Pierced Rock Natural Bridge near McBaine, Missouri
N 38° 51.292 W 092° 25.419
15S E 550009 N 4300829
The pierced rock natural arch in the Burlington limestone bluffs above today's Katy Trail was noted in 1804 by the Lewis & Clark expedition. It was observable from the river then. The course of the river has changed,but not the landmark.
Waymark Code: WM9VHD
Location: Missouri, United States
Date Posted: 10/01/2010
Views: 12
The natural bridge Missouri River landmark was named by the French boatman and explorers. It was on the map that James Mackay the Scottish explorer gave the Lewis and Clark Expedition as they prepared to ascend the Missouri on their great voyage of 1804-1806.
The hole in the natural bridge when viewed from below on the Katy Trail appears small and round. However, it is more impressive when seen from above as seen in a 2004 photo I took.
Duke Paul when he saw it from the river wasn't impressed when he wrote about it in his journal in 1823.
Missouri historian James Denny wrote: "It may also be worth considering that as unimpressive as the Pierced Rock Natural Bridge may be, it is still perhaps the best natural bridge formation on the lower Missouri, it made enough of an impression on other early travelers to become a well known river landmark.
It is reachable only by hiking or cycling on the KATY Trail. I parked at the Providence Conservation Access that intersects the KATY and then walked west on the level trail for 1/2 hour to reach the landmark.
Photo of the Arch by itself?: yes
Type of Arch: Water Eroded
Type of Material:
Burlington limestone
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Visit Instructions:
You must post a picture of you with a GPSr or Geocaching/Waymarking attire/equipment and the subject arch in the background.