🌉🥾 Solo Hike to Natural Bridge - Slade, Kentucky - A Simba-Free Scenic Adventure 🚶‍♀️🌲

Hey friends! Ash here — and this week, I’m flying solo (gasp!) for a gorgeous hike to one of Kentucky’s most iconic landmarks: the Natural Bridge at Natural Bridge State Resort Park in Slade, KY! 🏞️✨

That’s right — Simba the Adventure Pup had to stay behind for this one. 😢 Unfortunately, dogs aren’t allowed on the trail to the Natural Bridge (more on that below), but I still wanted to check it out and bring you along for this scenic and peaceful solo hike through the Kentucky forest.

📍 Trail Overview

Location: Natural Bridge State Resort Park – Slade, Kentucky
Trail Route: Lakeside Trail → Original Trail to Natural Bridge
Distance: ~2.5 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate (some stairs, elevation, and rocky terrain)
Dog-Friendly?: ❌ Sadly, no dogs allowed on this trail
Highlights: Sandstone arch, forest switchbacks, lakeside views

🌲 Trail Experience

I started on the Lakeside Trail, which offers a beautiful and quiet stroll around the edge of the lake. The morning light was sparkling on the water, and the forest was alive with birdsong and rustling leaves — the kind of peacefulness that fills your lungs and clears your head. 🌞🌿

From there, I connected to the Original Trail, which winds gently up the ridge through shaded forest, stone steps, and rock outcrops — the trail is well-maintained, but prepare for some uphill sections and narrow parts near the top.

And then… boom 💥 — you reach the Natural Bridge.

🌉 The Natural Bridge

Standing 65 feet high and stretching 78 feet across, this sandstone arch is seriously impressive in person. You can walk across the top of the bridge (with railings!) and then view it from below for that classic photo-op moment. 📸

The top offers sweeping views of the surrounding Daniel Boone National Forest — a perfect place to take a break, soak it in, and feel small in the best possible way. 🙌

🐾 Why Simba Sat This One Out

Natural Bridge’s pet policy prohibits dogs on the trail to the arch for safety and preservation reasons. It’s a bummer, but I respect it — and made sure Simba had a comfy nap back at our RV spot while I tackled this one solo. 🐶🚌💤

(And yes, I totally showed him photos when I got back.)

🚐 RV Travel Tips

• The park has an RV-friendly campground just a short drive from the trailhead
• If you’re coming through the Red River Gorge area, this hike is a perfect stop
• Weekdays = fewer crowds and more peaceful moments
• Combine this with scenic drives and other short trails nearby for a full day out!

🎥 Watch the Full Hike


In this week’s video, you’ll see:

🎬 The Lakeside Trail’s peaceful water views
🥾 The forest climb up the Original Trail
🌉 Epic shots of the Natural Bridge from the top & base
💬 Tips for hiking solo and respecting pet-restricted trails

👉 Subscribe for weekly hikes, parks, RV travel, and golden retriever adventures (plus the occasional solo Ash trail day!)
📲 Follow along: @lifeonpawsandwheels

✨ Final Thoughts

Even though Simba missed this one, the Natural Bridge Trail was a beautiful, peaceful experience. From the leafy forest paths to the jaw-dropping arch views, it’s a must-do if you’re passing through Kentucky and want to connect with nature in a big way.

Whether you hike it solo like I did, or add it to a longer stop through Red River Gorge, this is one of those trails that sticks with you.

Until next time — happy trails, scenic arches, and peaceful solo moments 💛
– Ash (and Simba, in spirit!) 🐾🌉

Location: Slade, KY 40376, USA

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