Natural Bridge State Resort Park
Natural Bridge State Resort Park turns 100 years old this year! The land was originally owned by the Lexington & Eastern Railroad, and later the Louisville & Nashville Railroad who eventually decided that the special land should be protected leading them to donate it to the state in 1926. This made Natural Bridge one of Kentucky’s original four State Parks.
We’ve been to Natural Bridge State Resort Park many times but not until our most recent visit did we realize all the park has to offer. The Natural Bridge is the most iconic attraction in the park and what most visitors come to see. This was our first time riding the Skylift to the top of the arch, we’ve always hiked up. It was super fun but not for the faint of heart! The 15 to 20 minute ride takes a pretty vertical ascent at the top. It drops you on top of the arch so if you take this option, be prepared to hike down some stairs and through Fat Man’s Squeeze to go below the arch and witness the whole bridge. The lift has been operating since the 1960s, but if you’d like to take the even more historic option, go for the hike. The trail from the Hemlock Lodge pre-dates the park. It has been a path people take to see the natural wonder since the 1800s when the railroad would drop them off. It is the shortest way to the bridge but that doesn’t mean it’s “easy”. The trail has 500 feet of elevation gain in half a mile, however there are many shelters to stop and rest at along the way.
We would urge you to not stop exploring the park after seeing Natural Bridge. We recently learned there are also two additional arches, as well as a cave. Along the Balance Rock Trail, the cave goes one mile into the earth and can be accessed with a park employee. Just call them up and they’ll be happy to take you in.
Another spot you’ll want to make it to is Hoedown Island where you’ll find the most beautiful pool surrounded by trees and knobs. Hoedowns have been happening here for 50 years. On a Saturday nights, for just $3 cash, you can immerse yourself in this exciting Appalachian tradition with an actual caller to teach you the moves.
After dinner at the Sandstone Arches Restaurant, you can have a drink at Trail’s End Tavern. We enjoyed the Sunset Yeti (a nod to their mascot, the Yeti) and Kentucky Mule (your choice of bourbon with Ale-8).
To celebrate their 100th Birthday, Natural Bridge will be having a bash on July 18th in conjunction with Ale-8 who will also be turning 100! Keep an eye on their socials for all the details, but we have heard you will get free admission to the Hoedown after attending the party.
Other events happening in the park can be found at parks.ky.gov and their social channels – they host various activities throughout the summer. They did let us know that they sometimes do Moonlight Canoeing during a full moon where they point out some astronomy, see nocturnal wildlife, and more – we would love to make it to one of these!
Natural Bridge is next to Red River Gorge, the Kentucky Trail Town of Slade, and the beloved Sheltowee Trace Trail of Daniel Boone National Forest runs through the park so there are plenty more opportunities nearby.
For even more Natural Bridge info, check out our podcast with their Naturalist, Savannah.
Don’t miss our new guide, Kentucky’s Centennial Parks Road Trip Guide: 3 State Parks Turning 100 in 2026.