Pivot Rock and Natural Bridge is located in Pivot Rock State Park near Eureka Springs, Arkansas. This visitor attraction is focused around two unusual natural rock formations, the Pivot Rock and the Natural Bridge. Open to the public and visited regularly for the past century, the location has now been registered as a historic site.
The Pivot Rock is an unusual formation in that it is "upside down''. The bottom of the rock measures two feet by seven feet, but the top is large enough to fit a large SUV or a small RV on it comfortably. From point to table-top, it is taller than an average height male. In contrast the Natural Bridge is relatively small, just large enough for an average size adult to walk underneath if they are bent at the waist. It is just a pretty natural foot bridge, and not blocked off from tourists.
Like most places in the Ozarks, there is a legend attached to this area. Unusually, for the Ozarks, this legend has a basis in truth. It is said that the caves and ravines directly around the formations were used by Jesse James and the James-Younger Gang as a hideout. While it has been proven that Jesse James and his gang did frequent the area, it is hard to conclusively say that this exact spot was used as a hideout. The story is useful when motivating reluctant children to visit the park, however.
The paths leading to the formations are paved, but can be difficult to navigate for disabled individuals. There is a small fee to visit the site, and it is open in summer, spring, and fall but closed in winter. This area also offers other nature related actives, just as longer hiking trails, fishing, and some educational programs. For more information contact the park's visitor's office at (479) 253-8860.
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