After spending 6 weeks in Kentucky during our 5 year, 50 state road trip, Shae and I wanted to make the most of our final few days in the state.
With just a few days until we were due to head to our next state, we took a trip from Lexington down to Natural Bridge State Resort Park. We’d already seen four natural bridges the previous day at Carter Caves State Resort Park, but a friend we met at the World’s Smallest St Patrick’s Day Parade in Enterprise, Alabama had suggested visiting Natural Bridge State Resort Park itself and we’re glad he did.
There are several ways to reach Natural Bridge, ranging from easy/moderate hiking trails to difficult ones and even the Skylift. You can also choose to take the Skylift up and hike back down or vice versa. When we visited in May 2019, it cost $10 one-way or $15 round trip. Tickets have to be bought at the gift shop before heading up, so if you hike to the top and suddenly decide you want to take the Skylift down, you’re out of luck.
Low Gap Trail
Shae and I decided to take the tricky way up and hiked the difficult Low Gap Trail. The trailhead can be found off to the side in the main parking lot, about 100-200 yards from the gift shop.
As you’ll note from the photo below, dogs aren’t allowed on trails or in the woods at Natural Bridge State Resort Park. That’s because of its status as a Nature Preserve.
The Low Gap Trail is “only” 1.25 miles, but it’s a loooooong 1.25 miles as much of it’s uphill. One of the hardest parts was a seemingly endless set of steps that were steeper than they look in the picture below.
As we got to that section, a couple were walking down, so we waited for them as there wasn’t space for people in both directions. They’d taken the Skylift up and had decided to hike down, but they hadn’t realized how hard this particular trail was. They said “it’s always harder going down than up.” Having hiked the Low Gap Trail in both directions, I can categorically state that they were 100% wrong. It’s definitely harder hiking up than back down!
Despite how hard the Low Gap Trail was at times, we didn’t regret taking it as it was a good workout in beautiful surroundings.
Natural Bridge
After about an hour, we approached Natural Bridge from beneath.
One of the great things about visiting the park is that you can view Natural Bridge from a number of different angles. If you hike up the Low Gap Trail, you’ll see a staircase leading up to a narrow path running alongside the rock formation.
And by narrow, I mean narrow. I doubt NFL players would be able to make it through, nor anyone else with overly broad shoulders. As a result, this section is known as Fat Man’s Misery.
Take another set of (wider) steps up and you’ll find yourself on top of Natural Bridge. Natural Bridge is fairly wide, so you’re not forced to go too close to the edge if you’re scared of heights. I’m not scared of heights myself but I’m not sure I’d want to be up there on a windy day.
Needless to say, there are stunning views while standing on Natural Bridge.
In the distance you can see Lookout Point which we’ll come to in a moment.
After taking a quick selfie, we walked to the other side of Natural Bridge.
The other side of the bridge is where you’ll find the top of the Skylift that drops off the non-hikers.
Lookout Point
From there, we walked along the Laurel Ridge Trail towards Lookout Point. Laurel Ridge Trail is a level trail that’s only 1/3 of a mile long, so it didn’t take much additional effort to walk over there.
It was another couple we’d met along the Low Gap Trail who’d recommended walking over to Lookout Point and it was a great suggestion. That’s because it offers different views than you’ll see when standing on Natural Bridge, including seeing Natural Bridge itself.
In the opposite direction, you can see Red River.
After taking in all the sights at Lookout Point, we made our way back to Natural Bridge and headed back down Low Gap Trail. As I mentioned earlier, it was significantly easier on the way down than it was on the way up.
Final Thoughts
Natural Bridge State Resort Park is definitely worth a visit if you’re in Kentucky. Despite how steep it was, I’d recommend hiking the challenging Low Gap Trail.
If you’re not up for a hard hike though, there are easier trails you can take. Those with mobility issues (as well as those without) can take the Skylift, so Natural Bridge is truly accessible for everyone.
Address
Natural Bridge State Resort Park, 2135 Natural Bridge Rd, Slade, KY 40376
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