Kentucky
23

NATURAL BRIDGE STATE PARK

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Natural Bridge State Park Skybridge © Ted Denman
This shot was taken on a hike through the Red River Gorge. This arch is named Sky Bridge.
Natural Bridge State Park © Ted Denman
Natural Bridge State Park © Ben Prepelka
Natural Bridge State Park © Terri Connor
Natural Bridge State Park © Terri Connor
Natural Bridge State Park Barn Quilt in the Gorge © Wendy Rogers
Kentuckys quiliting heritage is proudly displayed on barns throughout the Natural Bridge and Red River Gorge areas
Natural Bridge State Park Kentucky drinking fountain © Wendy Rogers
Natural Bridge State Park © Dorothy Weatherly
Natural Bridge State Park Rain dripping in front of Nada Tunnel © Wendy Rogers
Natural Bridge State Park Nada Mountain Spring © Wendy Rogers
best drinking water EVER
Natural Bridge State Park Nadas fall attire © Wendy Rogers
Dressed in her beautiful fall colors, Nadas mountain sprng is as delicious as ever...
Natural Bridge State Park Nada Tunnel, near Natural Bridge © Wendy Rogers
considered part of the Red River Gorge, this beautiful area is just minutes from Natural Bridge
Natural Bridge State Park Torrent Falls Climbing Area © Wendy Rogers
near Natural Bridge State Park - this site also offers a bed and breakfast
NATURAL BRIDGE STATE PARK ACTIVITIES
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Swimming Beachyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
 Electric Sitesyes
WinterActivitiesyes
Birding
The best time to bird watch is in May and June when the woodland warblers and other neotropical birds return and are most vocal and active. The Fall migration is also good, in late September. Winter bird watching at the park can be fun because many of the leaves have dropped, making it easier to view various species of woodpeckers, kinglets, nuthatches, wrens, and sparrows. Year-round residents inlcude northern cardinal, American goldfinch, indigo bunting, song sparrow, belted kingfisher, American crow, great blue heron, wild turkey, pileated woodpecker, Carolina chickadee, tufted titmouse, white-breasted nuthatch, and Carolina wren. Best places to spot our feathered friends Hoods Branch Trail, Rock Garden Trail, Whittleton Branch Trail, Lakeside Trail, Mill Creek Lake, Picnic Shelter 3 4 area.
Trails
The ten hiking trails range from one-half mile to seven-and-one-half miles. Trail maps are available at the Hemlock Lodge. The Nature Center, located on the ground floor of the Activities Center, houses exhibits about the park. Full-time naturalists program events and activities year-round focusing on native plants animals, geology, and local history. Daily summer activitiesare directed by recreation staff.

The parks is adjacent to the U.S. Forest Service Red River Gorge Geological Area which also offers plenty of hiking opportunities.

Pets are not permitted on the hiking trails in Natural Bridge State Resort Park.

Natural Bridge State Resort Park offers more than just a fun family vacation. Our staff of professional Naturalists is available year-round to provide interpretive programs for groups of all sizes and ages, from school groups to seniors, scouts to corporate outings.

Swimming
Tucked between the lake and the cliff beneath Hemlock Lodge is a new pool complex. The complex includes a spacious stone bathhouse, and a zero-depth (one can enter pool without steps) pool that holds 80,000 gallons of water. The main pool has a "river" theme with directional water jets and floor bubblers. Next to the main pool is a new fenced wading pool with floor bubbles and fountain.

Open seasonally and free to lodge and cottage guests. Open to the public Memorial Day through Labor Day when lifeguards are on duty. Weekdays $3 adult, $2 child W weekends $4 adult, $3 child. After mid-August, lifeguards are at the pool Saturday and Sunday only from 11 AM-6PM.
Fishing
Enjoy fishing in the well-stocked Mill Creek Lake, home to largemouth bass, catfish and bluegill. A Kentucky Fishing License is required.
Kentucky
23

NATURAL BRIDGE STATE PARK

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