When visiting the Red River Gorge, exploring the Natural Bridge is a must. It’s one of the area’s most iconic landmarks. Upon arrival, visitors have two options to reach the Bridge: take the Sky Lift or hike up through the forest. Within the Natural Bridge State Park, there are more than 10 different trails to choose from, and the Rock Garden and Lower Gap Trails are two of the most scenic routes with stunning views along the way.
If you are looking to start or end your hike near the Sky Lift area, this route is ideal. The Lower Gap Trail connects directly to the Rock Garden Trail, which leads you to the top. The Rock Garden Trail gets its name from the incredible sandstone cliffs, rock formations, and stairways, some carved directly into the rock and others built from large rocks from the area. The staircases range from steep to gentle slopes, making this trail a moderate to strenuous hike, but still manageable and rewarding for hikers of all experience levels.
Be sure to pause and take in the cliffside views of the Natural Bridge and Battleship Rock. The weathered sandstone reveals layers of color and texture shaped by centuries of natural erosion. At one point, you’ll even spot swirling patterns along the rock face that resemble Van Gogh’s “Starry Night.”
As you near the top, enjoy a breathtaking view of the mountainscape at the Sky Lift Overlook. From there, make your way through Fat Man’s Squeeze, a narrow passage between two massive boulders, and enjoy a beautiful view of the Natural Bridge from below, seeing how the rock spans across the ridgeline. Finally, ascend the last staircase to stand atop the Natural Bridge and admire the Red River Gorge below.
If you are looking for a gorgeous hike that also poses a little challenge, the Rock Garden and Lower Gap Trails are the perfect choice. Be sure to wear sturdy hiking boots, especially after rain, to help navigate slippery slopes and muddy paths. To plan your route in more detail and explore other hiking options, see the Natural Bridge Trail maps here.
