The Original Trail

Trail Overview

Located near the gift shop at Natural Bridge State Resort Park in Powell County, The Original Trail is a linear trail with a difficulty rating of Moderate. This trail leads up to the main attraction of the park, a natural bridge or sandstone arch which spans 78 feet and is 65 feet high. This trail has many shelters and places to rest which are great to utilize since the ascent up to the arch is around 500 feet and can be difficult for inexperienced hikers

Trail Access

Hikers can park at the lakeside lot that contains a sign labelled “Natural Bridge Arch Trail Parking” in order to get to the trailhead by foot via Lakeside Trail. Hikers can also park in the lot closest to the gift shop in order to walk directly up to the trailhead.

Waypoints

Natural Bridge State Resort Park CCC Shelters

There are many historic Civilian Conservation Corps built shelters along The Original Trail, all of which are a great place to rest while you make your way up to the Natural Bridge.

Natural Bridge

The main attraction at Natural Bridge State Resort Park, this sandstone arch spans 78 feet and is 65 feet high. Many of the trails at this park lead up to the base of the natural bridge. Any hikers who are unable to make the trek up to the arch can ride up via the skylift which will let you out onto Laurel Ridge Trail in which you’ll follow to the top of the arch