Rockbridge, Ohio

Rockbridge, Ohio
Census-designated place
Houses on Jackson Street south of the post office
Location of Rockbridge, Ohio
Coordinates: 39°35′10″N82°31′34″W / 39.58611°N 82.52611°W / 39.58611; -82.52611
Country	United States
State	Ohio
County	Hocking
Township	Good Hope
Area [1]
• Total	0.38 sq mi (0.98 km2)
• Land	0.38 sq mi (0.98 km2)
• Water	0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Elevation [2]	846 ft (258 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	160
• Density	423.28/sq mi (163.55/km2)
Time zone	UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code	43149
Area code	740
FIPS code	39-67804
GNIS feature ID	2628962 [2]

Rockbridge is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in eastern Good Hope Township, Hocking County, Ohio, United States. It has a post office with the ZIP code 43149. ^[3] It is located at the interchange of U.S. Route 33 and State Route 374, between Logan and Lancaster. As of the 2020 census the population of the CDP was 160.

History

A post office called Rockbridge has been in operation since 1863. ^[4] The community was named after a nearby natural sandstone arch, which stretches approximately 100 feet (30 m) in length and 10 to 20 feet (3.0 to 6.1 m) in width. In the 19th century, the arrival of the Hocking Canal and later the railroad increased visitation to the area. In 1977, the land surrounding the arch was sold to the state, and in 1978 it was designated as the Rockbridge State Nature Preserve. ^[5]

Geography

Rockbridge is located in eastern Good Hope Township at the junction of U.S. Route 33 and State Route 374, approximately 40 miles (64 km) southeast of Columbus. The area lies within the Hocking Hills region of the Allegheny Plateau, known for its rugged topography, sandstone cliffs, and forested valleys. ^[6]

Rockbridge State Nature Preserve

The Rockbridge State Nature Preserve spans 182 acres and protects the Rockbridge Natural Arch, Ohio's largest natural bridge. The arch is carved from Mississippian Black Hand Sandstone and formed by erosion over millions of years. It is approximately 100 feet (30 m) long, 10 to 20 feet (3.0 to 6.1 m) wide, and 3 to 5 feet (0.91 to 1.52 m) thick, arching about 50 feet (15 m) above a ravine on a tributary of the Hocking River. The preserve includes about 2.75 miles (4.43 km) of hiking trails, including one leading directly to the bridge and another forming a longer loop. ^[7]

Recreation and tourism

Rockbridge serves as a gateway to the Hocking Hills region and hosts numerous tourist attractions including zip-lining (such as Hocking Hills Canopy Tours), antique shops, cabin rentals, and canoe outfitters. The nearby Clear Creek Metro Park offers additional hiking trails, birdwatching, and naturalist programs. Rockbridge’s proximity to U.S. Route 33 makes it a common stop for visitors heading into Hocking Hills. ^[8]

Transportation

The community is centered around the interchange of U.S. Route 33 and State Route 374. Historically, both the Hocking Canal and railroads played a significant role in bringing tourists and settlers to the area. ^[9]

Demographics

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
2020	160		—
U.S. Decennial Census [10]

See also

• Rockbridge Network

References

1. "ArcGIS REST Services Directory". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 20, 2022.
2. U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Rockbridge, Ohio
3. USPS Zip Code Lookup
4. "Hocking County". Jim Forte Postal History. Retrieved December 10, 2015.
5. "History of the Natural Rock Bridge". Natural Rock Bridge Cabin. Retrieved June 30, 2025.
6. "Rockbridge State Nature Preserve". HockingHills.com. Retrieved June 30, 2025.
7. "Ohio Geology Fact Sheet: Natural Bridges" (PDF). Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved June 30, 2025.
8. "Explore Hocking Hills" . Retrieved June 30, 2025.
9. "History of the Natural Rock Bridge". Natural Rock Bridge Cabin. Retrieved June 30, 2025.
10. "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2016.