My group visited Natural Bridge State Park this past Friday, June 16. Although we enjoyed the natural attractions, the staff at the park, as well as the lack of ADA infrastructure soured our visit. We had a special needs child in our group, and when one of the persons in our group asked the lift operator how long the lift ride was, his response was unprofessional and threatening. We asked about the length of the ride because the lift is not ADA friendly. There are no belts or other safety features for people with disabilities that may need additional support. For us it was important to know how long the ride was to prepare on how to better support our special needs child.
Instead of receiving any type of appropriate answer, the lift operator replied by saying 'it takes however long it takes". When we followed up asking for an estimate, he lost his temper and started screaming and posturing towards one of our group members in a threatening way. He was literally in their face, with no regard or respect to their personal space. We seriously thought he was going to hit them. When we calmly asked who was the manager to report this incident, he stated he was the manager. We later found out the manager was in the gift shop, and when we brought up our experience to them, their response really didn't reassure us that our concerns were being taken seriously. All we got from the manager was a tame apology, and a justification to the lift operator's behavior as him "having a bad day".
This whole experience was disappointing, and as out of state visitors, it made us feel that Kentucky is not a...
Read moreThe Natural Bridge stands tall and majestic, spanning across a deep gorge with its massive limestone arch. The sight of the arch against the backdrop of the surrounding lush greenery is simply awe-inspiring. It is a true testament to the wonders of nature and a testament to the power of erosion over thousands of years. As I ventured closer to the Natural Bridge, I was struck by its sheer size and the intricate patterns carved into the rock by the forces of nature. The experience of standing underneath the arch and looking up at this towering natural marvel left me in awe of the world we live in.
The Natural Bridge is not only a sight to behold but also offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors. Hiking trails wind their way through the surrounding forest, allowing visitors to explore the area's natural beauty up close. The views from the trails are simply breathtaking, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape. For those seeking a bit more adventure, rock climbing is a popular activity at the Natural Bridge. The challenging rock faces provide a thrilling experience for climbers of all skill levels. Additionally, the area surrounding the Natural Bridge is home to a diverse array of wildlife, offering opportunities for nature enthusiasts to observe and appreciate the local flora and fauna.
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Read moreThis was my first trip to the Red River Gorge/Natural Bridge area, and I LOVE IT!!! We stayed at The Hemlock Lodge, and the Natural Bridge trail is right off the back of the parking lot with the trail to the top being a 1/2 mile hike. The fall colors made it a beautiful hike. It requires lots of uphill hiking but there are numerous areas along the way to stop and sit if needed. The very last section, to the top of bridge, is between two rock walls and is only wide enough for one person to pass at a time. It's a nice place for putting into practice our childhood lessons of "taking turns", as only one group can proceed up or down while the group going in the opposite direction waits. It's probably not a path to be attempted by a very large person, either, due to the very narrow passage. There are lots of signs along the way that provide information about the area. I've attached the signs here, since I know many people who don't like to take the time to read on a trail, but would like to know the information...
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