I think we all have those special places in our lives that evoke many good thoughts and memories. For me, it’s Natural Bridge State Park in Kentucky. Situated about an hour east of Lexington, the park is full of natural wonders and offers plenty to see and do.
As a child, we were thrilled when we found out that we were heading to Natural Bridge for the weekend. Often we would find ourselves the only ones in the campground and many times - we would have to go to the lodge to obtain the key to get past the locked gate. Times sure have changed!
The following is a short review of what we did on our recent visit.
Natural Bridge State Park is famous for just that - a natural bridge. Formed over millions of years of wind and water, the bridge can be hiked to and crossed offering spectacular views of the surrounding area. The 3/4 mile uphill trail is laced with many steps and a few switch backs. But don’t worry - there is chair lift available for those not up for the hike.
Close to the top and near the bridge is one of my favorite features of the trail. “Fat Man’s Squeeze” acts as a sort of gateway to the natural beauty that awaits you on the other side. This one way, narrow sliver of a passage is about 50 feet and can make you regret that large breakfast you may have had before venturing out! Once at the top, you’ll experience one of our country’s greatest natural wonders! The trail took about 30 minutes to complete. It was worth every minute, if only for the flood of memories that flooded in about the many times I made the trek with my siblings and parents.
We opted to return to the base on a trail names “Devil’s Gulch”. And yes, it was exactly as it sounds. Lots of steps straight down with many of them carved out of solid rock. This trail may not be for the faint of heart - but did offer a sense of accomplishment once safely at the bottom.
We had enough excitement for one day. That evening we sat around the campfire at my brother in law’s site enjoying guitar music, singing along and telling stories. We were sitting in same campground within 200 feet of I spent much time, oh so many years ago.
The following day was met with much anticipation. We were off to explore the Red River Gorge, not far from the park. It was here that we hiked the much flatter trails to Chimney Top Rock and Sky Bridge.
Chimney Top offers unparalleled views of The Gorge. Every angle treats the eyes to spectacular scenery including the surrounding rocky precipices to the Red River below.
Trip Monkee Tip: Stay on the trail and avoid the steep cliffs. Stay safe!
Sky Bridge is another example of a natural bridge. Much smaller, it offers hikers a short walk to this much overlooked location. Chimney Top and Sky Bridge are within a few miles of each other and make a good half day excursion. Or take longer and stop at some of the other sites and trails along the way.
No trip to the area is complete without a drive through The Nada Tunnel. Traffic can only flow in one direction at a time in this 900’ long tunnel carved out of solid rock over 100 years ago. It’s often referred to as the gateway to The Red River Gorge and The Daniel Boone National Forest. This tunnel was and still is one of my favorite things to do the the area. A must, when you visit the area.
After spending a few hours exploring, we stopped for “refreshments” just outside the park at a place called Hops. They offered an infinite number of beers and other creative libations. The patio was situated near a picturesque brooke that offered a great place to relax and reflect on a great day of hiking.
We stayed at the park’s Hemlock Lodge. Situated at the base of The Natural Bridge Trail, the lodge offers comfortable and updated rooms, all with balconies overlooking a wooded hillside which made us feel as if we were staying amongst the tree tops. We had two meals in the restaurant which were surprisingly good and reasonably priced.
Just as my childhood which created many great memories of Natural Bridge came to an end, so to did this trip. A trip that rekindled my love for this park and all it has to offer.
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