8 Natural Arches And Bridges In Kentucky That Are Perfect For Your Next Outing
By Sarah McCosham|Published May 26, 2021
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
The Bluegrass State is home to some of the most compelling geological formations in the country, from our epic, mammoth-sized caverns to our sweeping, grandiose gorges. Kentucky also boasts some of the most spectacular natural arches and bridges in the country, each offering a unique and equally wondrous experience. Today we’re sharing eight natural arches and bridges in Kentucky that you should definitely make a point of checking out on your next Bluegrass State adventure.
The iconic and easily recognizable Natural Bridge is a wonder of nature in our state and a place everyone should visit. Formed over millions of years, the park's eponymous sandstone arch stretches more than 75 feet long and 65 feet high.
If you're wary of heights, Natural Bridge is equally impressive from below, too!
With over 150 naturally-formed sandstone bridges throughout Red River Gorge, it seems as though every trail takes you past an incredible geological work of art! The Sky Bridge Trail is an easy, mile-long hike in Red River Gorge that is great for families and those looking for something quick and accessible... but with a big payoff!
The Angels Windows natural arch formations at the Red are quite beautiful, especially within the context of their enchanting forest surroundings. You'll find these beauties on the Angel Windows Trail, one of the park's most accessible treks, in fact! This 0.6-mile trail winds beneath these winsome sandstone arch frames, and will leave you speechless.
You'll find this formation along the eponymous 1.5-mile Rock Bridge loop. The trail winds through fairy tale forests and babbling creeks, culminating in an up-close encounter with Rock Bridge. This natural bridge looks like something out of a Tolkien novel; it's moss-covered and almost emerald green. Rock Bridge is the only natural arch in all of Red River Gorge that goes over water, making this geological formation truly unique.
An easy out-and-back trail will take you to Silvermine Arch, one of Red River Gorge's most intriguing hidden gems. The way the sunlight filters through the trees and sandstone archway will take your breath away, and we recommend stopping beneath the arch to really take it all in.
At 79 feet long, Gray's Arch is one of the longest natural arches in Red River Gorge. To get here, start in the Gray’s Arch Parking Lot off of Tunnel Ridge Road, then follow markers for Gray’s Arch Trail #205. This trail offers a unique vantage point, as you'll come upon it from below, gazing up as if it were a natural skylight.
As its name suggests, the Princess Arch is one of Kentucky's geological crown jewels. The Princess Arch is a popular formation because it's easily accessible and absolutely ravishing. This 32-foot arch is definitely a must-see.
Our tour of natural arches and bridges in Kentucky ends at the marvelous Carter Caves State Resort Park. While this picturesque park has numerous geological wonders, you'll find three of its best along the aptly named Three Bridges Trail. This 3.3-mile trail packs a big punch, taking trekkers through three of the its most extraordinary natural bridges: the Smoky Bridge (pictured), Raven Bridge, and Fern Bridge. This is definitely a bucket list hike for all Kentuckians!
As extraordinary as they appear, these rock formations are even more incredible when you realize that Mother Nature — not man — was the artist and architect behind these wonders. These natural arches and bridges in Kentucky are sure to stoke your sense of awe and wonder, and give you an even deeper appreciation of the beautiful Bluegrass State.
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