Natural Bridge State Resort Park

It’s been an unexpected, long and hard winter. Now it seems everyone is suffering from cabin fever. These symptoms are obvious; ranging anywhere from exhaustion and weight gain to grumpiness and short tempers. The best cure we could find comes in the form of this month’s day trip from Berea. It’s fortified with fresh air, budding trees, room to roam and a winter’s worth of sunshine.

Natural Bridge State Resort Park

This month we invite you to travel to Natural Bridge. Nestled in the Daniel Boone National Forest, there are opportunities for all ages to experience the wonders of nature. Natural Bridge is a scenic drive, located in Powell County, just off KY 11. After arriving, there is plenty of parking and lots of options for what to do first. The 994 acres around Natural Bridge has been a state park and nature preserve for 22 years. The area was dedicated on December 16, 1981. The trees, shrubs, wild life and water attractions within the park appear untouched. There are over 13 miles of hiking trails in the park. Some trails are only ½ mile long, while for the adventurous; others are close to 8 ½ miles long.

The bridge itself is an all natural, sandstone arch. According to the park official, “It reaches 78 feet in length and 65 feet in height.” The bridge is 30 feet wide at the top and is 40 inches deep. There are trails that lead around the bridge and steps that lead to the top. Park workers want to remind visitors to be cautious when walking on the top of the arch. There are no handrails or railings, and often the path is uneven. However, the view is phenomenal, and even from someone afraid of heights, it was definitely worth it.

For the less physically active family members there is still plenty to do. For those who don’t want to endure the hike, yet still wish to see the sights, there is a sky lift that offers a relaxing trip through the mountains. The lift ends a close 600 feet from the bridge and starts close to the park entrance. Please note that the lift doesn’t begin operation until April and ends in October.

Those seeking even more relaxation can seek out the new pool complex; it is “tucked between the lake and the cliff beneath Hemlock Lodge.” The 80,000-gallon pool has a “river” theme and contains numerous water jets and floor bubblers. Young children have their own wading pool, also with floor bubblers and a fountain. Lifeguards are on duty most of the season and the pool opens on Memorial Day and closes for the winter on Labor Day. The park also offers excellent dining opportunities, an 18-hole miniature golf course, picnic shelters, playgrounds and pedal boats or hydro-bikes.

When looking for a place to get away for a few days, there are three main options at this park. The Hemlock Lodge, open year round, has 35 rooms, each with private balconies. The Parks web page offers a link where you can click and view available rooms within the next four weeks. The second place to stay overnight is the parks cottages. This location would be perfect for intimate family gatherings. There are 2 cottages that offer two-bedrooms, and 8 cottages that offer one bedroom. Either choice comes full of amenities and housekeeping. The last choice for overnight stay is in one of the two campgrounds. There are 82 sites with utilities provided and 12 primitive campsites. Restrooms and showers are only a short walk. This is the best choice for those who like to travel with their pets. The Lodge and cottages are available year round and the campsites are open from mid-March until October 31.

The park offers many special events throughout the year, for more information you can visit our community calendar or the park’s web page. School groups are also encouraged to learn the geological history behind the bridge, explore the biology located in the park and experience the meteorology effects of the mountains and lakes. For more scientific explanations, we found an excellent educational resource to be located at http://www.uky.edu/KGS/coal/webgeoky/fieldtrip/naturalbridge2.html#1 . For more information about the park, and seasonal prices you can contact them at: Natural Bridge State Resort Park 2135 Natural Bridge Road, Slade KY 40376-9999, (606) 6639-2214, or visit their web site at http://www.state.ky.us/agencies/parks/natbridg.htm .

Enjoy your March Day Trip from Berea!!!