Comparing Hemlock Lodge & Cliffview Lodge
We compare the iconic Natural Bridge State Resort Park's Hemlock Lodge against The Lodge at Cliffview so you know which is the right fit for you!
Planning a vacation to the Red River Gorge Area in Kentucky can be an exciting task, but it can also overwhelming. The area offers a number of lodging choices, from quaint cottages, to luxury cabins, to private lodge rooms, making it hard to determine the right fit for you and your group. Here, we compare two of the highest rated lodging options in the Natural Bridge State Resort Park area so you can choose the right place for your Red River Gorge visit.
The Properties
Cliffview Lodge
16 Rooms – Private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, communal 8′ wide porch, and conference center.
Hiking Trails – 8 miles of private access hiking trails
Access to Suzannah’s Arch – 4-mile hike from Cliffview Lodge
Short Drive to Natural Bridge – 10-minute scenic drive
The Cliffview Lodge is nestled in the private-access Cliffview complex. Most guests of The Cliffview Lodge love that they are removed from the hustle and bustle that comes with staying in a public-access place (like Hemlock Lodge).
Featuring a private lake that’s great for fishing and swimming, private access to Suzannah’s Arch, and an on-site zipline canopy tour (at an additional charge), there’s plenty to do while staying at Cliffview.
The conference center and banquet hall make The Lodge a wonderful event venue for corporate meetings, church retreats, weddings and more as an all-in-one lodging and event space. The hospitable team at Cliffview is happy to help with event planning, set up, and service.
Cliffview Lodge recently updated all guest rooms with great looking modern decor, so if you’re looking for a more “rustic” stay, this Lodge may be a little more luxurious than you want (be sure to check out the room photos).
Many Cliffview Lodge guests love that a free continental breakfast is included in their stay. Every day from 7 AM until 10 AM, the friendly inn-keepers at the Lodge offer fresh hot coffee and a selection of pastries, cereal, muffins, and oatmeal.
Hemlock Lodge
35 Rooms – Private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, private balconies, and camping on-site.
Hiking Trails – 20 miles of hiking trails
Quick Access to Natural Bridge – 3/4 mile hike from Hemlock Lodge
Pet-Friendly – Limit of two animals per room
Hemlock Lodge is part of the State Park Lodges network in Kentucky (one of 17 other state lodges). Hemlock Lodge is also sometimes confusingly referred to as Natural Bridge State Resort Park, when in fact that name actually refers to the entire Park complex. The State Resort Park also offers cottages and campsites to rent. Hemlock Lodge is a popular place to stay in the Red River Gorge area since it hosts the trailhead to Natural Bridge.
Hemlock Lodge is known for its classic state lodge room style. The rooms feature a great collection of mid-mod furniture and decor.
Hemlock’s pet-friendly policies can be a strong draw for many guests. Now both you and Fido can vacation in the Red River Gorge without having to “ruff” it (sorry for the pun…). Keep in mind that while Hemlock does thoroughly clean rooms in between guests if you have sensitive pet allergies, this may not be the perfect destination for you.
The Hemlock also has the on-site Sandstone Arches Restaurant that is popular for its breakfast buffet (not included in room rental) and lunch buffet.
The Rooms
Cliffview Lodge
Hemlock Lodge
Head to Head Comparison
We compare the iconic Natural Bridge State Resort Park's Hemlock Lodge against Cliffview Lodge so you know which is the right fit for you!
| Cliffview Lodge | Hemlock Lodge | |
|---|---|---|
| Free Breakfast | Yes | No |
| Free Books, DVDs, & Board Games | Yes | No |
| Free Wifi | Yes | Yes |
| Privacy | Private property | Open to the public |
| Pet-Friendly | No | Yes |
| Swimming | Yes (Lake) | Yes (Pool) |
| In-Room HDTV | Yes | Yes |
| Restaurant | No | Yes (Sandstone Arches) |
| Outside Seating | Yes (Wrap-around Porch) | Yes (Individual Balconies) |
| Number of Rooms | 16 | 35 |
| year Built | 1999 | 1961 |
