This Kentucky Natural Attraction Looks Like Something Else Entirely

The Bluegrass State is home to some of the most compelling geological formations in the world, from our mammoth caverns to our grandiose gorges. Kentucky also boasts some of the most spectacular natural arches and bridges in the country, each offering a unique and equally wondrous experience. In Natural Bridge State Resort Park, the iconic and easily recognizable Natural Bridge is a wonder of nature in our state and a place everyone should visit. If you've ever visited the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, this natural arch in Kentucky is, in our humble opinion, even more outstanding! This Kentucky natural attraction that looks like something else is truly something special.

What Makes This Kentucky Attraction So Unique

The Gateway Arch in St. Louis might well be known as the "gateway to the West," but here in Kentucky, we have our own version of a commanding arch that we think is just as awesome. Natural Bridge is one of Red River Gorge's most spectacular spots. Its eponymous sandstone arch is more than 75 feet long and 65 feet high. The classic hiking route is called the Original Natural Bridge Trail via Lake Side Trail. The out-and-back route is 2.6 miles and is considered a moderately difficult trail.

Natural Bridge — What It Looks Like and Why

The sandstone bridge was created over millions of years. Throughout this time, the natural process of erosion, weathering, and gravity shaped this unusual rock formation in Kentucky. The bridge is located adjacent to the Red River Gorge Geological Area, where there are an estimated 150 arches. According to Red River Gorge, the number of arches is only surpassed by Arches National Park in Utah.

Best Times To Visit This Natural Wonder

There are a couple of times we recommend visiting this Kentucky natural attraction that looks like something else. The first is April and May. During this time, visitors will encounter comfortable temperatures for hiking, as well as the chance to spot beautiful wildflowers. Secondly, another great time to visit this natural wonder is in October. During the early fall, visitors can enjoy peak fall foliage. You'll typically find more people out and about in October than in April or May.

What To Know Before You Go

With stunning geological features and sweeping panoramas, Natural Bridge is one of the most popular outdoor destinations in the region, and there are many ways to take it all in. The Skylift is a pretty memorable way to experience the scenic splendor of Natural Bridge. Just like the tram ride to the top of the Gateway Arch, the Natural Bridge Sky Lift takes visitors on a memorable journey, only ours is infinitely more scenic, we think!

The Skylift (and Giftshop) is open on weekends (weather permitting) from March 1 to April 1, and then it’s open seven days a week until the end of the season, sometime in November, depending on the fall foliage. The hours typically run from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., but they will occasionally stay open until 7 p.m. if there is a demand. An adult round-trip ticket on the Skylift costs $17. After the sky lift takes you to the top of the ridge, you’ll be able to hike a short trail from the lift to the base of Natural Bridge.

This 1,200-foot trail winds through some of the unique features for which Kentucky is famous: arches, rock formations, and even some small caverns. These built-in rock stairs are exciting to climb, and since this is an out-and-back trail, you'll get to do them twice!

Final thoughts on visiting this Kentucky natural attraction that looks like something else

Whether you hike your way up or take in the views from the Skylift, Natural Bridge is a place that truly lives up to the hype. With its striking resemblance to the St. Louis arch, this one-of-a-kind destination is a fun reminder that some of the most awesome sights aren't built in a day, but rather formed over millions of years.