In April our family took a road trip from Michigan to Florida. Along the way, we decided to stop in Kentucky’s Red River Gorge to see the Natural Bridge. Not only was it beautiful, but it was the perfect place to hike, and stretch our legs for a few hours. The views from on top of the bridge were absolutely stunning. The highlight was definitely being able to walk high above the trees on the large, sandstone bridge. Keep reading for a guide on visiting the Natural Bridge State Resort Park.
Check out our other articles related to this post (they are all part of the same road trip)-
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Where is Natural Bridge State Resort Park
2135 Natural Bridge Rd, Slade, KY 40376
It is located in Kentucky along the Red River and adjacent to the Red River Gorge. The Red River Gorge and Natural Bridge State Resort Park are surrounded by the Daniel Boone National Forest. This entire area is beautiful and there is so much to explore outside of the Natural Bridge. However, we only had a few hours so we stayed in the area of the Natural Bridge.
Fun Facts about the Natural Bridge & Red River Gorge area
- Some geologists believe that the Natural Bridge is at least 1 million years old.
- The sandstone arch (Natural Bridge) is an incredible 78 feet long, 65 feet high, 12 feet thick and 20 feet wide.
- There are over 200 natural arches within a 10-mile radius. Keep your eyes peeled. Some of these rock formations are small and can be easily missed.
- This area has the highest concentration of natural arches East of Arches National Park in Utah.
- Red River Gorge Geological Area has become one of the world’s top rock climbing destinations.
- Natural Bridge State Park has over 20 miles of hiking trails.
- It is FREE to hike
- Natural Bridge State Resort Park is open year-round.
- Natural Bridge State Resort Park is one of Kentucky’s original four State Parks.
Popular Trails at Natural Bridge State Resort Park
The first 3 trails listed below will take you to Natural Bridge using different routes. Trails 4-6 do not include Natural Bridge.
Here is a link to Natural Bridge State Resort Park map.
1. Original, Laurel Ridge, and Rock Trail Loop
- Length – 2.0-mile loop
- Difficulty – Moderate
- Elevation Gain – 626 ft.
- Estimated Time – 1 hr. 20 min.
We took this trail but we started at the parking lot by the Lakeside Trail trailhead (#8). Then followed it across the suspension bridge to the Original Trail.
Here is the exact route we took and everything we saw-
Lakeside Trail → Original Trail → Natural Bridge → Fat Man’s Squeeze → Top of Natural Bridge → Laurel Ridge Trail → Lookout Point → Lover’s Leap → Devil’s Gulch → Battleship Rock Trail → Rock Garden Trail
*This route took us about 2 hours to complete.
Fat Man’s Squeeze
Fat Mans Squeeze is a beautiful stone stairway that leads to the top of Natural Bridge. It is ridiculously narrow. So narrow that my son made it a point to yell to my husband, “Um, dad, I think you might have a problem.” (Ha Ha! He truly meant no harm)
We found the top of the arch to be incredibly beautiful and peaceful.
Lookout Point
Lookout Point has a spectacular view of Natural Bridge. We loved this spot.
Lovers Leap
While Lovers Leap was cool, it wasn’t our favorite. If you’re looking for something to skip, Lovers Leap would be it. We didn’t like that it overlooked a campground.
Devil’s Gulch
Devil’s Gulch was so cool. It is a very steep and narrow stone stairway. Use plenty of caution going down the stairs. Even though it hadn’t been raining, water was dripping on the stairs causing them to be slick.
Battleship Rock Trail
This is a beautiful trail full of wooden bridges and stairs. There are also plenty of arch formations along this trail.
2. Original Natural Bridge Trail
- Length – 1.1 miles out & back
- Difficulty – Moderate
- Elevation Gain – 396 ft.
- Estimated Time – 43 min.
This short and heavily trafficked trail will take you to see the Natural Bridge. If you are in a hurry, this is the shortest & fastest way to see the Natural Bridge.
While this trail is relatively easy, it has an elevation gain of 396 ft. in a short period of time. It can get pretty intense for some adults and children. That being said, this trail has a lot of places to stop and rest if needed.
3. Natural Bridge & Battleship Rock Trail
- Length – 4.2-mile loop
- Difficulty – Moderate
- Elevation Gain – 1,043 ft
- Estimated Time – 2 hr. 24 min.
4. Whittleton Arch via Whittleton Branch Trail & Whittleton Campground
- Length – 2.5 miles out & back
- Difficulty – easy
- Elevation Gain – 321 ft
- Estimated Time – 1 hr. 13 min.
This trail will take you to see the Whittleton Arch.
5. Henson’s Arch Trail
- Length – 0.8 miles Out & Back
- Difficulty – Moderate
- Elevation Gain – 219 ft
- Estimated Time – 28 min.
Henson’s Arch Trail will take you to another arch and a waterfall.
6. Mill Creek Lake Trail
- Length – 1.7 miles Out & Back
- Difficulty – easy
- Elevation Gain -88 ft
- Estimated Time – 45 min.
This trail runs along Mill Creek Lake giving you some beautiful lake views.
What to wear hiking at Natural Bridge
We visited Natural Bridge State Resort Park in early April. The trails were pretty dry but sometimes slippery. Devil’s Gulch was the most slippery spot. We recommend comfortable shoes with good traction. Climbing up to Natural Bridge was grueling and hot. For this reason, make sure that you bring plenty of water. We personally prefer carrying hydration backpacks over water bottles. Water bottles can get heavy and become rather annoying. Carrying the water on your back feels lighter and you don’t have to hold anything in your hands.
Things to Pack
- Bug Spray
- Water Bottle or Hydration Backpack (our favorites)
- Comfortable shoes with good traction (my husband loves these)
- Comfortable Clothes (moisture-wicking if going in the summer months)
- Camera (we use this one)
- Wide-angle lens to get a shot of the entire bridge from up close
- Zoom lens to get a great picture of the bridge from Lookout Point
- Sunscreen
Things to do at Natural Bridge Resort Park
Bird Watching
Natural Bridge State Resort Park is home to many year-round resident birds. You can find species of birds: Cardinals, Song Sparrow, Great Blue Heron, Pileated Woodpeckers, American Goldfinch, Wild Turkey, and many more.
Winter bird-watching may be more fun. I say this because there are no leaves on the trees making it easier to see the birds. The winter season has various species of Woodpeckers, Wrens, Sparrows, and more.
Hoedown
Available Saturdays May-October. The warm-up starts at 6:30 pm & the dance starts at 7:30. Cost is $3/person, and kids 12 & under are FREE.
Canoeing & Kayaking
Canoe & kayak rental is available Memorial Day – Labor Day
Fishing
A Kentucky fishing license is needed to Fish at Mill Creek Lake. The park offers an awesome loaner fishing program where you can borrow FREE fishing equipment. Some of the species of fish you will find at Mill Creek Lake are Bass, bluegill, black crappie, longear sunfish, green sunfish, rainbow trout, channel catfish, and black bullhead.
Ride the SkyLift
Take a ride to the top of the Natural Bridge. The sky lift begins one-half mile from the park entrance and ends within 600 feet of Natural Bridge. Open daily the first weekend of April through the last weekend in October. Call (606) 663-2922 for pricing.
Miniature Golf
Enjoy 18 holes of mini-golf. $5 per person. Children under 4 are FREE. Rent golf balls and putters at the Mini Golf Snack Bar. Open seasonally. Located near the skylift parking area.
Picnic
There are picnic shelters, playgrounds, restrooms & grills located throughout the park. You can rent shelters up to one year in advance.
Swimming
It’s FREE to those who stay at the lodge, cottage, or camp. The pool is located by the cliff beneath Hemlock Lodge.
Where to Stay
Camping
Whittleton Campground & Middle Fork Campground provides 82 campsites and has utilities. There are also 12 primitive campsites. Open mid-March through the end of October. Pets are welcome if restrained.
Hemlock Lodge
Enjoy the mountainside beauty of Hemlock Lodge in one of its 35 rooms with private balconies. Open year-round and has some pet-friendly rooms.
Cottages
There are seven one-bedroom cottages and four two-bedroom cottages. Open year-round.
Helpful Resources We Can’t Live Without
Accommodations- We love and swear by HiltonHonors, but when we want to stay someplace different, we use Hotels.com. You can search for deals on hotels, cabins, houses & more.
Getting There- Roadtripping with our car is how we prefer to travel. That being said, Skyscanner has great deals on flights and RVShare has deals on RV rentals.
Other Favorites-
Save money on gas- Upside
Find pit stops on your route- RoadTrippers
Deals on local food & attractions- Living Social
Explore top city attractions at a fraction of the price- CityPASS
Looking for gear? See the best deals on clothing & gear here, & best travel essentials here.
Looking for road trip food ideas? Check out food for road trips you’ll love.
Learn how to travel on a budget.
See the best hiking apps
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Dogs Allowed?
Natural Bridge State Resort Park is a nature preserve, therefore dogs are not allowed on most trails. The only trail dogs are allowed on is the Whittleton Trail. This trail can be accessed via Whittleton Campground.
Pin Now, Travel Later:
Natural Bridge State Resort Park in Kentucky’s Red River Gorge was impressive, to say the least. It would make for a perfect family weekend getaway or road trip pit stop (like we did). Our entire family really enjoyed it. Best of all, this road trip pit stop was FREE. It cost us nothing and we love that. I am certain that we will be back to visit more Kentucky State Parks.
What is your favorite FREE place to adventure? Let us know in the comments.