State Parks and National Parks

Natural Bridge State Resort Park

This resort park embraces 2,300 acres of the Daniel Boone National Forest near the Red River Gorge Geological Area. It is named for a remarkable sandstone arch, 78 feet long and 65 feet high, one of the most spectacular of 300 area arches.

The four-season park offers resort-style accommodations and amenities — such as seasonal weekly square dances and a seasonal sky lift that transports visitors from a wheelchair-accessible trail to the bridge.

But the rugged, forested terrain also offers 20 miles of hiking trails, 12 primitive and 75 developed campsites and tours that explore the park's wildlife. Wilderness backpackers can also hike into adjoining national forest lands. The gorge area also is popular with rock climbers.

Canoeists and kayakers can put in at Mill Creek Lake or the Red River, which in this region is a federally protected wild river. Large- and smallmouth bass and rainbow trout are stocked for fly fishers and other anglers.

Photo credits in order: Courtesy of the Kentucky Department of Parks.