*Family friendly *No pets on trails
I have been itching to visit the Kentucky State Parks’ Culinary Trail for a while now and finally got the chance before the event ends October 31st. This program is part of the Better in the Bluegrass initiative. There are nine Kentucky State Parks participating including Jenny Wiley, Rough River Dam, Cumberland Falls, Blue Licks Battlefield, Natural Bridge, Kentucky Dam Village, Pennyrile Forest, Pine Mountain and Barren River Lake.
My choice this trip was Natural Bridge State Park as I love the Red River Gorge (RRG) area. RRG offers some of the most extensive and diverse hiking trails in the state. You can visit time after time, each for a unique and natural encounter.
I was off to check into the Hemlock Lodge at Natural Bridge State Park. This facility was built right into the mountainside with trails just out the back door. Every window offers a beautiful vista. The lobby is large and provides comfy seating. Amenities include a gift shop, swimming pool, tavern and restaurant.
The room was lovely with a private balcony overlooking the forest. Gazing across the panorama, I visualized the colorful, autumn foliage that will soon blanket the woods.
Each participating park offers a different meal to represent the area cuisine. Admittedly, another decisive factor in selecting Natural Bridge Park was their fabulous choice of cuisine!
A zesty bourbon and ginger ale cocktail kicked off dinner at the Lodge's Sandstone Arches Restaurant.
The chef prepared savory, homemade beer cheese, served with crispy pretzels and celery sticks. The tasty spread had a great texture with a small kick to it.
Local Bibb lettuce salad followed, so fresh with silky leaves, vine-ripened tomatoes and a tangy, vinaigrette dressing.
The main course boasted Kentucky Proud beef, delectable with moist "spoon" cornbread and buttery grits.
I finished with a delicious slice of a Kentucky pie reminiscent of that famous horse race in May. Can you imagine a more quintessential Kentucky meal than this?
Be sure to have your Culinary Trail passport stamped and share a photo of your meal using #tasteky. Fill your passport with stamps to receive a free gift.
I opted for the Original Trail which is a mere .75 miles up to the impressive bridge. One of the most famous natural, sandstone arches in Kentucky, Natural Bridge is 65 feet tall and 78 feet in length. Once ascended, seekers can take in a splendid overview of distant ridges and lush valleys.
I continued to the Laurel Ridge Trail which provides an excellent overlook of the majestic landscape. In the distance, Natural Bridge!
Venturing along the ridge to Lovers Leap, I enjoyed another marvelous tableau of the vast horizon with emerald valleys spilling down the opposite mountainside.
Finally to the intriguing Balanced Rock Trail. As the name implies, this footpath leads to what appears to be a precariously balanced rock feature. (Note, if approaching this trail from the bottom, there is a 600-stair climb.)
Natural Bridge trails number about a dozen with countless more in the nearby Gorge area, where pets are allowed. Should one not be up for hiking to the bridge, a ski lift option is available.
While in the area, don’t miss the occasion to indulge in other pleasurable pastimes. There's rock climbing, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, geocaching, zip lining and nature watching, to name a few.
Before scheduling your stay, be sure to check the events calendar, full of fun opportunities for the whole family.
Note- Pets are not permitted on the Natural Bridge State Resort Park hiking trails – except for the Henson Arch Trail and Whittleton Trail. Most trails at Natural Bridge are within a dedicated Kentucky State Nature Preserve, and pets are not permitted as a part of the management guidelines. However, all trails are open to pets in the Red River Gorge area.
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To Natural Bridge from:
Lexington- 60 miles
Georgetown- 70 miles
Covington- 135 miles
Louisville- 132 miles
Red River Gorge is one of our favorite places to hike too!! We plan on visiting the Natural Bridge in the next couple of weeks!
So cool! I love how the dishes are so representative of Kentucky and the view of the trails look amazing. Our state is so beautiful!
Love the gorge! Had no idea that lodge even existed. I’m def going to check it out. The view from the balcony is awesome!
Omg! I’ve been to the gorge a few times and never knew this was there! Ahh I gotta go sometime! Great blog! :)
This is so cool, I've been wanting to check this out so badly!! That cheese looks amazing