Natural Bridge — Red River Gorge Geological Area
Natural Bridge is the crown jewel of the Red River Gorge Geological Area inside Daniel Boone National Forest — a massive sandstone arch 78 feet long and 65 feet high, carved by erosion over millions of years. Standing on top of it, you’re looking out over a dense canopy of mixed hardwood forest broken by sandstone cliff lines and hollows. The gorge itself is a designated National Natural Landmark and one of the highest concentrations of natural arches east of the Mississippi. For overlanders running the Trans-America Trail through the Kentucky Highlands, this is the kind of stop that earns the detour.
Access is via KY-11 south of Slade, KY — paved right to Natural Bridge State Resort Park. Trail to the arch is a moderate 1.5-mile hike from the trailhead, or ride the skylift. Area gets busy on fall weekends. Red River Gorge itself hosts miles of dirt forest roads for post-arch exploration. Facilities at the adjacent state park.
78-foot sandstone arch above the Red River Gorge.
Place Details
| Type | Point of Interest |
|---|---|
| Street address | Original Natural Bridge Trail, Kentucky 40376 Get directions → |
| Elevation (ft) | 1100 ft |
| Nearest town | Slade, KY |
| Miles from pavement | 0 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle |
| Access road surface | Paved |
| Cell service | Partial |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | Free |
| Reservation required | No |
| Best season | April-November |
| Land manager | USFS |
| Permit required | No |
| Amenities | Cell signal, Drinking water, Picnic table, Toilets, Trash service |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |