Kentucky 2008

Red River Gorge and Natural Bridge State Park

We stayed at Hemlock Lodge in the Natural Bridge State Resort Park.  The lodge was nice, but could probably use a little face lift. It is a motor inn style lodge with a full service restaurant.  The balconies face the valley and are a nice place to relax after hiking all day.  The pool was quite large with a handy snack bar.  

   Angels Windows is the first trail we pick.   Nice easy hike.

 We then go through the Nada tunnel.  One car at a time      It is an old railroad tunnel. 

After resting a little, we head to Balanced Rock trail.       This trail connects to Natural Bridge trail.

 The view of Battleship Rock from Natural Bridge.    The views from Battleship Rock    

Lori standing on Battleship Rock.

At Lovers Leap, the trail ends quite abruptly, but the view is interesting.  Yikes!        

Princess Arch, you have to go underneath the arch to appreciate it.                      

The best view of all was atop Chimney Top Trail.        The hike to the overlook was mainly paved and very short. 

From Chimney Top trail you could look across and see Half Moon and see people rappelling down the side. 

     What an awesome sight!

Lots of steps and climbs. Hang in there.           No rails to keep you back.

  Rock Bridge - the only arch that spans running water    

 Creation Falls                 Swift Camp Creek                                           

  On our way to Henson Arch  - right through the Whittleton Campground.