Wayne Nat'l. Forest Ohio: Stalking the remote trailhead

[Marthe48]

In 1998, I learned that Ohio has several natural stone bridges, or arches. There is one near us in the Wayne National Forest in Washington County. When I learned of it, the source warned it was a challenge to get to. Even back then, there was supposed to be a trail to get to it. My husband and I drove around in the back country trying to locate the township road nearest the arch. Even with directions and a county map, we couldn't find it. It was a nice drive and I still hoped we'd find the arch. We looked for another arch in western Washington County and didn't find that one either.

Today, I was up the river and on my way home, decided to give it another try. On my way back from Cindy's service today, I went looking for the parking spot from which to hike to the natural arch. I found the general vicinity, but man, what a trek. I had a county map with me, but in reality, not that useful. I followed Leith Run, to Cty Rd. 9 to Township Rd 36 to Township Rd 58 and after crossing a small creek via a ford, I found Township 411, which is the road on which there is a cemetery, by which you should park and then hike to the natural arch. T411 is more like a goat track. I drove up a mild grade until the way was blocked by a monolithic metal bar of some sort. Possibly proves some of the myths on Ancient Aliens! I think it had been buried under the cobblestones the township had used to "pave" the track. Anyway, knowing that trying to drive over that bar would be like driving up steps, I backed down. Backing a car is a treat in any situation. I was doing pretty good, but thought I would have to ford the creek in reverse, then I decided, I will cross that bridge when I come to it. Came to a closet-sized wide spot next to a couple of oil storage tanks. I closely examined the ground to see if it were level and solid, and thought I could manage tight turns to keep a couple tires on the cobbles and get the car turned. Not much chance of blocking traffic. lol I was about a 1/3 of the way turned when I noticed that less than 25 ft. away was the road I came in on. And with great relief, realized the ford was further back along that road. I didn't get to find the cemetery, but I am so much closer to finding the arch. There is another road past T411, which might let us park and walk down to the arch. I found another map online when I got home, and the cemetery I need to find is not on the county map. On the online map, it looks like the trailhead is on the opposite end of of T411. I'm hoping to locate the parking area, and hike to the arch with my daughter and her family. Hoping I can lead the way right to it when I go with them. It was a nice adventure and got me out of the house for awhile