09 KENTUCKY

Natural Bridge State Resort Park

Rising 65 feet, the sandstone arch known as Natural Bridge (above) o ers dramatic treetop views of the Red River Gorge Geological Area, its canyons, cli s, arches and outcroppings. The bridge is 20 feet wide and there are no guardrails—just the exhilarating beauty of Mother Nature gone wild. For hikers, climbers and nature lovers like me, this geologic marvel is bucket-list-level enticing. —Kathy Witt

VIEW FROM ABOVE

Ride the Skylift 1 mile to Lookout Point for the best photo ops of Natural Bridge. naturalbridgeskyliftandgiftshop.com

WEAVE THE RING

In summer, square dance, clog or line dance Saturday nights on Hoedown Island. Get there by crossing the wooden bridge to the beautiful waterside setting. hoedownisland.com

SLICE AND CIDER

Bite into a made-to-order slice of Miguel’s Pizza. Billed as the “Gorge visitor hot spot,” it is always busy but so worth the wait. miguelspizza.com