Creelsboro Natural Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Creelsboro Natural Bridge |
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| Location | Russell County, Kentucky |
| Nearest city | Creelsboro |
| Designated: | 1987 |
Creelsboro Natural Bridge, often called Rock House or the Rockhouse, is an amazing natural rock formation. It's located in southwestern Russell County, Kentucky, in the United States. This giant stone arch is found near the small community of Creelsboro. It's about 7 miles (11 km) downstream from Wolf Creek Dam, which holds back the water of Lake Cumberland.
This natural bridge is special because of how it formed. It's known as a meander natural bridge. This means it was created by a river slowly wearing away a cliff. The river, in this case, the Cumberland River, made a sharp bend or "meander." Over a very long time, the water carved through the rock on the outer side of this bend. Jim Creek also flows through the bridge before joining the Cumberland River. With a span of 104 feet (32 meters), Creelsboro Natural Bridge is the seventh largest natural bridge in the United States.
How the Rock House Formed
The Creelsboro Natural Bridge is made of a type of rock called silty dolomite. This rock formed during the Upper Ordovician Period, which was hundreds of millions of years ago. Most natural bridges are made of sandstone, so it's quite unique that this one is made of dolomite.
History of the Rock House
Hunters first discovered the Rock House in 1770. Since then, it has become a popular place for camping and exploring. In 1987, the U.S. National Park Service recognized its importance. They officially named it a National Natural Landmark. Even though it's privately owned, people can still visit it. You can reach it by taking a short walk from Kentucky Route 379.
