Smokies Schmokies!

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As I've mentioned a few thousand times, I love the Great Smoky Mountains. It's relatively close, it's gorgeous, and it provides everything I need for a "battery recharge." After this weekend, however, I'm inclined to say "Smokies, Schmokies!" My excursion this time around began (after lunch, that is) at Natural Bridge State Resort Park near Slade, Kentucky. (Hey, remember I said this was "Music and memories" time! ) Thanks to the limestone, gorges, and rivers we have quite a few natural arches in eastern Kentucky. The biggest is the long arch that gives the state park its name. I took the chairlift ride to the top of the mountain (more on that later) where the bridge is located. The view is stunning, to say the very least. After walking across the bridge (warning: there are NO rails/fences to obstruct the view or prevent falls) there's a pathway that leads down to the bottom of the bridge, allowing great views from both above and below. The bridge is the "star attraction" at the park, but it's far from the only thing nearby. The park has a lodge, campground, restaurant, and even square dance lessons in the summer. The park is in the Daniel Boone National Forest and near the Red River Gorge, so there's lots of nature to view. The chairlift ride is $15 round-trip, with discounts for veterans/military, kids, and seniors. There is no admission to the park or to hike/walk to the bridge area. I can't wait to see it in the fall!