Save
You must be signed in to save park lists.
Your Park Lists
add New List
Add Photo
You must be signed in to add photos.
state route ranger badge
Kentucky
52

Kentucky State Parks

responsive menu icon
USA Parks
Kentucky
Highlands Region
Natural Bridge State Park
start slideshow
Natural Bridge State Park Skybridge © Ted Denman
This shot was taken on a hike through the Red River Gorge. This arch is named Sky Bridge.
Natural Bridge State Park © Ted Denman
Natural Bridge State Park © Ben Prepelka
Natural Bridge State Park © Terri Connor
Natural Bridge State Park © Terri Connor
Natural Bridge State Park Barn Quilt in the Gorge © Wendy Rogers
Kentuckys quiliting heritage is proudly displayed on barns throughout the Natural Bridge and Red River Gorge areas
Natural Bridge State Park Kentucky drinking fountain © Wendy Rogers
Natural Bridge State Park © Dorothy Weatherly
Natural Bridge State Park Rain dripping in front of Nada Tunnel © Wendy Rogers
Natural Bridge State Park Nada Mountain Spring © Wendy Rogers
best drinking water EVER
Natural Bridge State Park Nadas fall attire © Wendy Rogers
Dressed in her beautiful fall colors, Nadas mountain sprng is as delicious as ever...
Natural Bridge State Park Nada Tunnel, near Natural Bridge © Wendy Rogers
considered part of the Red River Gorge, this beautiful area is just minutes from Natural Bridge
Natural Bridge State Park Torrent Falls Climbing Area © Wendy Rogers
near Natural Bridge State Park - this site also offers a bed and breakfast
Search
Availability
Calendars
Availability Search
NATURAL BRIDGE STATE PARK
NATURAL BRIDGE STATE PARK
2135 Natural Bridge Road
Slade, Kentucky   40376-9701

Phone: 606-663-2214
Toll Free: 800-325-1710
Reservations: 606-663-2214
It has taken nature millions of years to form the natural sandstone arch from which this park takes its name. Located adjacent to the Daniel Boone National Forest, near the Red River Gorge Geological Area, the bridge spans 78 feet and is 65 feet high.

At Natural Bridge, each season has a unique charm. Hikers are drawn to this rugged, scenic area of high stone cliffs and stone arches, but tenderfoots can also enjoy the scenic, ridge-top views from the park?s sky lift. Hemlock Lodge is nestled in the mountainside, overlooking a pool complex and Hoedown Island.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Swimming Beachyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
 Electric Sitesyes
WinterActivitiesyes
Cottages
Try one of the park?s cottages. Step out of your cottage into the beautiful ambiance of the surrounding forest. You will be encompassed by beauty in one of four two-bedroom, or seven one-bedroom cottages. Tableware, cooking utensils, and linens are provided, with fresh linens available daily.

Open year-round. Cottages are available by late afternoon. Check-out by 11:00 AM, Eastern time.
Camping
Enjoy the great outdoors in a park campsite. Two campgrounds, Whittleton Campground and Middle Fork Campground, provide 82 sites with utilities. Twelve primitive campsites are also available. Dump stations and two central service buildings with rest rooms and showers are furnished for your convenience.

Open Mid-March through October 31. No advance reservations. Check-out by 2:00 PM, Eastern time.Pets are allowed if restrained.
Lodge
Delight in the mountainside beauty of Hemlock Lodge. The 35 rooms of Hemlock Lodge have private balconies. Open year-round. Rooms are available by late afternoon. Check-out by 1100am, local time. A limited number of lodge rooms will be available for pets.
Swimming
Tucked between the lake and the cliff beneath Hemlock Lodge is a new pool complex. The complex includes a spacious stone bathhouse, and a zero-depth (one can enter pool without steps) pool that holds 80,000 gallons of water. The main pool has a "river" theme with directional water jets and floor bubblers. Next to the main pool is a new fenced wading pool with floor bubbles and fountain.

Open seasonally and free to lodge and cottage guests. Open to the public Memorial Day through Labor Day when lifeguards are on duty. Weekdays $3 adult, $2 child W weekends $4 adult, $3 child. After mid-August, lifeguards are at the pool Saturday and Sunday only from 11 AM-6PM.
Fishing
Enjoy fishing in the well-stocked Mill Creek Lake, home to largemouth bass, catfish and bluegill. A Kentucky Fishing License is required.


Location
Natural Bridge State Park is located near Irvine, Richmond

Picnicking
1. Whittleton Picnic Area: This picnic area is located near the entrance of Natural Bridge State Park and offers several tables, grills for cooking, restrooms nearby and a beautiful view of nature.

2. Sky Lift Picnic Area: Located at the base station of the sky lift ride in Natural Bridge State Park, this picnic spot provides visitors with an opportunity to enjoy their meal while watching others embark on their journey up or down from natural bridge via sky lift.

3. Hemlock Lodge Dining Room & Patio: While not exactly a traditional "picnicking" option as it's more like dining out than picnicking but still worth mentioning due to its outdoor patio seating that overlooks some stunning views within park premises which can be enjoyed during your meals here.

4. Lakeside Pavilion/Picnic Shelter 5: A large covered pavilion overlooking Mill Creek Lake perfect for larger groups who want to have lunch together after fishing or boating activities around lake side areas inside state park.

5. Picnickers may also choose any open space throughout the park where they feel comfortable setting up their own blanket:style picnic setup amidst lush greenery all around them!
Trails
The ten hiking trails range from one-half mile to seven-and-one-half miles. Trail maps are available at the Hemlock Lodge. The Nature Center, located on the ground floor of the Activities Center, houses exhibits about the park. Full-time naturalists program events and activities year-round focusing on native plants animals, geology, and local history. Daily summer activitiesare directed by recreation staff.

The parks is adjacent to the U.S. Forest Service Red River Gorge Geological Area which also offers plenty of hiking opportunities.

Pets are not permitted on the hiking trails in Natural Bridge State Resort Park.

Natural Bridge State Resort Park offers more than just a fun family vacation. Our staff of professional Naturalists is available year-round to provide interpretive programs for groups of all sizes and ages, from school groups to seniors, scouts to corporate outings.

Birding
The best time to bird watch is in May and June when the woodland warblers and other neotropical birds return and are most vocal and active. The Fall migration is also good, in late September. Winter bird watching at the park can be fun because many of the leaves have dropped, making it easier to view various species of woodpeckers, kinglets, nuthatches, wrens, and sparrows. Year-round residents inlcude northern cardinal, American goldfinch, indigo bunting, song sparrow, belted kingfisher, American crow, great blue heron, wild turkey, pileated woodpecker, Carolina chickadee, tufted titmouse, white-breasted nuthatch, and Carolina wren. Best places to spot our feathered friends Hoods Branch Trail, Rock Garden Trail, Whittleton Branch Trail, Lakeside Trail, Mill Creek Lake, Picnic Shelter 3 4 area.
Area Attractions
Hoedown IslandMosey on down to Hoe Down Island where knee-slappin?, toe-tappin?, and swingin? your partner is a barrel of fun! Located on the lake below the lodge, this island is an open-air dance patio for weekly square dances. Seasonal with weather. Call park for annual brochure. Park also holds Square Dance Weekends throughout the year.

Sky LiftFor a relaxing climb to natural bridge, enjoy a ride on the sky lift. The ascent begins one-half mile from the park entrance and ends within 600 feet of Natural Bridge.

Open daily first weekend of April through the last weekend in October, $.

Snack BarsTwo snack bars with all of your favorite treats are in the park. One is located near the swimming pool, the other near the sky lift.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
October 15 My favorite Stae Park by Appalwood
park review stars; one to five My grandfather loved this place and brought me up to visit each year since I was a kid. That was 40 years ago and I have been taking my kids and their friends to hike and sight see. This park represents to me all of the beauty of Kentucky.
January 6 Grand Canyon of the east by Lover of the wilderness
park review stars; one to five There is no other place like it. A hidden gem in Kentuckey. If you go there you will be glad you did. I loved it.
July 28 A beautiful place to relax and hike. by leigh
park review stars; one to five Can hike on trails, take long walks using paved trails, relax by the pool or on your balcony. Can see the beauty of the Natural Bridge and the surrounding area.
write a review read more reviews
Share On

Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

state route ranger badge
Kentucky
52

Kentucky State Parks

X