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Natural Bridge: Skylift.
Sweat-free nature-lovers ride the Skylift to Natural Bridge, dimly visible in the upper right corner.

Natural Bridge: Skylift

Field review by the editors.

Slade, Kentucky

Natural Bridge of Kentucky may not be as photogenic as the rose-colored arches of the West, but it's so sturdy that visitors are encouraged to walk across it -- and they don't have to exhaust themselves to reach it. That's because in 1967 Kentucky built a ski lift from a parking lot up the mountainside to the Bridge, calling it a "Skylift." You can watch a video next to the Skylift squished penny machine that tells you how to ride the Skylift. "If you are like most visitors, this is probably your first time on a Skylift...." The ride takes 11 minutes each way.

The arch is 78 feet across and 24 feet wide. It has no guardrails, so walking across it in icy weather is not recommended. Hikers or visitors on a budget can look at the Skylift, turn around, drive to the other end of the road, park at the far end of the Hemlock Lodge lot, and climb a trail up the mountain to Natural Bridge for free. But this lacks the unique, sweat-free thrill of effortlessly riding a Skylift to visit a wonder of nature.

The gift shop behind the Skylift ticket booth sells 12 flavors of fudge.

Natural Bridge: Skylift

Natural Bridge State Resort Park

Address:
2135 Natural Bridge Rd, Slade, KY
Directions:
Mountain Pkwy exit 33. Turn south onto Hwy 11. Drive two miles. When you pass the Natural Bridge State Park sign, turn right and cross the little bridge, then turn right again onto Hemlock Lodge Rd. Drive a half-mile, then bear left into the parking lot for the Skylift.
Hours:
April-Oct. daily 10-5 (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
606-663-2922
Admission:
Adults $15.
RA Rates:
Worth a Detour
Save to My Sights

Nearby Offbeat Places

Wild Things of Kentucky: Goats on the RoofWild Things of Kentucky: Goats on the Roof, Slade, KY - < 1 mi.
Kentucky Reptile Zoo: Snake MilkingKentucky Reptile Zoo: Snake Milking, Slade, KY - 1 mi.
Nada TunnelNada Tunnel, Stanton, KY - 2 mi.
In the region:
Horses, Riders, Jumping, Walls, Lexington, KY - 45 mi.

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