy taking the path less traveled, there are many
other trails to hike. Kaitlin Bender, Columbia native and
frequent visitor to the area, attests that with each visit
there is something new to see and experience.
“There are a lot of different trails, and if you go
far enough away it feels like you’re in the middle of
nowhere,” she says.
Students can use these resources of the park to better their
studies. The purifying aesthetics of a walk through the woods
goes far. The American Hiking Society states, 30 to 60 minutes
spent hiking is very beneficial to mental well being and sweating
out toxins, as well as numerous other things.
Not up for hiking? Rock Bridge sports 33 picnic spots, a great
way to unwind in the afternoon.
The geology of the park, Missouri’s literal foundation,
is another reason to take the trip. According to the parks
office, receding oceans covering the area over 300 million
years ago left Rock Bridge and much of Missouri composed of
limestone. As water pushed through the rock, it created openings
that filled in with water creating underground stream. When
the waters dried, caves formed. This provides an important
geological vantage of our state.
At a glance, the park sounds about as good as its gently rushing
waters. Especially when compared to trying to enjoy the walk
around campus – sun-heated pavement and inexhaustible
amount of people rushing to class. So, avoid the mealtime
rushes, pack some food and see for yourself.
For more
information, visit Rock
Bridge Memorial State Park Web site or contact the parks
office anytime from dusk till dawn at 573-449-7402.
