Exploring Natural Bridge State Resort Park: Kentucky's Hidden Gem

Natural Bridge State Resort Park in Kentucky

Natural Bridge State Resort Park, a 2,200-acre forested park, is one of Kentucky's most beautiful natural wonders. Our family thoroughly enjoyed our time at this beautiful State Park, where we hiked, explored, and stayed in one of the rustic cabins. Located in the Daniel Boone National Forest, the park is centered around its namesake—a stunning sandstone arch leading to beautiful views of Red River Gorge. This natural wonder draws thousands of visitors a year.

Kentucky's Natural Bridge

Natural Bridge: The Crown Jewel

Kentucky's Natural Bridge is 65 feet high at the highest point, 78 feet in length, and 20 feet wide, providing a path and scenic viewpoint for hikers. The sandstone arch was shaped over centuries of erosion. Geologically, the bridge is Pottsville conglomerate, a durable rock that survived as the softer rock washed away.

Table of Contents:

• Fundamentals of Planning for Natural Bridge State Resort Park in Kentucky

• Cabins at Natural Bridge Resort State Park

• Hiking Trails at Natural Bridge State Resort Park

• Safety Tips

• Best Times to Visit Natural Bridge

• Year-Round Fishing

• Seasonal Activities

• SkyLift at Natural Bridge State Resort Park

Fundamentals of Planning for Natural Bridge State Resort Park

Natural Bridge State Resort Park

Address: 2135 Natural Bridge Rd, Slade, KY

Phone: 606.663.2214

With no entrance fee and reasonable attraction fees, this is an affordable destination for families. We spent two days exploring the trails and sites. Hiking, fishing, photography, swimming, outdoor cooking, and nearby adventures are the highlights of this getaway. Visitors may tent camp in one of the park's two campgrounds or choose to stay overnight in a cabin.

Comfortable Cabins at Natural Bridge State Resort Park

Cabin at Natural Bridge State Resort Park

The park offers a variety of comfortable accommodations for visitors looking to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area.

Hemlock Lodge

Hemlock Lodge provides hotel-style rooms with modern amenities and stunning views of the surrounding forest. The lodge features:

• 35 rooms with private balconies

• Fully accessible rooms available with zero-step entry

• Elevator service to all floors

• On-site restaurant with panoramic views

• Wi-Fi access and satellite TV

Cottages and Cabins

Our family stayed in one of the cabins at Natural Bridge State Resort Park. The fully stocked kitchen, comfortable bedrooms, bathroom, outdoor grill, and patio were perfect for this stop on our multi-state road trip.

For a more private experience, the park offers several cottages and cabins:

• Woodland Cottages: These one and two-bedroom cottages feature:

  • 3-4 steps to enter

  • Fully equipped kitchens

  • Living areas with fireplaces

  • Outdoor grills and picnic areas

• Hillside Cottages: Located on the ridge overlooking the forest:

  • 5+ steps required for entry

  • Private porches with forest views

  • Kitchen facilities

  • Accommodations for 2-6 people

Accessibility Information

While many accommodations at Natural Bridge State Resort Park strive to be accessible, visitors with mobility concerns should note the following:

• Hemlock Lodge offers the most accessible options with zero-step entry available

• Most cottages require navigating at least 3-7, some have dozens of steps

• The terrain throughout the park is naturally steep and rugged

• The park office can provide detailed accessibility information for planning purposes

Book Your Stay at Natural Bridge State Resort Park

Must-Experience Hiking Trails

Hiking Trails at Natural Bridge State Resort Park in Kentucky

Natural Bridge State Resort Park boasts over 20 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging treks. Here are some of the most popular trails:

Fat Man's Squeze en route to Kentucky's Natural Bridge

Original Trail

• Length: 0.75 miles (one way)

• Difficulty: Moderate to difficult

• Highlights: Direct route to Natural Bridge

• What to See: Balanced Rock, Fat Man's Squeeze, spectacular views

• Notes: Features steep sections with 400+ feet of elevation gain and 137 steps to the top of the bridge.

Balanced Rock Trail

• Length: 0.5 miles

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Highlights: Unique rock formations

• What to See: Balanced Rock (a boulder perched precariously on a cliff edge)

• Notes: Connects with the Original Trail

Rock Garden Trail

• Length: 1.5 miles (loop)

• Difficulty: Moderate to difficult

• Highlights: Massive rock formations and boulders

• What to See: Dense forest, unique rock formations, seasonal wildflowers

• Notes: Some scrambling required over rocky sections

Mountain Laurel at Natural Bridge State Resort Park in Kentucky

Laurel Ridge Trail

• Length: 1 mile

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

• Highlights: Scenic forest path

• What to See: Mountain laurel blooms in spring, vibrant foliage in fall

• Notes: Good option for families with children

Skybridge Trail

• Length: 0.5 miles

• Difficulty: Easy

• Highlights: Panoramic views of Red River Gorge

• What to See: Lookout points, distant views of Natural Bridge

• Notes: Wheelchair accessible for portions of the trail

Whittleton Branch Trail

• Length: 2.5 miles (one way)

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Highlights: Creek crossings

• What to See: Whittleton Arch is recorded as the largest arch by mass in the Red River Gorge Geological Area. 

• Notes: Can be muddy after rainfall

Hiking at Natural Bridge State Resort Park

Devil's Gulch Trail

• Length: 1.5 miles

• Difficulty: Difficult

• Highlights: Challenging terrain through a narrow gorge

• What to See: Massive boulders, cliff faces, lush vegetation

• Notes: Not recommended for inexperienced hikers or young children

Safety Tips for Visiting Natural Bridge

General Safety

• Obey all posted signs and instructions from the park

• Stay on marked trails at all times

• Wear appropriate footwear with good traction

• Carry sufficient water (at least 1 liter per person for shorter hikes, more for longer treks)

• Check weather forecasts before heading out

• Inform someone of your hiking plans and expected return time

• Carry a basic first aid kit

• Keep a safe distance from cliff edges

• Do not climb on the Natural Bridge or other rock formations unless in designated areas.

Wildlife Safety

While Kentucky black bears are present in the park, encounters are relatively rare. We did not see any on our visit. Nevertheless, visitors should follow these bear safety guidelines:

• Never approach, feed, or attempt to photograph bears at close range

• Store food in bear-proof containers or your vehicle

• Dispose of trash properly in designated receptacles

• Make noise while hiking to avoid surprising bears

• If you encounter a bear, remain calm, make yourself appear large, back away slowly, and never run

• Travel in groups when possible

• Keep dogs leashed at all times (where allowed)

Very carefully looking over Kentucky's Natural Bridge

Cliff and Heights Safety

• Stay behind guardrails and fences

• Keep children close and supervised at all times

• Do not throw objects from heights

• Be especially cautious when rocks are wet or icy

• Use provided staircases and pathways

Natural Bridge State Resort Park in Slade, Kentucky

Weather Considerations

• Be aware of rapidly changing weather conditions

• Seek shelter during thunderstorms

• Avoid trails during heavy rain due to flash flooding risk

• In winter, be cautious of ice on trails and bridges

Best Times to Visit Kentucky's Natural Bridge State Resort Park

Natural Bridge State Resort Park is open year-round, though some facilities may have limited hours during winter months. The park's proximity to the Red River Gorge Geological Area makes it an ideal base for exploring the broader region.

Spring (April to May)

• Wildflowers in bloom

• Comfortable hiking temperatures (50-70°F)

• Less crowded than in the summer

• Mountain laurel and rhododendron flowering periods

Summer (June to August)

• Lush, green forests

• Warmer temperatures (70-90°F)

• Longer daylight hours for extended hikes

• Busiest season - expect more visitors

• Swimming available in designated areas

• Evening programs and ranger-led activities

Fall (September to November)

• Spectacular foliage colors (peak typically mid-October)

• Crisp, clear hiking conditions

• Moderate temperatures (40-70°F)

• Excellent photography opportunities

• Popular season - weekends can be crowded

Winter (December to March)

• Serene, quiet trails

• Potential for snow-covered landscapes

• Dramatic ice formations

• Fewest visitors

• Challenging hiking conditions - some trails may be closed

• Lodge remains open year-round

Year-Round Fishing:

At Kentucky's Natural Bridge State Resort Park, fishing is permitted year-round at the parks' Mill Creek Lake with a Kentucky Fishing License.

Fishing at Mill Creek Lake: Mill Creek Lake is popular for boaters and anglers. This well-stocked lake features largemouth bass, catfish, and bluegill. Pro tip: Ask the park about the fishing loaner program to borrow a free pole if you’re without one.

• Trout Catch and Release:

  • Season: From October 1st to March 31st, the catch and release season is in effect for trout in Mill Creek Lake. 

  • Regulations: During this time, all trout must be immediately released, and only artificial baits may be used. 

• Largemouth Bass: Must be 15 inches or over, with a limit of 6 per angler. 

• Other Fish: Statewide size and creel limits apply to all other species, except where noted 

• No Swimming or Gas-Powered Boats: These are not permitted in Mill Creek Lake. 

Seasonal Activities

Red River Gorge Kentucky

Spring

• Wildflower identification walks

• Birdwatching (spring migration)

• Photography workshops

• Guided nature hikes

• Fishing in nearby Red River

• Ride the SkyLift

• Nearby Zipline Tours

Summer

• Cool off at Mill Creek Lake, a small, peaceful lake surrounded by forest and towering sandstone cliffs. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer season for swimming in the freshwater.

• Canoeing and kayaking: Mill Creek Lake's launch ramp makes it perfect for paddling canoes and kayaks (rentals are available from Memorial Day through Labor Day).

• Outdoor Swimming Pool

• Outdoor concerts at the amphitheater

• Stargazing programs

• Campfire talks

• Junior Ranger programs

• Ride the SkyLift

• Nearby Zipline Tours

Fall

• Fall foliage

• Hawk watching

• Halloween-themed events (October)

• Guided photography hikes

• Ride the SkyLift

• Nearby Zipline Tours

Winter

• Winter ecology hikes

• Bird feeding programs

• Holiday events at the lodge

• Wildlife tracking after snowfall

• Indoor nature activities

Natural Bridge State Resort Park's Sky Lift: Spring-Fall

The SkyLift at Natural Bridge State Resort Park: Kentucky

Natural Bridge State Resort Park's Sky Lift offers visitors a scenic and easy alternative to hiking up to the park's iconic sandstone arch. This chairlift carries passengers on a quarter-mile journey through the forest canopy, climbing 420 feet in elevation from the park's lower areas to the ridgetop near Natural Bridge. Originally installed in the 1960s and periodically modernized for safety and comfort, the Sky Lift provides views of the surrounding Red River Gorge. Operating from spring through fall (weather permitting), the Sky Lift is a favorite attraction at the park.

Why We Love Natural Bridge State Resort Park

Kentucky's Natural Bridge State Reesort Park

From the magnificent natural arch that gives the park its name to the miles of scenic trails winding through the Daniel Boone National Forest, this Kentucky gem is a wonderful place to enjoy camping and glamping. Plan your visit today to discover why Natural Bridge State Resort Park remains one of Kentucky's most beloved outdoor destinations.

Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky

Additional Resources for your Kentucky Vacation:

• Exploring Kentucky's Moonbow at Cumberland Falls State Park

• First-Timer’s Guide to Churchill Downs: Tips for an Unforgettable Day at the Races

• Exploring Natural Bridge State Resort Park: Kentucky's Hidden Gem

• 25 Epic Tips for Conquering Your Buc-ee's Adventure: The Ultimate Road Trip Pit Stop

• Missouri Vacation Inpiration

• Tennessee Vacation Inspiration

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