Natural Bridge State Resort Park, in Slade in Powell County in eastern Kentucky, centers on a sandstone arch spanning 78 feet in length and rising 65 feet above a narrow canyon floor carved by Mill Creek. The arch, formed over millions of years as weathering eroded the Corbin sandstone formation, is one of the largest natural sandstone arches in the eastern United States and a geological landmark within the Daniel Boone National Forest landscape. Two routes lead from the lower valley to the arch: the Original Trail (0.75 miles, strenuous) climbs through dense mixed hardwood forest via switchbacks to the arch base, where visitors walk across the full span of the arch top for panoramic views across the Red River Gorge landscape. A seasonal sky lift — operating April through October — carries riders approximately 900 feet up the canyon wall to a point about a quarter mile from the arch by trail, providing an accessible alternative to the hiking ascent. The park's Hemlock Lodge, perched on a forested ridge with views into the valley, offers rooms and cottages and a dining room serving Kentucky country cooking; it is open to non-lodging guests for meals. The trail network within the park connects to the adjacent Red River Gorge Geological Area, enabling backpackers to extend routes onto the Sheltowee Trace or deeper into the gorge canyon systems. Wildcat Trail (2.5 miles) and Hood Branch Trail (1.2 miles) diversify the walking options beyond the arch, passing through old-growth hemlock groves and stands of mountain laurel that bloom brilliantly in late May and June. The park is located 50 miles east of Lexington via Mountain Parkway, making it a natural pairing with a Red River Gorge visit.
Good to know
- Hours
- Park open daily year-round; sky lift operates seasonally April-October
- Best time
- April-May, October for fall foliage
Location
2135 Natural Bridge Rd, Slade, KY 40376
37.7777, -83.6796 View on map
Highlights
- 78-foot sandstone arch rising 65 feet above the canyon floor — one of the largest natural arches in the eastern US
- Two routes to the arch: the strenuous Original Trail switchback hike or the seasonal sky lift from the valley floor
- Panoramic views from the arch top across Daniel Boone National Forest and the Red River Gorge landscape
- Hemlock Lodge on-site accommodation with Kentucky country dining open to all visitors
- Trail connections to the Red River Gorge and Sheltowee Trace for extended backpacking excursions
Tips for visiting
- The Original Trail to the arch is rated strenuous — allow 45–60 minutes ascending for hikers of average fitness
- The sky lift operates April through October only; verify seasonal hours at parks.ky.gov before planning around it
- Mountain laurel blooms brilliantly along the Wildcat and Hood Branch trails in late May through early June
- Combine Natural Bridge with a Red River Gorge visit — the two areas share adjacent trail access via Silvermine Arch Road
- Hemlock Lodge dining room is open to non-guests for dinner; a good option after a full day of hiking
When to visit
April and May for mountain laurel bloom and comfortable hiking temperatures, and October for fall foliage, are the most scenic seasons. Midweek visits in autumn avoid the weekend crowds that concentrate at the arch viewpoint and the sky lift.
Accessibility
The valley base area near the sky lift departure is accessible by vehicle; the sky lift can accommodate visitors with limited mobility and provides the only non-stair route toward the arch. The hiking trail to the arch involves steep switchbacks and stone steps and is not wheelchair accessible. Hemlock Lodge has accessible rooms; contact the lodge directly for current availability.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to hike to the natural bridge arch?
The Original Trail takes approximately 40–60 minutes one way for an average hiker. The round-trip descent via the switchback route adds another 30–40 minutes, for a total of about 1.5 hours of hiking.
Is the sky lift running year-round?
No, the sky lift operates seasonally from approximately April through October. During winter months the arch is accessible only via the hiking trail.
Is it safe to walk across the top of the natural bridge?
The top of the arch is wide enough to walk across; there are no railings. Visitors should exercise caution at the edges and avoid the arch surface during wet or icy conditions when the sandstone becomes slippery.