Natural Rockbridge Canoe Trip: Paddle Trip B to Ohio’s Largest Natural Bridge
A Natural Rockbridge canoe trip with us starts on Trip B, our most popular river route. You paddle 7 miles of the Hocking River, pull your boat up on the bank partway down, and hike up to the largest natural bridge in Ohio. When you’re done exploring, you get back in the canoe and float the rest of the way to our livery in Logan, where your car is waiting.
What Is Natural Rockbridge?
Natural Rockbridge is a sandstone arch inside Rockbridge State Nature Preserve in Hocking County. It is the largest of at least 12 natural bridges in the state. The formation is about 100 feet long and 10 to 20 feet wide, yet the rock itself is only about 3 feet thick.
Water formed the bridge by slowly wearing away the softer layers of Black Hand sandstone underneath it, leaving the harder rock on top. The small community of Rockbridge, just up the road, takes its name from the formation.
The preserve covers 182 acres along the river and has been protected state land since 1978. Its trail system adds up to about 2.75 miles on two loops. One loop passes the natural bridge, and the other leads to a rock shelter tucked along a small side stream.
How Your Trip B Day Works
Your day starts at our office on State Route 664, where our staff checks you in and helps you settle on the right boat for your group. We’ll also hold your car keys at the office, so you don’t have to worry about losing them in the river. After that, you grab a life jacket and paddle from the gear shack and wait on the porch for your shuttle.
One of our drivers takes you upriver by van or bus. On the ride to the put-in, your driver gives a trip briefing that covers key points, landmarks, and where the trip ends, and it’s the best time to ask where to pull out for Rockbridge. Half-mile markers line the right side of the river, which makes it easier to track your progress as you go.
When you reach the water, our staff helps you into your boat and gives you a push off. From there you follow the current back to us at your own pace. Trip B covers 7 miles and usually takes 3 to 4 hours of paddling, so build in extra time for the hike and any stops along the way.
What You’ll See on the Water
Trip B covers the same stretch as our 5-mile Trip A and then keeps going for two more miles. Those extra miles bring more islands and sandbars, a few narrow passages between the trees, and some additional riffles that keep things interesting. You’ll also pass several good spots for watching zip line riders cross overhead.
This section of the river is classified as Class I, which means mostly calm, smooth water with gentle riffles. You’ll find plenty of gravel bars and islands where you can stop for lunch, stretch your legs, or wade in shallow water. You don’t need any previous paddling experience to enjoy it.
Tips for the Hike to the Bridge
A little preparation makes the hike up to Natural Rockbridge much more comfortable:
- Pack shoes you can hike in. Water shoes are great in the boat but can slip on a dirt trail, so keep a dry pair in a dry bag and swap when you land.
- Pull your boat all the way up. Get the whole hull out of the water so it stays put while you’re away on the trail.
- Bring water and a snack. Trip B plus the hike can fill most of your day, so pack enough to keep your energy up.
- Leave time to look around. Stand under the arch, take your photos, and give yourself a few minutes before heading back to the boat.
For a complete packing list, check out our guide on what to bring on a canoe trip.
Trip B Rates
You can paddle Trip B in a canoe or a single kayak:
| Boat | Trip B price |
|---|---|
| Canoe (2 people) | $70 |
| Single kayak (1 person) | $60 |
| Personal boat shuttle | $45 |
Every rental comes with paddles, life jackets, and the shuttle ride upriver. Tandem kayaks, tubes, and rafts run on Trip A only.
Our canoes are built with two seats. On Trip B, one child under 12 can ride in the middle on a seat pad, which works well for families with one young paddler. If you’d like two small children in the middle, Trip A is the better fit. Water levels can occasionally rule out adding a third person, so check with us before your trip.
Water Levels and Safety
We track the river’s flow in cubic feet per second (CFS) and sort it into color-coded levels. Green, from 81 to 699 CFS, means optimal paddling conditions. Below 80 CFS the river gets shallow, and you may need to step out and guide your boat through a few low spots. Once the flow reaches 700 CFS, trips come with added restrictions, and at 1,000 CFS or higher we run Trip A only.
A few rules apply to every trip we send out:
- Paddlers must be at least 3 years old, with no exceptions.
- Life jackets are required for kids 12 and under and for anyone who can’t swim.
- Trips still go out in the rain, but we won’t send anyone out when there’s lightning.
When to Go
Our fall season runs through October 17. We’re open Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 AM to 3 PM, and Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM, and we’re closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
Since Trip B and the hike together take up most of the day, we recommend arriving early. Fall weather makes the day comfortable. Over the past 10 years, October in our area has averaged highs around 67 and lows near 49, so a light layer helps on the water in the morning. You can read more about paddling this time of year in our post on a fall canoe trip in Hocking Hills.
Make a Weekend of It
If you’re driving in from out of town, our cabin rentals let you stay close to the river and get an early start on Trip B the next morning. Coming from Columbus for the day works too, and our Columbus day trip guide walks you through planning it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Hocking Hills Canoe Livery trip goes to Natural Rockbridge?
Trip B, our 7-mile Rockbridge Trip. Trip A ends before those extra two miles, so it doesn’t include the Rockbridge stop.
How long does a Natural Rockbridge canoe trip take?
The paddle usually takes 3 to 4 hours. Add time for the hike and for any breaks on the sandbars.
Can I kayak to Natural Rockbridge instead of canoeing?
Yes. Trip B is available in a single kayak for $60. Tandem kayaks are only offered on Trip A.
Do I need paddling experience for Trip B?
No. This section of the Hocking River is Class I, with calm water and gentle riffles, and your driver covers the key points in a briefing on the way to the put-in.
Can kids come on the Natural Rockbridge trip?
Yes, from age 3 and up. Kids 12 and under must wear a life jacket, and one child under 12 can ride in the middle of a canoe on Trip B.
Can I bring my own canoe or kayak?
Yes. Our personal boat shuttle is $45. We haul kayaks up to 65 pounds and canoes up to 90 pounds, stacked the same way we haul our own boats.
Plan Your Natural Rockbridge Canoe Trip
We’re at 12789 State Route 664 in Logan, Ohio. Get 7 miles of calm river, a hike to Ohio’s largest natural bridge, and a shuttle that brings you right back to your car. Book Trip B online, or call us at 740-385-0523 with any questions about water levels or your group.