natural bridge state resort park

The Natural Bridge area has many geological features that you must see. I was in the area for three days, but could have spent even more time exploring the area. I can't wait to go back. http://youtu.be/HpMbng61DtU

We were there for the hiking and ended up walking several different paths. Each one was unique and very different from what we have in our Indiana state parks. They were just challenging and long enough. We ate in the dining room twice - nothing to write home about - warmed up, basic buffet food which is not our particular choice, but sufficient for our purposes. We did spend one night in a cabin at the park and it was adorable! Clean, nice modern kitchen, table to play games on. Beware that you have to climb a lot of steps to get to most of the cabins. It was a cool October trip so we didn't use the screened in porch or grill, but it would be a nice place for a summer get-away too. I seem to think it was reasonably priced and we were traveling over Columbus Day weekend so we were just staying one night until we could stay at the Cliffview Lodge Mon-Thursday. I would definitely return.

We stayed this past Friday and Saturday night at the park and had such a great time! Our main purpose in going was to meet friends and to eat the Wild Game and Buffalo buffet that was going on Saturday night. When we arrived, it was snowing and we were so looking forward to a quiet weekend all hunkered down. We were not disappointed! The rooms looked newly decorated with pretty bedspreads and black out curtains to match. It looked like they were also freshly painted, mattresses felt like new ones, and they also had flat screen TV and WIFI. We relaxed in our room looking out the window at the snow falling and having some wine. We woke up after a very restful and quiet night to a winter wonderland from our balcony! We hiked around the property and then came back to visit with friends who had also driven in. When it was time for the buffet, we went and got in the long line and after the first 100 were seated, we were given a ticket for our party to be seated. We were a party of 9 and when our table was ready, they called our room to tell us. What more could you ask for??? The buffet itself was absolutely some of the best food I have ever had. From the veggies (red potatoes, green beans, etc.) to the buffalo burgers, buffalo meatloaf, bbq buffalo ribs, buffalo round, venison and rabbit stew, turtle soup to the salads and desserts...it was so good! I cannot say enough about how good the food was. We were told the next day that they served 604 people! The service was also excellent with the servers constantly going through making sure people had what they needed to enjoy the meal. We got up the next morning to a buffet breakfast which was also quite good but nothing can top what we had the night before. Between the nice rooms to the staff to the food, we will definitely come back to the wild game buffet next year (if not before)!

Natural Bridge (and the surrounding Clifty Wilderness) is in the Daniel Boone National Forest. It is one of the - if not the - most beautiful place in Kentucky. The hiking is exciting and there are books available if you want to do a little 'off the beaten path' hiking. You may want to bring a gps along with your map for this kind of adventure. There are some very dangerous drop offs and cliffs in this area so caution must be exercised. Go any time of the year and it is still beautiful!

My husband and I drove down to the Natural Bridge to spend the day. It was incredible. The walk up the mountain was a bit long but we stopped to take pictures. Once we got to the top we had a wait a few minutes so we could go up this tiny (and I mean tiny) path to get to the very top to see the views that are a must if you can. Some people may not be able to fit due to size because this path is only a few feet wide and in some spots maybe a foot in a half wide. Once we were up we just enjoyed the views and kept walking around the mountain. We walked for a bit and found that they had a ski lift that took people up and down so that would be great for those who want to go up but cant make the walk or would be unable to fit through the small gap they allow people though that I talked about before. The downside to the sky lift is that it is a bit pricey so my husband and I kept walking until we found a way down. The path we found had lots of steps both carved into the stone and made from wood. The stone steps we came across were very steep and I had to hold on with both hands and almost use tip toes to step on to each step. It was very peaceful and quiet and beautiful and I cant wait to go back.

I had some free time over the weekend and decided to try out Natural Bridge State Resort Park near Slade, Kentucky. Let me tell you that this was a great decision on my part. There are dozens of hiking trails that ranged from short quarter mile hikes to hikes that are measured in the miles. The state park did an excellent job of maintaining the fact that you are in a natural environment while grooming trails that are easy to navigate. I can only imagine what this place is like in the summer time and might have to plan a return visit with my family during the summer months.The hike to the top of the natural bridge isn't very strenuous, however, be advised that if you take the original trail, there is a passageway that is very narrow. They do have a ski lift that will bring you to the top, if hiking isn't your thing, but be aware that you will be missing out on a lot of beautiful sites in their natural habitat.

We visited the 2nd weekend in November, and while there were several people lingering around the top of the Natural Bridge, the remainder of our hikes were mostly in seclusion. Stunning scenery, challenging (but not too challenging) hikes. This book was very helpful with hiking paths and maps- http://www.amazon.com/Hiking-Kentuckys-Red-River-Gorge/dp/0897329619

The variety of trails is amazing. Long, short, easy, difficult. The roads are wonderfully maintained. We visited in the winter. I think it was a great time to be there. No people. No snakes! No leaves on the trees allows you to see so much more! Can't wait to return!

We started going to Natural Bridge and the Red River Gorge area about 7 years ago and have gone every year since. The area is absolutely beautiful and has something for everyone. There are zip lines, rock climbing, tons of trails to hike and even the standard tourist traps. We always rent a cabin from Natural Bridge Cabin Company and have yet to be disappointed. Don't forget to take a day for the Bourbon Trail and some Winery's and another day to visit the Horse Park. A visit to 3 Chimney's Horse Farm is always in order! tell Big Brown we said hi! For food - A authentic Hot Brown at the state park's lodge is a worthwhile investment. Just be sure to justify the calories with a lot of hiking. You won't be disappointed,

This state park is excellent for hiking and taking in sweeping views of arches and rolling, wooded hills. Trails are well maintained, marked and lead to a variety of viewpoints. Only complaint is there are no dogs allowed. Visit midweek to cut down on crowds, but this is a busy place so don't expect solitude.

We go quite often to rock climb and hike. Always stop and get pizza at Miguel's. The best pizza! Not over touristy and the trails are great to see rock formations and waterfalls. The rock climbing is fabulous.

We spent a week in this area and there are so many arches and beautiful views! Loved the park and all the surrounding areas. These rock formations are just awesome!

We have visited the bridge in many seasons and are never disappointed. It's beautiful, awe inspiring and never gets old.

When the leaves start to change in the Red River Gorge, this is one of the best places to go. There are all sorts of different hiking trails to take that are different lengths and different degrees of difficulty - all of them are beautiful!

So we were just going there to do some casual hiking up to the bridge. I messed up and misread the trail signs so we went up the most difficult trail - 600 hundred steps! What a workout! Views were amazing. Stop thinking and go!