Review
Intro
Natural Bridge State Resort Park is in the heart of the mountains of Eastern Kentucky, and a landscape that so enchanted legendary American pioneer Daniel Boone that he moved his family to the area. Today’s visitors can follow in his footsteps and hike in the lush, deep forests and through craggy ravines and waterfalls. Trek or take the skylift to the Natural Bridge rock arch, a giant towering arch in the sky that overlooks forested ridges, sandstone bluffs, and deep valleys. And you can make it an overnight adventure with a stay in one of 87 campsites with utilities in two campgrounds, Whittleton and Middlefork, or, for a little more comfort, at the mountainside Hemlock Lodge, which has 35 rooms.
What Makes It Great
Located in the heart of the Daniel Boone National Forest, Natural Bridge State Resort Park is a nature and outdoor lover’s paradise. The park is most famous for the Natural Bridge Rock Arch, spanning 78 feet across the forest floor and some 65 feet high, a striking natural landmark believed to be more than a million years old. Hike a half mile up the mountainside from Hemlock Lodge to visit this spectacular arch, trekking through deep forests with abundant ferns and native birds. Climb on top of the arch for a view across the gorge at the sandstone cliff bands rising out of the forested ridgelines, and then head about a half mile north to a point called Lover’s Leap. As you look back, you’ll see a view of the spectacular Natural Bridge silhouetted in the sandstone cliffs. Not into hiking but still want to see the landscape? You can still soak up views of the park and the Natural Bridge from the Sky Lift gondola, open April through October.
The park is also adjacent to the popular Red River Geological Area, whose famous sandstone walls are popular with climbers. And for the newbies, Torrent Falls offers guided rock climbing and rappelling adventures, no climbing experience required.
After a full day of exploring, set up camp underneath the forest canopy, or stay in the mountainside Hemlock Lodge and soak up the wilderness from your private balcony. The lodge pool, between the lake and the cliffs just below the lodge, is ideal for a dip in the summer. In addition to hiking, you can also rent canoes or kayaks and paddle around the lake. For a real Appalachian experience, head to Hoedown Island for the Natural Bridge Hoedowns, featuring Appalachian square dancing with a longtime dance caller. The nearby peaceful Mill Creek Lake is a local fishing spot and has an abundance of bluegill, bass, sunfish, trout, and catfish.
Who is Going to Love It
Camping at Natural Bridge State Resort Park is perfect for the nature-lover of all experience levels. You can spend time exploring the outdoors without the hassles of backcountry camping, but advanced hikers will still find miles of steep, challenging terrain. Bird watchers, meanwhile, will appreciate the abundance of migratory and local birds on the trails around the park. This area is also great for families with children old enough to delight in the experience of a natural setting, and guided rock climbing tours, hikes to rock formations, or an afternoon of canoeing will keep adventure-loving types happy before a night under the stars.
Directions, Parking, & Regulations
The lodge is located at 2135 Natural Bridge Road in Slade. From Lexington, travel east on I-64 to the Bert T. Combs Mountain Parkway. Take exit 33, turning right/south on Kentucky 11. The park is two miles from the parkway, with the entrance on the right.
Check in at the lodge for a room or cottage reservation, but make reservations for the lodge, cottages, or campground online two days ahead of time. The pool is free to lodge guests, and $5 per adult, $3 per child.
