The Day Trip Of A Lifetime You Can Only Take In Kentucky
By Rachel Shulhafer|Published January 20, 2017
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Rachel Shulhafer
Author
I grew up in Louisville, Kentucky. I have lived elsewhere twice, but keep coming back. I'm a video editor and freelance writer who enjoys watching people wearing University of Louisville uniforms excel at sports, scaling the faces of large rocks, and hanging out with my border collie/laborador/cattle dog mutt thingy that I have.
Are you wanting to experience one of the many outstanding views Kentucky has to offer, but aren’t able or don’t want to hike at an incline all the way to the top? Or maybe you’re just looking for an adrenaline rush? You’re in luck. This amazing chairlift in Natural Bridge State Resort Park in Slade will transport you up to the top of one of Kentucky’s most popular natural sandstone arches, and you won’t believe the view.
The Natural Bridge State Resort Park Sky Lift operates April through October, and makes the perfect spring activity to reconnect with nature after a long winter. It begins a half mile from the park's entrance.
If you're scared of heights, don't worry. The Sky Lift is perfectly safe. Just take a deep breath, and enjoy the unique view you are getting of the park.
The Natural Bridge is only 600 feet from where you exit the Sky Lift. At a height of 65 feet and a length of 78 feet, Natural Bridge offers a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding area. It has been around for about a million years, and took even longer to form.
For reference, this is what you will be walking across. You can see this view of the bridge by taking the short walk to the nearby overlook called Lovers Leap.
If you decide you would rather hike back down than take the Sky Lift, no problem! It's less than a mile back to the trailhead of Original Trail, and it's moderate in difficulty.
The one part that can sometimes prove to be a challenge is Fat Man's Misery. This narrow passageway was formed by a natural fracture, and is located below and to the left of the arch. You will have to pass through it if you decide to hike back down.
