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If you’re planning to go hiking at Natural Bridge State Resort Park in Kentucky, here’s what you should know before you go!
Have you ever discovered something amazing that was really close to your home?
Something that’s been there for years– or maybe for always– and you had no idea it existed?
That’s what happened for me with Natural Bridge in Kentucky.
Natural Bridge State Resort Park is in Slade, Kentucky near Lexington.
The husband and I drove there last summer, strapped on our hiking boots and too-heavy backpacks, and went on a long hike to prepare us for backpacking in Yosemite.
As we walked, climbed, and scrambled along rocks– I found myself wondering how it was possible that I’d never known this place existed!
Love hiking in Appalachia? Visit West Pinnacle and East Pinnacle Trails, Bernheim Forest, the 4C’s trail and Three Bridges Trail in Carter Caves, the New River Gorge (West Virginia) and the Great Smoky Mountains (Tennessee).
Why Visit Natural Bridge in Kentucky?
Probably the biggest reason is that it’s just so beautiful!
Last summer, I watched the rhododendrons grow bigger and bigger each time we visited. This year, the mountain laurel were at their peak in late May.
Planning your next trip? Check out my favorite camping and hiking gear.
Are the Hiking Trails Difficult?
There’s a whole range of trails at Natural Bridge!
Some of them are a little tricky. There’s even a spot or two where you’ll need to rock scramble.
If you’re looking for the (relatively easy) rock scrambling, head towards the Devil’s Gulch and Needle’s Eye Stairways.
Want more trail information? Check out the Natural Bridge trail maps and descriptions.
If hiking’s not your thing, you can take the sky lift to the top of the hill, wander around a few easy trails, and check out the natural bridge without much hiking at all.
Can I Camp Nearby?
You sure can!
You can camp at the campground inside the park, or if you’d rather sleep in a hotel– there’s a lodge on-site!
Honestly, we live so close to Natural Bridge that we’ve always simply driven home after a long day of hiking.
What’s the Best Food Near Natural Bridge?
Hands down– my favorite place so far is Miguel’s Pizza. It’s just outside the park, and the pizza is SO GOOD.
In fact, it’s won my heart so completely that I’m a little ashamed to say that I haven’t tried any other restaurants nearby, because about halfway through each hike– I start dreaming of pizza.
That said– our friends have been more adventurous than I have, and here are their top food picks near Natural Bridge:
- Miguel’s Pizza
- Red River Rockhouse (fancy American-style food)
- Sky Bridge Station (hot dogs, some vegetarian options)
Have you visited Natural Bridge in Kentucky? What was your favorite part?
Dogs are not permitted on the trails in the state park proper, but there are lots of good trails in the Red River Gorge area that you can bring your dog.
Good hiking book for trails in the RRG is called Hiking the Red, written by members of tge local Sierra Club, proceeds benefit the club.