Spring Sunset at Lovers Leap

Apr 9

Elevation Profile of Spring Sunset at Lovers Leap Hike, Natural Bridge State Resort Park

Overview. This isn’t a cheap view - you’ll have to work a little to get here. That said, hiking Balanced Rock, Natural Bridge, Lookout Point, and arriving at Lovers Leap for sunset is a fantastic hiking experience and one that every hiker should experience at least once.

Route Type | Lollipop and Spur
Total Distance | 3.50 miles
Overall Difficulty | Moderate to Strenuous

Parking. Ample parking is available at the Lakeside Trailhead. Additional parking (and a shorter hike) can be found near the gift shop just south of the footbridge.

Trail navigation. Locate the Lakeside Trailhead at the south end of the parking lot. Descend the staircase to find flat (often muddy) trail with boardwalks and continue until crossing the footbridge. From here, find signs for Natural Bridge and Original Trail. Begin ascending until seeing two wooden bridges crossing an attractive drainage. Cross the low bridge and continue up until reaching the road. From here, turn left to get off Original Trail to find Balanced Rock Trail a few dozen paces away. Ascend on Balanced Rock Trail to see a rock shelter come into view on the left. Turn left to stay on trail (going the other way links up with Original Trail). Continue your ascent, passing Balanced Rock before taking several different staircases to gain the ridgeline. Once on the ridge, you’ll begin circling back toward Natural Bridge. Arrive at a trail intersection with Sand Gap Trail and continue straight and seeing an old view gazebo up and to the right. Go past this to arrive at the top of Natural Bridge. Drop down here to see below or continue across to walk the length of Laurel Ridge Trail. Along the way, you’ll pass Skylift with some views before arriving at Lookout Point with expansive views across the landscape and out to Natural Bridge. Continue out the ridge to reach the end of the trail at Lovers Leap. Here, you can see Miguel’s down below and a beautiful view west for sunset. Take in the last moments of sunlight before heading back. Crossover Natural Bridge and take the descending rock staircase on the right to descend Original Trail. Just beyond the arch, turn right to stay on Original Trail and keep going until finally reaching the footbridge and Lakeside Trail before returning to the parking lot.

HIKER NOTE - Beat the Crowds. Hiking at sunrise or sunset will have you on trail with a lot fewer people. Though Natural Bridge is packed on weekends, you can still enjoy a quiet hike early or late for sunrise and sunset.

CAUTION - Darkness. Lovers Leap is a long way from the parking lot after sunset and it will be nearly dark or completely dark by the time you return. Be sure to pack a headlamp with fresh batteries to avoid depending on the weak LED light on your phone.

CAUTION - Poisonous Snakes. Copperheads and timber rattlesnakes can be found in the area. Should you encounter one, stop and slowly back away. Always give venomous snakes a wide berth. Know Before You Go => University of Kentucky Venomous Snake Guide

CAUTION - Black Bears. Ursus Americanus - a.k.a. the American black bear is growing in population throughout much of Kentucky. Know Before You Go => US Forest Service Black Bear Safety Tips