Are you wanting to experience one of the many outstanding views Kentucky has to offer, but aren’t able or don’t want to hike at an incline all the way to the top? Or maybe you’re just looking for an adrenaline rush? You’re in luck. This amazing chairlift in Natural Bridge State Resort Park in Slade will transport you up to the top of one of Kentucky’s most popular natural sandstone arches, and you won’t believe the view.
The Natural Bridge State Resort Park Sky Lift operates April through October, and makes the perfect spring activity to reconnect with nature after a long winter. It begins a half mile from the park’s entrance.
Flickr/Chris
If you’re scared of heights, don’t worry. The Sky Lift is perfectly safe. Just take a deep breath, and enjoy the unique view you are getting of the park.
Flickr/Jen Gallardo
In the summer, you will be surrounded by lush greenery, but taking the Sky Lift in April when the trees are blooming is magical.
Flickr/Jen Gallardo
After all, you’re in the middle of Daniel Boone National Forest, which is one of the most beautiful places in the entire state.
Flickr/Kevin Schraer
As the Sky Lift climbs higher, you will be able to see out over the surrounding ridges and valleys.
TripAdvisor/LeanneBizTraveler
And once you make it to the top, you won’t believe the view. There’s also a small gift shop where you exit the lift.
Flickr/Jen Gallardo
You have the option of taking the Sky Lift back down, but first, you have to explore the trails and overlooks, and of course, Natural Bridge itself.
Flickr/James Thompson
The Natural Bridge is only 600 feet from where you exit the Sky Lift. At a height of 65 feet and a length of 78 feet, Natural Bridge offers a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding area. It has been around for about a million years, and took even longer to form.
Flickr/Gregspace
For reference, this is what you will be walking across. You can see this view of the bridge by taking the short walk to the nearby overlook called Lovers Leap.
Flickr/my camera and me
It’s especially gorgeous during a sunrise or sunset.
Flickr/Aaron Vowels
If you decide you would rather hike back down than take the Sky Lift, no problem! It’s less than a mile back to the trailhead of Original Trail, and it’s moderate in difficulty.
Flickr/RyanDianna
The one part that can sometimes prove to be a challenge is Fat Man’s Misery. This narrow passageway was formed by a natural fracture, and is located below and to the left of the arch. You will have to pass through it if you decide to hike back down.
Flickr/Aaron Vowels
April can’t get here soon enough! Has anyone ever ridden this chairlift before?
Flickr/Chris
Flickr/Jen Gallardo
Flickr/Kevin Schraer
TripAdvisor/LeanneBizTraveler
Flickr/James Thompson
Flickr/Gregspace
Flickr/my camera and me
Flickr/Aaron Vowels
Flickr/RyanDianna
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