Natural Bridge State Park

Natural Bridge State Resort Park is a state park in Kentucky's Daniel Boone Country, within the Daniel Boone National Forest.

Understand
The park is centered on the amazing, 78-ft-long, 65-ft-high, natural stone bridge that formed over millions of years

History
This park was created as a travel destination by the Lexington & Eastern Railway in 1896, and later turned over to the State of Kentucky as a Kentucky State Park.

Landscape
The arch is in a hilly, forested area, part of the Daniel Boone National Forest. There are numerous other landmarks in thea area, such as other arches, caves, sinkholes, and unusual rocks. The whole park is near the Red River Gorge area

Climate
Kentucky has a moderate climate, characterized by warm, yet moist conditions. Summers are usually warm, and winters cool. An average 46 in (116 cm) of precipitation falls during the year, with spring being the rainiest season.

Get in
The park is accessible from the Bert T. Combs Mountain Parkway and is approximately 58 miles southeast of Lexington. From exit 33, the park entrance is about 2 miles south on KY 11.

Fees and permits
There are no fees to enter the park.

Get around
The Natural Bridge Sky Lift offers a quicker way than hiking to get to the bridge. Passengers ride the lift half a mile to some trails and a great view of the bridge. The Sky Lift is open from the first weekend in April through the last weekend in October. One way or round trip tickets can be purchased.

See
Within Natural Bridge State Park there are multiple landmarks to see:


 * Natural Bridge - The Natural Bridge is the main attraction of the Natural Bridge State Park. Here people stand upon a rock bridge connecting two ridges.
 * Henson Arch - Henson Arch is reached via the Henson Arch trail which is connected to Whittleton Campground. The arch is in a hole underground with a small waterfall spilling into it.
 * Devil's Gulch - Devil's Gulch is a stairway made of stone.
 * Needle's Eye - Needle's Eye is a stairway made of stone similar to that of Devi's Gulch.
 * Balanced Rock - The Balanced Rock is located on the Balanced Rock trail.
 * Skylift Overlook - The Skylift Overlook is a scenic view located right next to the terminus of the skylift.
 * Lookout Point - Lookout Point is a scenic view where people are able to get a good view of the Natural Bridge.
 * Lover's Leap - Lover's Leap is a scenic lookout over a tall rock monolith standing separate of the ridge.

Do

 * Hiking The main attraction of the park is the many trails that criss cross the park. These include the following trails, most of which either start or end at the bridge:
 * Original Trail-.75 mile-Easiest and most popular
 * Balanced Rock Trail-.75 mile
 * Battleship Rock Trail-.75 mile
 * Rock Garden Trail-1.75 miles-Great for bird and plant lovers, follows ridge, less touristed
 * Sand Gap Trail-7.5 miles
 * Hood's Branch Trail-3.75 miles
 * Henson's Arch Trail-.3 mile-Leads to an arch by a cave entrance, and a descendable sinkhole
 * Lakeside Trail-.25 mile
 * Laurel Ridge Trail-.75 mile
 * Low Gap Trail-.5 mile
 * Upper Hood's Branch Trail-.75 mile
 * Whittleton Trail-2 miles

The trails close at dark


 * Boating Mill Creek Lake is a small lake located in the park, near the Middle Fork Campground. Canoes and kayaks can be rented at the dock from Memorial Day to Labor Day.  Hoedown Island Lake is a small lake located near Hemlock Lodge.  Pedal boats can be rented at the dock from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
 * Fishing is allowed at Mill Creek Lake. All persons 16 and older must have a valid Kentucky fishing permit.
 * Miniature Golf There is a miniature golf course at the Sky Lift. Open May 1 to October 31.
 * Swimming An outdoor pool is located at Hemlock Lodge and is free of charge for the guests of the lodge and cabins.  Non guests are charged $4 per adult and $3 per child.

Buy
There are two souvenir shops in the park. One is in Hemlock Lodge and the other is at the Sky Lift ticketing office.

Drink
No alcohol is served in the park. Wolfe County, which lies just to the south of the park, is a wet county where alcohol can be purchased.

Backcountry
There is no overnight camping allowed in the back country. The park is surrounded by the Daniel Boone National Forest and several forest service trails connect to the park's trail system.

Stay safe
Many people fall off of cliffs each year, (around 40), which leads to a few deaths. Stay clear of open cliffs! Stay on marked trails. Rhododendron and Mountain Laurel grow very thick in the Red River Gorge and up to the cliff edges. Bushwhacking is prohibited in the park and dangerous in the gorge, as you can easily pop out of thick undergrowth into open air. During the winter, the Natural Bridge and parts of the trails may be icy.

Go next
Daniel Boone National Forest

Fort Boonesborough State Park