Natural Bridge State Resort Park

Natural Bridge State Resort Park is one of Kentucky’s oldest and most beloved state parks, named for its magnificent centerpiece: a massive natural sandstone arch that spans 78 feet and rises 65 feet above the forest, one of the largest and most impressive natural bridges in the region. Set amid the rugged cliffs and lush forest of the Cumberland Plateau, adjoining the famous Red River Gorge within the Daniel Boone National Forest of east-central Kentucky, the park is a treasured destination of arches, cliffs and woodland beauty.

Visitors reach the great arch by a network of scenic forest trails winding through hemlock-shaded hollows and past rock formations, or by a sky lift that rises to the cliffs above. From atop and around the bridge, trails lead to cliff-top overlooks with sweeping views of the gorge country. With its spectacular natural bridge, miles of trails, a historic lodge, rich forest and its setting beside the Red River Gorge, the park offers a perfect blend of natural wonder, recreation and comfort in the heart of Kentucky’s arch country.

Natural Bridge State Resort Park offers superb recreation centered on its great arch — reached by scenic forest trails or a sky lift — with miles of additional trails to cliff-top overlooks, rock formations and through lush forest, connecting to the adjacent Red River Gorge. Beyond hiking, the park offers the historic Hemlock Lodge, cabins, camping, a lake for fishing and paddling, a swimming pool, and birding. The spectacular natural bridge, the trails, the lodge and the setting beside the Red River Gorge make the park a beloved and well-rounded destination.

Spring and fall are prime — spring for wildflowers and fresh green, and fall for spectacular color across the gorge country, a premier autumn destination drawing crowds to the arch and overlooks. Summer is lush and popular for the lodge, lake and trails, and winter offers bare-cliff views and solitude. The great arch and the cliff-top vistas reward visits year-round; fall color is the highlight, with the park busy on autumn weekends. Combine with the adjoining Red River Gorge in any green season.

Natural Bridge State Resort Park is one of Kentucky’s oldest parks, with the great natural bridge a landmark drawing visitors since the late 19th century, when a railroad brought tourists to the arch. The historic Hemlock Lodge and the park’s trails reflect that long tradition of welcoming visitors to the natural wonder. Set within the Daniel Boone National Forest beside the Red River Gorge, the park has preserved the magnificent arch and its forested setting for well over a century, a cherished and historic destination in Kentucky’s arch country.

The Natural Bridge is a massive arch carved from the hard Corbin sandstone of the Cumberland Plateau, formed over millions of years as weathering and erosion wore through the rock, exploiting cracks and softer zones to leave the great span — 78 feet long and 65 feet high — standing free above the forest. The same processes shaped the surrounding cliffs, rock shelters and the more than 100 arches of the neighboring Red River Gorge. The resistant sandstone and long erosion created this spectacular natural bridge and the dramatic arch country around it.

The forests, cliffs and lake of Natural Bridge State Resort Park host white-tailed deer, wild turkey, foxes, and a rich community of birds, including woodland species, hawks and vultures soaring along the cliffs, while the cliffs and rock shelters provide habitat for bats and the lake supports fish. The biodiverse Cumberland Plateau forest, shared with the adjacent Red River Gorge, supports abundant wildlife. The park is a fine place for wildlife watching and birding amid its arches, cliffs and lush hemlock-shaded forest in east-central Kentucky.

Natural Bridge State Resort Park protects a biodiverse stretch of Cumberland Plateau forest, where the sandstone cliffs, the great arch, rock shelters, cool hemlock-shaded hollows and varied microclimates support diverse plant and animal life, including rare species and unusual plant communities clinging to the cliffs — an ecology shared with the adjoining Red River Gorge. The forest, the lake and the rugged terrain form a rich ecosystem. Protecting the cliffs, the forest and the arch sustains both the ecology and the scenic beauty of this treasured park in Kentucky’s arch country.

Natural Bridge State Resort Park, with its magnificent sandstone arch, historic lodge and long tradition of welcoming visitors, holds a cherished place among Kentucky’s oldest and most beloved parks. The great natural bridge has drawn admirers for well over a century, and its setting beside the world-famous Red River Gorge makes it a gateway to the arch country of the Cumberland Plateau. The park embodies the natural wonder and the heritage of Kentucky’s state-park system, a treasured destination of arches and forested beauty.

Natural Bridge State Resort Park is in east-central Kentucky near Slade, off the Mountain Parkway and State Route 11, adjoining the Red River Gorge in the Daniel Boone National Forest, about an hour southeast of Lexington. The park is free to enter. It offers the great natural bridge reached by trails or a sky lift, miles of hiking trails, the historic Hemlock Lodge, cabins, campgrounds, a lake and a swimming pool. The trails are rugged in places. Check Kentucky State Parks for the sky lift, lodging, trail conditions and access before visiting.

Kentucky State Parks protects the great arch, the cliffs, the forests and the lake of Natural Bridge State Resort Park, within the Daniel Boone National Forest and beside the Red River Gorge. Visitors help by staying on trails and not climbing on or damaging the fragile arch and cliffs, keeping back from the cliff edges, protecting rock shelters and wildlife (including bats), packing out everything, protecting water quality, and respecting closures. Protecting the arch, the cliffs and the biodiverse forest sustains both the ecology and the scenic wonder of this beloved Kentucky park.

Natural Bridge’s arch and cliffs have steep, dangerous drop-offs — keep well back from the edges atop and around the bridge and at the overlooks, watch footing on uneven, sometimes slippery rock, and supervise children closely, as falls from the cliffs would be fatal. The trails are rugged with stairs and steep sections; wear sturdy footwear and carry water. Take care on the sky lift per posted guidance, and in wet or icy conditions on the rock. Respect the heights and the rugged plateau terrain.

The park is free to enter (the sky lift charges a fee). Stay on trails and back from cliff edges; do not climb on or damage the arch. Protect rock shelters and wildlife. Camp only in designated areas; the lodge and cabins require reservations. Follow Kentucky fishing regulations on the lake. Pets must be leashed. Drones generally require authorization. Collecting is prohibited. Pack out all trash. Check Kentucky State Parks for current rules, sky-lift operation and conditions before visiting.

The world-famous Red River Gorge adjoins the park, with the town of Slade, the Daniel Boone National Forest, the Red River, and the historic Nada Tunnel nearby, and the city of Lexington about an hour northwest. The Cumberland Plateau’s arches, cliffs and forests define the region. Natural Bridge, paired with the adjoining Red River Gorge, anchors a spectacular outdoor region of arches, cliffs and forested beauty in east-central Kentucky, a centerpiece of an arch-country adventure.

Hike the scenic forest trails to the magnificent natural bridge — or take the sky lift up and hike back — and continue to the cliff-top overlooks for sweeping views of the gorge country, keeping well back from the dangerous edges. Visit in fall for spectacular color, stay at the historic Hemlock Lodge or a cabin, and pair the park with the adjoining world-famous Red River Gorge and its many arches. Wear sturdy footwear, carry water, and take care on the rugged, sometimes slippery trails.