The park is primarily a wildlife sanctuary and nature preserve. Nothing is permitted in the park that will disturb wildlife or plant habitat. Natural Bridge State Resort is what is known as a passive recreation area. There are no pets allowed, rock climbing, off trail hiking, or back country camping is permitted in Kentucky State Parks, however the Red River Gorge National Geological Area does all some of these activities.

What you can do in the park is take advantage of the breath taking views of the natural formations.
The opportunity to do this can come in anything from the 30 minute lectures about the park, to a ten mile overnight backpacking trip. Educational tours are offered to people all levels of hiking skills.

Hiking trails vary from half a mile, to eight and a half miles and begin at the Trail and Nature Center. Trail maps are available at the Nature Center, which also houses exhibits pertaining to the park. A sky lift is available for those who would really like to just sit back and enjoy the scenery.

In addition to the Natural Bridge, hikers can also see caves unique to Kentucky, formed by water seeping through the soil, becoming slightly acidic, and dissolving the alkaline limestone bedrock until caves are formed.
Other named formations are Devil’s Gulch Staircase, and Lookout Point Overlook, and Battleship Rock. Various tours on different subjects cam be taken for very small fees. A beginners Cave Walk, Poisonous Plant Venomous Animal Tour, bird watching, creatures of the night, and wild flower walk are just some of he topical guided hikes available.

Sandstone Cliffs, and Sandstone Bedding deposited in an ancient stream some 315 million years ago. Camp grounds and other lodging are available near the park.

Author Ron Stemple
Copyright 2006, Ron Dowell