Our beautiful state of Kentucky offers so many scenic hiking trails for all ages and abilities. Whether you prefer an easy stroll along a lake or an overnight backpacking adventure, the Bluegrass State has the outing for you. One of the most popular places to hike in Kentucky is Red River Gorge and Natural Bridge State Resort Park. The easily recognizable Natural Bridge is a wonder of nature in our state and a place everyone should visit. There are a few ways to get to this bridge and one of them happens to include squeezing through just inches of rock. This popular trail is filled with beauty and adventure and is an exciting way to experience the Natural Bridge in Kentucky.

The Natural Bridge, especially when covered in fall color, is a sight many Kentuckians recognize.

Facebook/Natural Bridge State Resort Park Hopefully, it is also a place many of those who live in Kentucky have seen in person. The view above is the bridge as seen from the Laurel Ridge Trail, but you also need to make sure to get as close as you can to this natural wonder.

The Original Trail is one way to reach the bridge and is likely the most popular.

Facebook/Natural Bridge State Resort Park It begins behind the lodge and takes you through the woods and eventually to the base of the bridge. There are five shelters along the way where you can relax and take in the stunning scenery.

The view from underneath the bridge is remarkable and will give you a true sense of its size.

Flickr/Kentucky Photo File Spend awhile here, admiring the arch and rock formations. And then to reach the top of the bridge, you will have to climb through a natural fracture in the rock that is quite narrow.

Some call this section of the trail “Fat Man’s Misery,” and it’s easy to see why.

Only In Your State/Andrea Limke Only inches across, you must squeeze your way through to get to the top of the bridge and those magnificent views.

It’s a tight squeeze for everyone and most have to turn sideways to make it through.

Only In Your State/Andrea Limke If you’re wearing a backpack, be prepared to take it off for this portion of the trail. It can also get very muddy after a good rain as this section doesn’t get much sunlight.

Once you’ve braved the narrow passage, you are free to climb the rest of the way to the top of the bridge.

Facebook/Natural Bridge State Resort Park It’s wide enough for you to feel safe, but always exercise extreme caution as there are no railings. Also be sure to take in the view from all vantage points while up here, as they are all amazing.

If you take the skylift up to the top of the bridge or another trail, your route will be reversed and you’ll want to look for this sign to get to the bottom and through the narrow path.

Only In Your State/Andrea Limke Either direction is visually stunning and you may even choose to go through the rocky pathway a few times just for the experience.

If you’d like to make a getaway out of your trip to this area, consider staying at the Hemlock Lodge, which gives you great access to these trails.

Facebook/Natural Bridge State Resort Park As one of the most popular trails in our state, the hike to the Natural Bridge in Kentucky really is worth the hype. Once you see these views for yourself, you’ll realize why so many visit here for a memorable hike in Kentucky.

Natural Bridge in Kentucky is a breathtaking site, whether you see it from above, from a distance, or from below. And one of the best ways to get there is by squeezing yourself through inches of rock for a unique hiking excursion in our state. Have you hiked through this narrow, natural fracture in the rock? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments!

Facebook/Natural Bridge State Resort Park

Hopefully, it is also a place many of those who live in Kentucky have seen in person. The view above is the bridge as seen from the Laurel Ridge Trail, but you also need to make sure to get as close as you can to this natural wonder.

It begins behind the lodge and takes you through the woods and eventually to the base of the bridge. There are five shelters along the way where you can relax and take in the stunning scenery.

Flickr/Kentucky Photo File

Spend awhile here, admiring the arch and rock formations. And then to reach the top of the bridge, you will have to climb through a natural fracture in the rock that is quite narrow.

Only In Your State/Andrea Limke

Only inches across, you must squeeze your way through to get to the top of the bridge and those magnificent views.

If you’re wearing a backpack, be prepared to take it off for this portion of the trail. It can also get very muddy after a good rain as this section doesn’t get much sunlight.

It’s wide enough for you to feel safe, but always exercise extreme caution as there are no railings. Also be sure to take in the view from all vantage points while up here, as they are all amazing.

Either direction is visually stunning and you may even choose to go through the rocky pathway a few times just for the experience.

As one of the most popular trails in our state, the hike to the Natural Bridge in Kentucky really is worth the hype. Once you see these views for yourself, you’ll realize why so many visit here for a memorable hike in Kentucky.

For more information on the trails within Natural Bridge State Resort Park, visit its website here.

And for another route that will lead you to the Natural Bridge, check out our previous article here.

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Address: Natural Bridge State Resort Park, 2135 Natural Bridge Rd, Slade, KY 40376, USA