Hiking in Kentucky is wonderful any time of year, but fall is definitely a favorite season for many. If you time it right, a trip into the woods, a stroll along rock formations, or by the banks of a lake, can all make for memorable outdoor experiences, filled with brilliant color. Since the fall foliage is taking a bit longer to show this year, there's still plenty of time to get out there and enjoy it, and one of the best places to do so is Natural Bridge State Resort Park. The awesome hiking trails at this incredible park will take you to the most spectacular fall foliage and views of Kentucky that can't be beaten.

Natural Bridge State Resort Park is a popular Kentucky destination located in Slade, adjacent to the Red River Gorge Area. Hiking in this park is an unmatched experience, thanks to its diverse landscape, unique rock formations, and remarkable views.

Many visit this park to hike to the famous Natural Bridge, and there are many ways to do so. Another great feature of this particular park is that the trails range from easy to strenuous, so everyone can get a taste of the natural beauty it has to offer.

The leaves are just beginning to change in this region of Kentucky, which means the colorful peak of the season will be a little later than normal. If you miss the full-on color explosion, don't worry - the hiking trails are scenic all year long.

But if you do happen to be there when the reds, yellows, and oranges are out in full force, you'll be treated to views like this. It's looking like this colorful scene will be here around the very end of October, maybe even into the beginning of November.

If you need a place to start when hiking at Natural Bridge State Resort Park, try the 0.75-mile Original Trail. You can access it right behind the lodge and it's the most popular path to the bridge itself. There are also many shelters along the trail if you want to relax and take it all in.

The park's trails offer views of rock formations, rolling hills, and beautiful bodies of water. You may stumble upon Mill Creek Lake or a smaller creek as you make your way along the trails.

To plan your visit and which hiking trails are best for you, be sure to check out the park's website (linked below). You should also plan on parking at and stopping in Hemlock Lodge for a map, to ask any questions, and even to grab a bite to eat from the restaurant.

If you'd like to turn this fall hiking adventure into a little vacation, definitely consider spending the night either at the lodge or the campground. Once you arrive at this scenic park, you won't want to leave anytime soon, and there's definitely no shortage of spectacular fall color to experience here this season.

The hiking trails within Natural Bridge State Resort Park are some of the best in the state and definitely worthy of a visit in the fall. Have you hiked in this park at the height of fall color? Do you have plans to visit this year? Let us know in the comments!

Natural Bridge State Resort Park is located at 2135 Natural Bridge Rd., Slade, KY 40376. For more information, visit the park's website here.

And if you'd like to explore more of the area, be sure to check out this Red River Gorge road trip everyone should take from our previous article here.