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Original Trail to Natural Bridge

Intermediate Intermediate
 3.9 (13)
  1. Areas
  2. KY
  3. …Southeastern Kentucky
  4. Natural Bridge State Resort Park
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“A nice and wide doubletrack that leads up to the base of Natural Bridge. ”

Chris Davis
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Map Key

0.5

Miles

0.8

KM

Point to Point

1,244' 379 m

High

877' 267 m

Low

384' 117 m

Up

56' 17 m

Down

17%

Avg Grade (10°)

34%

Max Grade (19°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Spring · Wildlife

Open daylight hours only.

Description

This is a nice trail with some paved sections, although it is mostly gravel up to the Natural Bridge. This section of trail is also part of the Sheltowee Trail and is the oldest trail leading to the bridge. This follows an old logging road that was improved by the CCC, and you'll see remains of their shelters and retaining walls on your way up to the top.

While short, don't underestimate the incline of this trail, especially if you are not used to hiking. I know of this trail catching numerous people off guard, not knowing that it is a pretty strenuous climb up. However, there are lots of places to stop and rest on the way up, and the view from Natural Bridge is fantastic, though usually very crowded.

Flora & Fauna

Chipmunks, squirrels, mixed hardwoods, ferns, and hemlock can be found in this area.

Contacts

Land Manager: Kentucky State Parks - Natural Bridge State Resort Park

Shared By:

Chris Davis with improvements by Michael Kontos
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  3.9 from 13 votes

#7

in Natural Bridge State Resort Park

#10038

Overall
  3.9 from 13 votes
5 Star
38%
4 Star
15%
3 Star
46%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#7

in Natural Bridge State R…

#104

in Kentucky

#10,038

Overall
8 Views Last Month
1,097 Since Nov 24, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate
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Photos

Sunrise from Natural Bridge
Jul 6, 2015 near Campton, KY
Natural Bridge
Jul 9, 2015 near Campton, KY
Walkway to Natural Bridge
Jul 9, 2015 near Campton, KY
View from Natural Bridge
May 10, 2018 near Campton, KY
View from the trail.
May 17, 2022 near Campton, KY
View from the trail
May 17, 2022 near Campton, KY

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 62 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Oct 10, 2022
Xavier Weekly
Apr 15, 2022
Peyton Schumacher
Mar 15, 2022
Lee Marbach
We hiked the following trails. Worth the visit! 1 The Original 9 Laurel Ridge 2 Balanced Rock
Nov 13, 2021
Christine Hudson
Aug 22, 2021
Scott Ormsby
1mi
Aug 22, 2021
Katherine Ormsby
May 17, 2021
Allison K
Way back down after heading up battleship trail then loop 0.5mi
Apr 3, 2021
Kendall O'Brien
With Averi and Bri

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