There’s something so captivating about the world J. R. R. Tolkien created in “The Lord of the Rings.” Middle Earth, a place of lush forests and romantic fantasy, is a realm that’s undeniably among the most beguiling and beautiful places in Kentucky. And here in Kentucky, we don’t have to pick up one of Tolkien’s novels to visit Middle Earth -- there's a trail in Natural Bridge State Resort Park that's as lush and lovely as it gets and it's one of the best hikes in Kentucky.
If you're a nature lover, it is very likely that you've already spent time in Natural Bridge State Resort Park. Located within the resplendent Red River Gorge, this park is one of the most favorite hiking trails in Kentucky among outdoor enthusiasts.
It's well-known for the titular Natural Bridge, a formation many seek out in the height of fall foliage in Kentucky... for good reason!
This is a year-round favorite in the Bluegrass, however -- the park offers several hiking trails of various lengths and difficulty levels, many of which lead you to the park’s namesake natural bridge, as well as numerous other rock formations throughout this area -- including the moss-covered boulders lining the Rock Garden Trail.
You can reach it by beginning on the Original Trail, turning right onto the Battleship Rock Trail, and then following the Rock Garden Trailhead from there. This Kentucky trail winds through a verdant forest that's straight out of Middle Earth, complete with fanciful rock stars and almost rainforest-like umbrage.
The 1.75-mile trail is perfect for exploring and really does feel like a garden filled with enchanted rocks. Since it does connect with other trails, keep that in mind when setting out on your adventure. If you’re up for a longer adventure, you can combine several trails to suit your needs on one of the most beautiful hikes in Kentucky.
There's a well-known saying that many "can't see the forest for the trees." This speaks to our inclination to look at all the little things in life, and not the (often wondrous) whole picture.
Come and traipse through our very own Middle Earth along this dreamy little trail, and be prepared to marvel over the wide and wonderful world that's right here, at our fingertips, in Kentucky!
Have you hiked the Rock Garden Trail at Natural Bridge State Resort Park before? Did you find it to be one of the best hikes in Kentucky? Let us know about your visit in the comments. This Kentucky trail is a slice of Middle Earth that's as wondrous as anything Tolkien could have ever conjured. And unlike Middle Earth, this forest hike in Kentucky is wholly, wildly, wondrously real. If you're looking for a place to rest your feet after hiking around, the Kentucky State Park resort has some amazing accommodations:
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/kentucky/kentucky-state-park-resort-getaways-ky/
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
