NABSQNO 16S-353804-4153590Bell Smith Natural Bridge in Pope County, Illinois Photo by Jay Wilbur NABSQNO 16S-353804-4153590. Bell Smith Natural Bridge is an adult alcove natural arch eroded through sandstone. It is located in the Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area near Eddyville, Illinois, and is within the boundaries of the Shawnee National Forest. Access is via gravel USFS roads followed by a quarter mile hike down stone steps and then across Bay Creek. Bell Smith Natural Bridge appeared in the Vreeland catalog as number 14-9. Vreeland reported a span of 120 feet and a height of 22 feet. It is certainly one of the largest natural arches east of the Mississippi River.
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