Natural Bridge
by Cynthia Saunders
If you've never been there, you don't realize you need to go there, but today, I'm telling you, you do. Yes, against my better judgment, I am ready to selfelssly reveal one of my favorite North County hiding spots. With the days getting longer and the grass getting greener, I spend close to one afternoon per day there, and every time lately (yes, every time) I pass by people on their way in who inquire about what they're getting into. So, it seems the revelation is inevitable. Allow me to introduce you to the Natural Bridge State Park in North Adams.
The park is located only about a mile outside of N.A. You start like you're headed out of town and going toward the Contemporary Artist's Center. Just past their big brick building, you'll find the road to the park on your immediate left. Once you make that turn, the road widens out, and there's space along the sides for parking. Suring the off-season hours, this is about as close as you can get by car. When the warmer weather gets underway, you'll find the gates thrown open and you'll be able to drive right up to the lot at the top and park there for a modest fee. Personally, though, I like the wlak up from the bottom. It's not too lengthy, and it runs scenically along the river.
Once you get up into the heart of the park, you'll find yourself looking straight up at a set of sturdy wooden steps. Before you start climbing though, take a minute to appreciate the marble ledges surrounding the opening to your right. When I was a high school student, our rock climbing club worked with the local fire department to hone some repelling skills here. We staged a few rescue operations, and I got to play a stranded climber in need of rescue. Mind you, this is certainly not an activity that is permitted by the park (those were some unique, carefully approved circumstances) but maybe this will help you to imagine the type of scene that I'm talking about.
The "Natural Bridge" itself, for those who do not know, is a bridge of marble whose channels have been deepening for centuries. The back story is neatly posted throughout the area, so I'll let you discover the history for yourself as you explore the various lookout points. When you've finished wandering around the rocks, make your way up to the park's upper level and seek out your relaxing spot of choice. You have plenty of options--there are benches, grassy fields, picnic tables, and even a sculpture garden tochoose from.
So, here's your checklist: a lightweight sheet for lounging about and picnicking, a sweatshirt (to be used for extra warmth or as a pillow for some serious cloud watching), your current novel of choice, a sketchpad and watercolor pencils, a notebook and pen, your water bottle, and (if it were me) a Crasins-based trail mix. (Be aware, this is a carry-out-what-you-carry-in kind of place, so it can be nice to keep your snacks simple.) Other optional items: your guitars, Frisbees, puppies, and other favorite people who like to make time for this sort of thing. Ready? Good. And now you know what you're getting into. Hopefully I'll see you there!
About Cynthia Saunders
North Adams native Cynthia Saunders wrote her first poem, “The car went after/ the star” at age 5, and has been writing, and chasing stars in her car ever since. Currently, she teaches English at Wahconah Regional High School in Dalton and lives with her kitten, Thomasina.