All Friday Field Trips
List of all Friday field trips and descriptions.
 | Friday 1:30pm  |
Let's explore the basics of Winter Tree Identification. Join KY Forest Ranger, Nathan Hall, as you will learn characteristics that will enable you to identify many of the tree species at Carter Caves. Many folks identify trees by their leaves, but the Fall season makes that hard to do in the winter. You have to look beyond the leaves in the winter and get familiar with the different tree species buds and bark. After this hike you will be a better understanding on how to identify trees without their leaves.
Trip Fee: $5.00 - Meets at Welcome Center. Transportation required.
 | Friday 1:30pm |
This class will feature outdoor cooking with cast iron as we prepare and sample several recipes from Cook Wild Kentucky, a series of healthy recipes using Kentucky game meats. Cook Wild KY is a joint poject with UK Extension's Nutrition Education Program, KY Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, and other organizations. This class will include information for the beginner cook as well as tips useful to those more "seasoned!
Trip Fee: $10.00 - Meets at Pool Shelter drive and follow signs from lodge. Transportation required.
| Friday 1:30pm |
A hike to view surfaces features and topology shaped by karst processes in Horn Hollow and the lower portion of the Valley of the Caves. Horn Hollow is a hanging karst valley that is the last major side valley of the Valley of the Caves before it's junction with Tygart's Gorge. The trip will look at sinkholes, pits, cave entrances, swallow holes and resurgences and how these features were shaped by the development of caves in Horn Hollow over time.
Trip Fee: $5.00 - Meets at lodge. Transportation required.
| Friday 1:30pm |
The beauty at Carter Caves State Park is demonstrated well in this moderate hike displaying natural stone bridges, stairs and the artwork of mother nature. As we hike you will see different ecosystems as we explore what the local animals are finding to eat in their natural habitat. If we have ice and snow be aware the bridges may be slippery. Please dress accordingly and wear appropriate footwear. We welcome the 50+ age group.
Trip Fee: $5.00 - Meets at lodge. No transportation required.
 | Friday 1:30pm Crawling Cave Tour
|
Wilburn cave is located near the top of a big ridge. The trip to the cave entrance is a strenuous 250 foot climb up a 30 degree banking, so you should be in good health to participate in this trip. There is little to no walking passage found in the whole cave and it is known for plenty of nasty little crawls. At one point in the cave you will have to straddle over top of a 20 foot canyon to navigate through the passage. The park will provide transportation to and from the cave. The cave is on private property and we have permission to visit the cave during Winter Adventure Weekend only!
You need: Helmet, Chin Strap, Headlamp, 2 Extra Lights, Ankle-High Boots, Knee Pads, Gloves And More.
Trip Fee: $10.00 - Meets at lodge. No transportation required.
 | Friday 2:30pm Walking Cave Tour
|
Cascade Cave is one of the largest of over 200 caves in Carter County and is noted for its large chambers and numerous cave formations. Set your sights on the reflecting pool in the Lake Room, and the geologic diversity of the Cathedral Room. Finally entice yourself with our majestic 30-feet high underground waterfall. This is a commercially lit walking tour of the cave. You will meet your guide in the parking lot of Cascade Cave. Follow the signs from the lodge to the Cave.
You need: Old Clothes, Flashlight, Extra Batteries, Ankle-High Shoes, Gloves And More.
Meets at Cascade Cave Parking Lot. Transportation required.
| Friday 3:00pm Walking Cave Tour
|
Much has been discussed about the significant geology of Carter Caves. Join our residential old broke down caver as he reviews the most recent theories on what makes the Carter Caves area so special and unique. This trip will include a walk through X-Cave and a jaunt into the valley along Cave Branch. One highlight of the trip will include a walk through, Carter Caves Natural Bridge, the only natural bridge in Kentucky that supports a paved road.
You need: Old Clothes, Flashlight, Extra Batteries, Ankle-High Shoes, Gloves And More.
Trip Fee: $5.00 - Meets at Welcome Center. Transportation required.
| Friday 7:00pm Walking Cave Tour
|
Tour Cascade by flashlight as your guide tells tall tales and ghost stories along the way. Flashlights will be the only light source in the cave. Not recommended for those with balance and lowlight vision impairment.
You need: Old Clothes, Flashlight, Extra Batteries, Ankle-High Shoes, Gloves And More.
Meets at lodge. Transportation required.
| Friday 8:00pm |
Join us for stargazing and learn more about the night sky! January is one of the best times to observe the night sky, with bright constellations, various nebulae, and star clusters to observe. You'll learn about various objects in the night sky, how to locate them, and their significance in time and space. A few binoculars and telescopes will be provided, but feel free to bring your own...just leave your flashlight behind! If you are scared of the dark then this is not the trip for you!
Meets at lodge. No transportation required.