Natural Bridge Original Trail 1.5 O/B Difficult

We have had the absolute best winter weather for hiking this year! Well...when it isn't raining! I hiked this trail a couple of weeks ago and knew it was going to be great because the parking lot was totally empty.  And I was not disappointed. This is probably one of the busiest trails in the are. So a quiet trail...by myself...tends to lead to a wonderful conversation with God.
I was going thru my list of trails that I have wrote about and could not believe I have not shared this one with y'all! My sincerest apologies! I wish everyone had the opportunity to stand on top of this gigantic natural bridge. But not everyone can make the hike. It is rough. It is a gravel/paved/dirt trail that starts right off with...yep, you guessed it...stairs. Whether it be wood steps, rock steps or poles across the trail, there are well over 200, maybe even closer to 300, steps! Now, I always park at Hoedown Island and head up that way. So maybe there is somewhere else to park that would eliminate some steps. Let me know if there is!

Thankfully, though, there are shelters and benches all along the way. Use them folks! Don't be embarrassed or ashamed. This is a hard, uphill hike and I want you to get to the top!
​There are a few informational signs along the trail. Take a breather and read those as well. They are very interesting. This is a wide trail with lots of room. At one point there is a sign that mentions this is the easiest trail up to the bridge. It always cracks me up!! Easy?? Maybe coming down.

If this is your first time, know that once you get to the bridge you are not finished. One of my favorite parts of this hike is getting to the top! If you notice in the pictures below, there is a tiny trail that goes between the bridge and another huge rock. You go thru there! Kids love it! I love it! It is seriously one of the highlights of this trail. I took a picture of my foot on one of the steps to show you just how tight of a squeeze it is.

Now you are almost to the top! A few more steps to go! Now, take it all in. Find a spot to sit down and take in the view.

Since I knew this was an opportune time to get a picture of the bridge with no people on it, I went on ahead and hiked the easy trail over to Lover's Leap. It took me about 10 minutes to get over there. But it was so worth it. Look at this beautiful picture! We are blessed to live in this gorgeous part of Kentucky!

Please be safe when you are up top and please do not throw rocks off the bridge. Someone could be down below. 
Bundle up, grab your daypack and get outdoors! I would love to hear if you hike it! Be safe y'all!
'Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.' - John Muir