Natural Bridge State Resort Park
Slade
Natural Bridge State Resort Park is renowned for its iconic, towering sandstone arch surrounded by dense forested ridges in eastern Kentucky. Visitors can reach the geological formation via a steep 2 to 2.5-mile hike on the Original Trail or opt for the skylift, enjoying panoramic ridge views across the gorge. The sandstone atop the arch offers sweeping vistas but can be notably slick underfoot, with alternative trails allowing hikers to view the arch from underneath.
Commenters are overwhelmingly enthusiastic about the park's scenic beauty, with many expressing eager desires to visit or reminiscing about personal memories in the area. Alongside widespread praise for regional hikes, community members frequently ask practical questions about park entrance fees and tunnel clearances while suggesting adjacent trails like Indian Staircase and Cloudsplitter.
- Hike the Original Trail (2 to 2.5 miles) for a rewarding, steep climb up to the arch
- Watch your footing on top of the natural bridge, as the sandstone surface gets very slick
- Hike underneath the arch for a completely different visual perspective
- Use the skylift as an alternative route to the top if you want to skip the climb
- Check vehicle height clearance requirements ahead of time if traveling via Nada Tunnel
- Consider combining your trip with nearby trails like Indian Staircase, Cloudsplitter, or Auxier Ridge
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