Squeeze Through Inches Of Rock Along The Popular Trail To Natural Bridge In Kentucky
By Andrea Limke|Published September 26, 2019
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Andrea Limke
Author
A Cincinnati native who has lived in Kentucky for over 10 years, Andrea's heart belongs both in the Queen City and the Bluegrass State. After earning an education degree and working in that field for a number of years, Andrea began to pursue her passion for writing over 6 years ago. Since then she has written for a number of print and online publications, as well as published a children's book.
Our beautiful state of Kentucky offers so many scenic hiking trails for all ages and abilities. Whether you prefer an easy stroll along a lake or an overnight backpacking adventure, the Bluegrass State has the outing for you. One of the most popular places to hike in Kentucky is Red River Gorge and Natural Bridge State Resort Park. The easily recognizable Natural Bridge is a wonder of nature in our state and a place everyone should visit. There are a few ways to get to this bridge and one of them happens to include squeezing through just inches of rock. This popular trail is filled with beauty and adventure and is an exciting way to experience the Natural Bridge in Kentucky.
Hopefully, it is also a place many of those who live in Kentucky have seen in person. The view above is the bridge as seen from the Laurel Ridge Trail, but you also need to make sure to get as close as you can to this natural wonder.
The Original Trail is one way to reach the bridge and is likely the most popular.
It begins behind the lodge and takes you through the woods and eventually to the base of the bridge. There are five shelters along the way where you can relax and take in the stunning scenery.
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The view from underneath the bridge is remarkable and will give you a true sense of its size.
Spend awhile here, admiring the arch and rock formations. And then to reach the top of the bridge, you will have to climb through a natural fracture in the rock that is quite narrow.
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Some call this section of the trail "Fat Man's Misery," and it's easy to see why.
If you're wearing a backpack, be prepared to take it off for this portion of the trail. It can also get very muddy after a good rain as this section doesn't get much sunlight.
Once you've braved the narrow passage, you are free to climb the rest of the way to the top of the bridge.
It's wide enough for you to feel safe, but always exercise extreme caution as there are no railings. Also be sure to take in the view from all vantage points while up here, as they are all amazing.
If you take the skylift up to the top of the bridge or another trail, your route will be reversed and you'll want to look for this sign to get to the bottom and through the narrow path.
As one of the most popular trails in our state, the hike to the Natural Bridge in Kentucky really is worth the hype. Once you see these views for yourself, you'll realize why so many visit here for a memorable hike in Kentucky.
Natural Bridge in Kentucky is a breathtaking site, whether you see it from above, from a distance, or from below. And one of the best ways to get there is by squeezing yourself through inches of rock for a unique hiking excursion in our state. Have you hiked through this narrow, natural fracture in the rock? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments!
For more information on the trails within Natural Bridge State Resort Park, visit its website here.
And for another route that will lead you to the Natural Bridge, check out our previous article here.
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