In a state with so many hiking trails and wonderful views, it can be difficult to narrow it down to the ones that are worth a little sweat. If you've ever hiked around Natural Bridge State Resort Park, then you know there are several trails that gave you opportunities to explore the park’s namesake feature: the incredible, natural sandstone bridge. There are ways to reach the bridge without any hiking at all (try the Skylift, featured here), but we recommend a different route. If you're up for a bit of a challenge that's so worth the climb, try this rocky staircase route that's a wonderfully rewarding hike in Kentucky.

There are many options when you're deciding on a route to get to the Natural Bridge within Natural Bridge State Resort Park. You can take it easy, enjoy moderate difficulty, or push yourself a bit and really enjoy an exciting adventure. Located right behind Hemlock Lodge is the trailhead for the Battleship Rock Trail (#3). Begin here, and don't let the stairs intimidate you.

Soon, you'll come to signs for Devil's Gulch. You can continue on Trail #3, but we recommend giving this side trail a try, so follow the signs that lead you to this view.

The climb through Devil's Gulch may not be much for avid hikers and climbers, but if you’re just a casual hikers, it'll get your heart racing. It begins with stairs that wind through rock formations and eventually turn into a steep, rocky staircase where you'll want to hold on to that handrail.

Once you get to the top, catch your breath and turn around and look down. You'll be proud of yourself for the climb and glad you did it.

At the top, you’ll be on the Laurel Ridge Trail (#9). Within a few minutes of walking, you'll come to Lookout Point, a rocky overhang with incredible sweeping views of the Gorge.

It is from this point that many of the famous photos of the Natural Bridge are snapped. The photo below is zoomed in, but you can easily see people walking across the top from this overlook. Of course, be sure to use extra precautions, as there is no railing around this lookout.

Don't stop there! After appreciating the views from the lookout, continue along the trail and you'll eventually meet up with the Skylift and the top of the Natural Bridge. The photo below shows the view from the top of the bridge, looking toward Lookout Point, where you were just enjoying the view from the opposite angle!

You can then head to the bottom of the bridge and choose your own adventure from there. This route is surely one of the best ways to reach Natural Bridge, and the rocky staircase climb is definitely worth the effort.

This challenging yet beautiful hike in Kentucky is worth the sweat and sore legs you'll surely have from climbing this rocky staircase. You'll be privileged to unmatched views of Natural Bridge, as well as sweeping views of Red River Gorge. Have you hiked through Devil's Gulch and along the Laurel Ridge Trail? What is your favorite way to experience Natural Bridge? Let us know in the comments!

For more information on Natural Bridge State Resort Park and its hiking trails, visit here.

Address: 2135 Natural Bridge Road, Slade, KY 40376

And for another hike in Kentucky in this area that's very easy, but comes with a great pay off, check out our previous article here.