Carter Caves State Park: Three Bridges Trail

Carter Caves State Park is located in rural northeastern Kentucky. It is a short drive from Huntington, West Virginia, and relatively close to Lexington. Despite this, many people have not heard of this often-overlooked and severely underrated park. 

Most people who visit the park spend most of their time touring one of the caves, which is fantastic and highly recommended.  But don’t forget to check out what’s also above the ground. Carter Caves State Park is home to seven natural bridges. 

Hiking the incredibly scenic Three Bridges Trail, you can visit several of the park’s natural bridges. The hike is a 3.6-mile loop that takes visitors by Smoky Bridge, the largest in the park at 90 feet high and 120 feet wide. 

As hikers follow the red blazes, they come across Raven Bridge and Fern Bridge. If there has been some precipitation recently, you will be treated with water flowing through Fern Bridge. Aside from the bridges, you can expect sweeping views of Smoky Valley Lake and hiking alongside many incredible sandstone cliffs. Heads up: If you visit in the winter like we did, expect some icy patches here and there.  

Natural Bridge Trail

If the Three Bridges Trail is too long, try hiking the half-mile Natural Bridge Trail. What this hike lacks in distance certainly makes up for in beauty. It leads hikers directly under the bridge and offers several extraordinary opportunities for great photography.  Also, this natural bridge is the only one in Kentucky with a paved road running over it. 

There are over 30 miles of hiking trails in Carter Cave State Park, all of which are worth your time during your next visit. If you plan on staying a few days, make sure to reserve a spot at the campground in advance. It can fill up quickly during the summertime.