Hiking Ventures in The Boone: Hiking In A Winter Wonderland at Natural Bridge State Park
A winter snow hike, last year, hike was my third snow hike, ever. It was also my third snow hike in Red River Gorge. There were warnings out about the conditions of the Daniel Boone National Forest, the night before my hike. But, there were reports that a number of areas in Red River Gorge were open and accessible for hiking. Natural Bridge was one area that was reported as accessible. So, I made a plan to hike the Hoods Branch Trail since it would eventually lead to Natural Bridge. From there, the hike continues on to Rock Garden Trail and then Low Gap Trail; bringing you back to the skylift parking lot.
Honestly, I didn't know what to expect on this trail. I've been to Natural Bridge many times and always hiked up the Original Trail, or took a leisure ride up the skylift. I never hiked Hoods Branch and wasn't sure what the conditions of the trail would be. But, I ventured to the trailhead anyhow. Hiking along this trail, I took notice that with the exception of tracks from various animals, the snow was untouched. No one had hiked this trail since the last snow fall and I was enjoying this moment. I will warn you, that this snowy hike is not for the faint at heart. And, if you are not prepared for maneuvering under low hanging branches (which are covered with snow), crawling in snow, maneuvering slick and icy surfaces, and scaling fallen trees, then this hike is not for you. I some suggestions on gear, which I will cover on a separate post on another day. But, one gear suggestion I will make, right now, is getting a pair of mini crampons for a hike like this.
Hoods Branch is listed as trail #6 in the Natural Bridge State Park and begins near the skylift parking lot. Is is approximately 3.1 miles and follows along, as well as crosses (several times), the Hood Branch. There aren't a ton of features at the beginning of this hike. More of the features are along Upper Hoods Branch Trail, and the last half of Hoods Branch Trail. Hoods Branch Trail leads you to Upper Hoods Branch, which is a short half mile loop that features a couple of massive rock shelters and various other rock formations. I highly recommend this little detour. You won't be disappointed. The loop brings you back to Hoods Branch; where you can continue on and make your way to Natural Bridge.
I have to admit that hiking this route, in the snow, with several miles of low hanging branches was quite exhausting and frustrating. But, at each discovery of a rock formation, rock shelter, formation of icicles and animal tracks, the effort of battling the low hanging braches were well worth the frustration. I should caution that because these trails were not traveled since the last snow, it was difficult to navigate at times. Some freshly fallen trees also had me feeling momentarily lost until I realized that the trail was just simply blocked by the fallen trees.
Once I made it to Natural Bridge, I opted to not hike up. I hung out under the bridge and took a few photos, instead. Not to mention, I was running out of daylight and still had about a mile and a half to go; to get to my car.
The best way to access the skylift parking lot from Natural Bridge, is to continue on to Rock Garden Trail and onto Low Gap Trail. All the trails from Natural Bridge, and onward, were well traveled. Because of this, they were also slick in many spots. I've never hiked Rock Garden Trail. So, it was truly a pleasant surprise to see so many beautiful rock formations and some small rock shelters. A warning, though, the trek down from Natural Bridge, on this trail, is steep. So, take your time going down.
While I recommend probably hiking this route during the warmer months, it was quite an adventure and amazing to see everything covered with snow and icicles.