Sandstone Span
There’s no way around it — Pomona Natural Bridge is in the middle of nowhere. And that’s precisely the reason to visit.
Pomona Natural Bridge is set in the heart of southernmost Illinois in the forest-covered hills sometimes referred to as Appalachian Illinois. The natural rock formation is part of the Shawnee National Forest, which covers much of the southern tip of the state.
In autumn, a rich, golden-hued forest of oak, hickory and beech envelops the moderately strenuous one-third mile loop trail. Hiking boots crunch over fallen leaves as they descend the rocky footpath toward a creek bed. About midway along the route lies the 90-foot sandstone bridge.
The footpath leading to Pomona Natural Bridge is only one of several hiking spots in southernmost Illinois — and it may well be the least known. The lack of other hikers is part of the region’s charm. But families looking for other autumn hikes can head to the Little Grand Canyon, a majestic box canyon over the Big Muddy River, and Giant City State Park. Massive, rectangular-shaped rock formations give the latter park the appearance of a city built for giants — thus the park’s name.
Giant City’s cabins and lodge, built in the 1930s by the federal Civilian Conservation Corps program, are popular with visitors to southern Illinois’ outdoor attractions. Families typically overnight in bluff cabins, which comfortably sleep six and include fireplaces, kitchenettes and satellite TVs.
For more information on Pomona Natural Bridge, including maps, visit the park’s website at fs.usda.gov/shawnee or contact the Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau, southernmostillinois.com.
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