Natural Bridge State Resort Park, located in Slade in Powell County, Kentucky, is home to one of the most iconic short hikes in the Daniel Boone National Forest region. The Original Trail to Natural Bridge covers 1.4 miles round-trip with approximately 300 feet of elevation gain, earning a moderate classification despite its short length because of the steep, rocky ascent. The trailhead begins at the park visitor center parking lot at 2135 Natural Bridge Rd, Slade, KY 40376; a trail map is available at the information board at the trailhead. No permit is required for day use and there is no day-use admission fee, though the park lodge, skylift, and other amenities carry separate charges. The trail surface is predominantly compacted dirt and natural sandstone steps, with installed wooden stairways at the steepest pitches to assist hikers. Shade is consistent throughout the forested lower section, where mountain laurel, rhododendron, and second-growth hardwood line the corridor. The trail narrows and steepens as it approaches the arch. The centrepiece of the hike is the Natural Bridge itself—a 65-foot-high sandstone arch with a span of approximately 78 feet, one of the largest natural arches east of the Rocky Mountains. Hikers walk directly beneath the arch before ascending steps to the top, where the arch surface can be traversed on foot. The views from the arch top extend across the surrounding wooded ridge. A secondary viewpoint called Lover's Leap, located partway up the trail, offers gorge views from a sandstone overhang. An optional 0.4-mile detour from near the summit area leads to Henson's Arch, a second smaller sandstone formation. No water sources exist on the trail; restrooms and drinking water are available at the visitor center. The park also operates a seasonal skylift that transports visitors near the arch from the opposite side, providing an alternative for those unable or unwilling to hike. Spring wildflower displays—trillium, redbud, and mountain laurel—peak in April and May along the trail corridor.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Slade, Powell County
- Best season
- March-November
What to bring
- Hiking shoes (trail is rocky)
- Water
- Camera
Location
2135 Natural Bridge Rd, Slade, KY 40376
37.7777, -83.6796 View on map
Highlights
- Walk across Natural Bridge—a 65-foot-high, 78-foot-span sandstone arch, one of the largest in the eastern United States
- Lover's Leap sandstone overhang with gorge views located partway up the ascent
- Optional 0.4-mile spur to Henson's Arch, a second sandstone formation near the summit area
- Spring mountain laurel, trillium, and redbud blooms lining the forested trail corridor in April and May
- Seasonal skylift offers an alternative ascent for visitors who prefer not to hike to the arch
Tips for visiting
- The steepest sections have wooden steps installed—descend slowly in wet conditions as sandstone becomes slippery.
- Arrive before 10 AM on fall weekends; the parking area overflows during peak October foliage.
- Combine the Original Trail with the 3.2-mile loop circuit through the surrounding park for a longer outing.
- Cell service is limited at the trailhead; download the park map from the visitor center information board.
- The skylift operates seasonally (spring through fall) and provides a useful alternative descent for hikers with knee concerns.
When to visit
Spring (April to May) offers wildflower blooms and cooler temperatures along the forested corridor. Fall foliage peaks in mid to late October and draws the largest visitor numbers; arriving early on weekend mornings is advised during this period.
Accessibility
The Original Trail to Natural Bridge is not wheelchair or stroller accessible due to steep grades, natural rock surfaces, and wooden steps. The seasonal skylift provides an alternative route to the arch vicinity for visitors with limited mobility; confirm current skylift accessibility with the park before visiting.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an entrance fee for Natural Bridge State Resort Park?
There is no day-use entrance fee for the park or its hiking trails. The skylift operates as a paid attraction, with current rates posted at the visitor center.
Can visitors walk across the top of the Natural Bridge arch?
Yes—the trail ascends to and across the surface of the arch. The sandstone is structurally stable and broad, but there are no guardrails along the edges, so caution is advised near the perimeter.
Are pets allowed on the trail?
Dogs on a leash are permitted on the hiking trails. Pets are not allowed on the skylift.
How long does the round-trip hike take?
Most visitors complete the 1.4-mile round-trip in 1 to 1.5 hours, including time to explore the arch surface and the Lover's Leap overlook.
Is the trail suitable for young children?
The trail is manageable for older children with some hiking experience. The steep rocky sections and absence of guardrails near the arch edge require close supervision of young children.