Natural Bridge - Stanton KY

Natural Bridge State Park - Jun 20 - 22, 2016



From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Natural Bridge State Resort Park is located along the Middle Fork of the Red River, adjacent to the Red River Gorge Geologic Area and surrounded by the Daniel Boone National Forest. Its namesake natural bridge is the centerpiece of the park. The natural sandstone arch spans 78 ft (24 m) and is 65 ft (20 m) high. The natural process of weathering formed the arch over millions of years.

 We found a new RV park, still under construction that was only a few miles away.  Hardly anyone here.  (4 Guys RV Park).

 My granddaughter and I being silly!  We are part of the "wild things".

After review of the park on the Internet, we decided to ride the tram up and back down.  Tic only went one-way, so he could take the hike down, evidently a common thing to do.

Wheeee!
Sure beats climbing up.  Much faster too!

 A look back down at the start of the ride.  You can only see about 1/2 of the ride.

We are standing on the far left of the Natural Bridge.  Tic is at an overlook to take our picture.

Here we are, with Tic zoomed in on us.

From this point, we rode back down and then drove to the lodge.  We expect Tic to take some photos and then hike down to us.

 View at Lover's Leap

 The overlook where Tic stood to take the pictures of us.

Standing on the bridge, you can see how large it is.

 There is a staircase that leads under the bridge.  You must pass through this narrow passageway called "Fat Man's Squeeze".

The underside of the Natural Bridge.  There are two trails down to the lodge from this point.  Original and Battleship Rock trails.
By going back up the stairs to the top of Natural Bridge, there is a third trail called Balanced Rock.  (Over 600 steps)

 A view of the steps down to the lodge.  Walking down sure beats walking up.

 The Balanced Rock.  Those two trees are actually growing from the "rock".

 A cave on the way down.  Icy cold air blowing out.  Good place to cool down on a hot muggy day.

 Almost at the end of the trail.  It is time for lunch!