One of my favorite parks I have visited thus far is Natural Bridge State Park in Kentucky. I think alot had to do with it being the “perfect storm” of events – I stayed in the park at the Hemlock Lodge, there weren’t a ton of people there, I got up and went hiking early, and when I got to the Natural Bridge, I was the only person on the bridge! And seeing how popular this park is, I was lucky to have the solitude and serenity.
About the park: Tucked within the Daniel Boone National Forest, Natural Bridge State Park is a 2,300-acre park that features a magnificent, natural sandstone arch. The bridge spans an incredible 78 feet and reaches 65 feet high, towering over an area nicknamed, “Kentucky’s Land of Arches.” The park also highlights over 20 miles of hiking trails to famous Kentucky sights like Fat Man’s Squeeze, Balanced Rock, and Lover’s Leap.
My hike: My room overlooked the lake area, which intrigued me, so despite knowing that I was going to hike down hill and then back up to the lodge parking lot to the Original Trail – about a total of a 1/2 mile. I did it and I was happy as it gave me a chance to explore more of this beautiful park. At the parking lot, there were several signs about bears, and knowing I was hiking alone and that there were few people out hiking, I had a little trepidation, but went on. I have since better educated myself on bears and what to do and I also carry bear spray as a last resort.
From the parking lot, I continued up the Original Trail to the Natural Bridge. This is the steepest part of the trail with an elevation change of 420 ft. It is a beautiful hike through the forest surrounded by hemlock, tulip trees, white pines and thickets of rhododendron. And of course, I saw my favorite – mushrooms – and had to take a picture.
Pictures: Some of the rock formations on the Original Trail up to the Natural Bridge
Pictures: Mushrooms – the beauty of nature | The Original Trail
As you come to the top of the Original Trail, you come around a bend, and see the Natural Bridge for the first time. I was not prepared for how magnificent it was going to be and the closer I got to it, the more awe-inspiring it was. It always amazes me at the power of nature and what it can create. The trail continues up until you are right under the bridge. From under the bridge, there is a super – yes super – narrow walkway – next to the bridge – that takes you up to the top of the bridge.
Pictures: More of the underside of the Natural Bridge
Pictures: The super narrow stairway up to the top of the Natural Bridge
The second WOW – being on top of the bridge. I wasn’t prepared for the magnificent views and to be on such a daunting structure – it was super cool. And I’ll be honest – with my slight fear of heights, it was a bit scary on top, but well worth it! It should be noted, and as you can see from the pictures, there are no guardrails up there – just some warning signs to be careful near the edge. There are stories of people being careless and falling off, so be careful on top. From the top of the Natural Bridge, you can see Lookout Point in the distance – where I am headed to next.
Pictures: My first view of the top of the Natural Bridge | The massive beauty of the bridge
Pictures: The beautiful morning fog in the valley | Me on top of the world!
From the Natural Bridge I took the Laurel Ridge Trail (#9) – a hike along the rim of the cliffs, where you will eventually pass the Skylift – a chair lift taking people up to the top. The trail then winds out to Lookout Point – the sandstone cliff you could see from the Natural Bridge. From Lookout Point, you get more amazing views and you can look back at the Natural Bridge. There is quite a big drop off from the point, and again there are no guard rails, so be careful as you get near the edge. I took a moment and had breakfast on Lookout Point, taking in the beauty and enjoying the serenity nature has to offer.
The trail continues along the rim and it can be narrow at some points, with some step drop-offs. Next you will come to two, very steep, stairs – Devil’s Gulch and Needle’s Eye – both will take you down to Battleship Rock Trail (#3). However, I continued on the trail to Lover’s Leap – another overlook with breathtaking views of the canyon below.
Pictures: Views from Lover’s Leap
Lover’s Leap is a dead end, so after enjoying the views, I turnaround and headed back. I decided to go down Needle’s Eye – built in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps – which is very steep – so I took my time going down. At the base of the stairs, you connect to Battleship Rock Trail (#3). I took the trail back towards the Natural Bridge and along the way you will pass Battleship Rock and other beautiful rock formations. And for the life of me, I am not sure why I don’t have a picture of Battleship Rock?
Pictures: Needle’s Eye
Pictures: The hike along Battleship Rock Trail
Back at the Natural Bridge, I connected to the Rock Garden Trail (#4) which winds around below the cliffs and eventually takes you back to the Hemlock Lodge. I am so happy I decided to take this trail as you pass by more spectacular rock formations.
Pictures: Rock formations along Rock Garden Trail
Pictures: More rock formations along Rock Garden Trail
I was glad that I started out my day early and that I did not check out as I was able to take a shower and change before check out time and before I hit the road again. The total distance for the hike was about 4 miles and took me about 2 hrs. as I stopped several times. I highly recommend a visit to Natural Bridge State Park in Kentucky!
Date of visit: 16 September 2022