Natural Bridge State Park features more than 20 moderate to difficult trails which can feature steep grades and plenty of stairs leading up to the namesake Natural Bridge that is 78 feet wide and 65 feet high, White’s Branch Arch, Henson’s Cave Arch, and other fascinating geologic features including Lovers Leap, Fat Man’s Squeeze, Balanced Rock, and a small cave.
The state park is also notable for hosting traditional Appalachian square dances on an open-air dance floor which are held on Friday and Saturday evenings throughout the summer.
Natural Bridge State Park was founded as a private tourist attraction along the Lexington & Eastern Railroad in 1895 as a way of drawing tourists to take the train to the natural attraction. In 1910, the railroad and park were acquired by the Louisville & Nashville Railroad. The railroad president turned over its holdings to the state in 1926, making Natural Bridge one of Kentucky’s original four state parks when it was established later in the year.
