Near Covington in Fountain County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Portland Arch Natural Preserve
Photographed By Al Wolf, August 9, 2008
1. Portland Arch Natural Preserve Marker
This is NOT a place for inexperienced hikers! It is very rough and natural area.
National Natural Landmark
This site possesses exceptional value as an illustration of the nation's natural heritage and contributes to a better understanding of the environment
Erected 1973 by National Park Service & United States Department of the Interior.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Horticulture & Forestry. In addition, it is included in the National Natural Landmarks series list.
Location. 40° 12.996′ N, 87° 20.03′ W. Marker is near Covington, Indiana, in Fountain County. Marker can be reached from West Scout Camp Road (County Road 600 N) 0.4 miles south of North Walnut. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Portland Arch Nature Preserve, Covington IN 47932, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Wabash - Erie Canal (approx. 0.4 miles away); Progressive Friends Church Memorial (approx. 3˝ miles away); Osborn Prairie Church - - Built 1892 (approx. 4.2 miles away); Trail of Death (approx. 5.2 miles away); Warren County Patriots (approx.
this page online
More about this marker. The Covington Post Office Serves the area - BUT the Preserve is South of "Fountain" (aka: Portland Arch) Indiana.
Directions: From Attica go south on U.S. 41 for about 5 mi. and then west on Co. Rd. 650N. Once in Fountain, follow signs to the preserve. There are two parking lots, each with an adjoining self-guiding trail. The trail from the first parking lot leads to the arch.
Regarding Portland Arch Natural Preserve. Bear Creek flows through a deep ravine with high rock walls. It is joined by a small tributary stream that has carved an opening through a massive Mansfield sandstone formation and created a natural bridge known as Portland Arch.
Portland Arch has been recognized for its uniqueness since the first settlers came to western Indiana. A resort and then a Boy Scout camp were located in this area in the past. Now Portland Arch is a National Natural Landmark, as well as a Nature Preserve.
Photographed By Al Wolf, August 9, 2008
2. Marker and surroundings
Marker is in the lower left in this photo.
Photographed By Al Wolf, August 9, 2008
3. Parking Area and Marker
The marker can be seen on the large rock to the lower left in this photograph.
Photographed By Al Wolf, August 9, 2008
4. Entrance to the parking area near the marker
The marker can be seen in the lower center of this picture. There is another parking area .2 of a mile to the south. Driving into these areas during snow season or icy conditions requires seasonal precautions.
Photographed By Al Wolf, August 9, 2008
5. The Rock! You will pass it getting to the parking area.
Photographed By Al Wolf, August 9, 2008
6. Area Rules and Regulations
The Rules and Regulations are posted in both areas but have different styles. This one is in the South Parking Area.
Photographed By Christopher Light, April 22, 2006
7. Portland Arch
Photographed By Christopher Light, April 22, 2008
8. Portland Arch
Photographed By Lori Galloway, August 4, 2008
9. Portland Arch Nature Preserve, North Trail, near marker 20
Photographed By Lori Galloway, November 1, 2008
10. Portland Arch Natural Preserve
Near marker 18 is a trail that leads to the creek. This picture captures a small glimpse of the autumnal leaves against the jagged edges of the natural rock formation.
Photographed By Tim A. DeVore, April 6, 2010
11. Portland Arch Natural Preserve Marker
Quiet reflections of the wooded area that leads to the arch.
Photographed By Photo was in Danville Commercial News
12. Portland Arch Scout Camp mess hall
Credits. This page was last revised on August 30, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 9, 2008, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. This page has been viewed 5,063 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 9, 2008, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. 7, 8. submitted on December 18, 2008, by Christopher Light of Valparaiso, Indiana. 9, 10. submitted on February 3, 2009, by Lori Galloway of Covington, Indiana. 11. submitted on April 7, 2010, by Tim A. DeVore of Danville, Illinois. 12. submitted on April 21, 2011, by Robert W. Kukla of Frisco, Texas. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Historical photos of the Resort and/or Boy Scout Camp once located near the arch. • Can you help?
