All Saturday Morning Field Trips
List of all Saturday morning field trips and descriptions.
Saturday 8:00am 
1.5 hours Level: 1 Limit: 10 Friends don't let friends drink instant coffee! Drinking coffee on the trail is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. Bring a mug and hike with Goose Bridle Coffee out to a scenic spot and enjoy a cup of fresh-roasted coffee made right on the trail. With camp stoves, we'll heat some water and use a few different portable brewing devices to make a fresh cup of coffee for everyone. Along the way we'll discuss ways to dial in your very own trail coffee setup.
Trip Fee: $5.00 - Meets at lodge. No transportation required.
Saturday 8:30am 2 hours Level: 1 Limit: 20 This is a hands-on, all-ages workshop presenting the Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics as they apply to winter recreation and caving. Guided by two Leave No Trace Trainers, you will gain new insight on how to minimize your impact on the environment regardless of season or location. This isn't a lecture but a fun, interactive program that will take us into caves and onto trails designed to educate and enlighten! All participants will get souvenirs courtesy of the Trainers.
Trip Fee: $5.00 - Meets at Welcome Center. Transportation required.
Saturday 8:30am 3 hours Level: 3 Limit: 20 During this four-mile hike, you will learn to decipher tell-tale surface features that are indicative of a dynamic sub-surface environment. Cave entrances, sinkholes, pits, shelters, springs, arches, and bridges will be featured on this scenic ramble. The hike follows the Three Bridges Trail, with several short off-trail ventures.
Trip Fee: $5.00 - Meets at lodge . No transportation required.
Saturday 8:30am 3 hours Level: 1 Limit: 10 Eastern KY has a rich and proud coal mining heritage. This trip will strive to show the participants what it was actually like to work in the mines with only the light of various flame lamps. From early clamshell lamps to carbide, the last flame lamp, this will be a history and hands on experience of how the miners did their hard work underground with barely enough light to see. We will have working original examples and explain the history of each type of mine light. You will see original photographs from the day of not only the miners, but also the kids as young as 6 years old that worked in the mines day in and day out. Trip will take place on the commercial routes of Cascade Cave. No Flashlights will be used, participants will be provided a carbide miners light (one light per two people) to light the path ahead.
You need: Old Clothes, Flashlight, Extra Batteries, Ankle-High Shoes, Gloves And More.
Trip Fee: $5.00 - Meets at lodge. Transportation required.
Saturday 8:30am 3 hours Level: 2 Limit: 20 While the bats are sleeping in the front of the cave, we will be entering into the back of the cave after a quarter mile hike to the cave entrance. Bat Cave is a completely wild cave with the exception of the cave gates. This trip is a combination of walking, duck walking, scrambling over breakdown piles, creek crossings, belly slides, and hand and knee crawls. You get the whole package with the cave being a combination of dry, muddy and wet. How wet you get depends on how merciful your guide is.
You need: Helmet, Chin Strap, Headlamp, 2 Extra Lights, Ankle-High Boots, Knee Pads, Gloves And More.
Trip Fee: $10.00 - Meets at lodge. Transportation required.
Saturday 8:30am 3 hours Level: 2 Limit: 10 Sandy Cave has a huge and long trunk passage that is part of the Cascade Cave system. It also provides some interesting areas that are accessed by crawling and climbing. The entrance is through a karst window with a 70-foot pool of deep water at its bottom. The guides intend to lower a john boat to the pool and offer a boat ride to dry land. This is subject to cancellation if potential flooding conditions occur. Participants must help carry the boat through the woods for 1/2 mile to the cave on Friday afternoon trip and from the cave on the 10:00 Sunday morning trip. This cave is only accessible during Winter Adventure Weekend!
You need: Helmet, Chin Strap, Headlamp, 2 Extra Lights, Ankle-High Boots, Knee Pads, Gloves And More.
Trip Fee: $10.00 - Meets at lodge. Transportation required.
Saturday 8:30am 5 hours Level: 3 Limit: 18 This is an extensive cave system with many dusty crawling and walking passageways. The dust will be flying in the crawls so if you have breathing problems this is not the trip for you. Highlights include encountering the famous Bills Crawl, a 100 ft. belly crawl utilizing only your elbows and toes. The trip to the cave entrance is a 300 ft. climb up a 30 degree banking, so you should be in good health to participate in this trip and have past caving experience. This cave is one with a long history including a short stint as a commercial cave in the late 1800s. In case of cold weather, it is suggested you wear a coat to the cave entrance and leave it until the return. Note: 20 miles of car travel roundtrip. These caves are on private property and we have permission to visit them 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 as lodge. Transportation required.
Saturday 8:30am 1.5 hours Level: 1 Limit: 6 Come try the our extreme rope swing at Carter Caves State Resort Park! Step off the edge of a 30-foot cliffline into a thrilling swing through the trees. The Leap of Faith: "Only in a leap from the lion's head shall they prove their worth." This trip requires a .1 mile trail hike to and from the cottage area to the swing site. For your safety and comfort, there is a weight limit of 250 lbs, however you must also fit in the harness per manufacturer's safety guidelines.
Trip Fee: $5.00 - Follow signs from Cottage area to the site. Transportation required.
Saturday 8:30am 1 hour Level: 2 Limit: 6 Would you like to try rappelling? Here's your chance. No experience will be necessary. This will NOT be a "how to" workshop. You will be given basic instructions, put on the rope, and monitored on the descent. The rappel location is very scenic and is guaranteed to make you pucker before your 50-foot descent. For your safety and comfort, there is a weight limit of 250 lbs, however you must also fit in the harness per manufacturer's safety guidelines.
Trip Fee: $5.00 - Follow signs from in front of lodge to site. No transportation required.
Saturday 8:30am 1.5 hours Level: 2 Limit: 10 Cavers descend into deep pits to explore, but how do they get out? This trip will give you insight into the basics needed to ascend on a rope. You will be introduced to a system of rope ascending commonly used by cavers, and you will get a chance to do a rope climb silhouetted by Smoky Bridge. This is a physical activity that requires the use of your whole body to successfully participate in. We will provide you with all the necessary equipment including a climbing system and helmet. For your safety and comfort, you must be able to fit in the harness per manufacturer safety guidelines and be able to follow directions while on rope.
Trip Fee: $5.00 - Follow signs from in front of lodge to site. No transportation required.
Saturday 8:30am 1 hour Level: 2 Limit: 10 Drop in. Would you like to know if you're the fastest rope climber at Winter Adventure Weekend? Now is your chance to find out! So come, compete and see how you stack up. Everyone is welcome to compete, regardless of age or experience! This is a physical activity that requires the use of your whole body to successfully participate in. All of the required equipment will be provided for you. Personal equipment can be used, however the use of a seat harness is required. All personal gear will be inspected by the climbing competition staff, and the staff reserve the right to refuse gear that does not pass inspection. Prizes will be awarded by age group during the Saturday evening program. Staph are welcome to participate but will be in a separate category from event participants.
Follow signs from in front of lodge to site. No transportation required.
Saturday 9:00am 3 hours Level: 2 Limit: 20 Find some hidden secrets in these wild and once often-visited park caves. Dripping dome rooms, scalloped rock passages, huge breakdown, a belly-crawl connection between caves, and a room filled with dozens of mini bathtub-like dams are just a few of the treasures you'll discover. These caves contain active streams. Be prepared to have wet feet, wet hands, possibly more if you slip! Water bottle/snack suggested. Total outdoor hike of at least 1.5 miles required over hilly terrain, so be mindful of the weather and dress appropriately!
You need: Helmet, Chin Strap, Headlamp, 2 Extra Lights, Ankle-High Boots, Knee Pads, Gloves And More.
Trip Fee: $10.00 - Meets at Welcome Center. Transportation required.
Saturday 9:00am 3 hours Level: 2 Limit: 20 Cascade Cave has been developed for commercial tours, but the fun begins when you head into the darkness and leave the tourist route behind. Participant will get a chance to walk the commercial routes and enjoy the formations along with scrambling over breakdown, attempting some duck walking, and experiencing some hand and knee crawls. Cascade is one of the largest caves found at park, and in my opinion, this tour is one of the best ways to appreciate its size. This tour, unlike the commercial tour, will cause some of those assorted aches and pains associated with caving.
You need: Helmet, Chin Strap, Headlamp, 2 Extra Lights, Ankle-High Boots, Knee Pads, Gloves And More.
Trip Fee: $10.00 - Meets at lodge. Transportation required.
Saturday 9:00am 3 hours Level: 2 Limit: 15 This trip into Bat Cave is perfect for first-time cavers of all ages! We will see a little mud, a few puddles, and maybe a bat or two; learn some safe-caving guidelines; hear some spooky cave stories; and find out the REAL reason caves are dark. It is mostly walking with a short crawl, and you will never be more than five minutes from the entrance if you decide that caving is not your thing. A limited number of helmets and lights are available. If you need to borrow a helmet and light, you must reserve them at least two weeks before the trip by calling the Rereation Department at 606-286-7009.
You need: Helmet, Chin Strap, Headlamp, 2 Extra Lights, Ankle-High Boots, Knee Pads, Gloves And More.
Trip Fee: $10.00 - Meets in Fields Facility of lodge. Transportation required.
Saturday 9:00am 1.5 hours Level: 1 Limit: 6 Come try the our extreme rope swing at Carter Caves State Resort Park! Step off the edge of a 30-foot cliffline into a thrilling swing through the trees. The Leap of Faith: "Only in a leap from the lion's head shall they prove their worth." This trip requires a .1 mile trail hike to and from the cottage area to the swing site. For your safety and comfort, there is a weight limit of 250 lbs, however you must also fit in the harness per manufacturer's safety guidelines.
Trip Fee: $5.00 - Follow signs from Cottage area to the site. Transportation required.
Saturday 9:00am 1.5 hours Level: 2 Limit: 6 Experience the drop of a lifetime as you rappel through the sinkhole in the top of Carter Cave's Natural Bridge! Enjoy not only the experience of rappelling but also the natural beauty of the area as you descend over 60 feet into the bed of Cave Branch Stream. Thousands of people enjoy the view of our Natural Bridge from the ground up, but only a few get to enjoy the view from top down. Here is your chance to be one of the few! For your safety and comfort, there is a weight limit of 250 lbs, however you must also fit in the harness per manufacturer's safety guidelines. This trip requires a 1/4 mile walk from the Welcome Center to the Rappel Site.
Trip Fee: $5.00 - Follow signs from in front of Welcome Center. Transportation required.
Saturday 9:00am 6 hours Level: 4 Limit: 12 This is a 6-mile canoe trip that navigates you through the Tygarts Creek Gorge. Kentucky's most scenic limestone gorge. You will be on the creek for at least 3.5 hours. It is cold and wet, especially if you swamp! Because of the remoteness of the gorge and limited access, there is no turning back once you start. Needless to say this trip is not for beginners. Canoes, paddles, and vests will be provided. You should bring water, lunch or a snack for we will be eating lunch along the creek. Required Equipment includes the correct attire for cold weather paddling, a wet or dry suit is highly recommended. Clothing should consist of layers of wool, fleece and polypropolene fabric, not cotton or denim. You are required to have a complete change of clothes in a proper dry bag made for paddling. There are no exceptions to the required equipment, and the trip leaders can remove you from the trip if you do not meet the requirements. We will meet at the Picnic Area (follow signs from lodge) then head for the put in point. This trip can be canceled if the creek is frozen over, flooding or to low to naviagate. If this happens you can cancel your registration and receive a full refund or we can register you for other trips during the weekend.
Trip Fee: $15.00 - Meets at the Picnic Area drive and follow signs from lodge. Transportation required.
Saturday 9:00am 1 hour Level: 2 Limit: 6 Would you like to try rappelling? Here's your chance. No experience will be necessary. This will NOT be a "how to" workshop. You will be given basic instructions, put on the rope, and monitored on the descent. The rappel location is very scenic and is guaranteed to make you pucker before your 50-foot descent. For your safety and comfort, there is a weight limit of 250 lbs, however you must also fit in the harness per manufacturer's safety guidelines.
Trip Fee: $5.00 - Follow signs from in front of lodge to site. No transportation required.
Saturday 9:00am 1.5 hours Level: 2 Limit: 10 Like climbing trees? Recreational tree climbing is a popular high adventure activity that puts a twist to our backyard tree climbing pastime. We will cover what the traditional tree climbing schools are teaching, which is traditional double rope technique that involves using a modified hip thrust to pull themselves 20-40 feet off of the ground. The location will not only give you a great view, the classroom portion will be sheltered from the elements. Participants 15 years and under require parent or guardian supervision. Required equipment includes climbing appropriate gloves and warm clothing.
Trip Fee: $10.00 - Follow signs from in front of lodge to site. No transportation required.
Saturday 9:00am 1 hour Level: 1 Limit: 10 Drop in. Kentucky's longest cardboard cave! This is an EXTREME cardboard maze that is adventurous for both adults and kids. You will encounter extensive crawling passages and some constrictive spaces during this trip. The passages simulate conditions often encountered by cavers in the area's wild caves. Bring a light (NOT carbide!) but leave your shoes and helmet behind. Dress lightly since crawling through the Kenny McCoy Corrugated Cave can be strenuous and stuffy. Kneepads are a good option if you have them. We allow 10 people maximum in the cave at one time; therefore a short wait may occur. Children 12 years old and under need parental supervision in order to participate.
Follow signs from lobby to basement. No transportation required.
Saturday 9:30am 1 hour Level: 1 Limit: 25 View X-Cave in a way that most visitors do not - by flashlight only. We will turn out the commercial lights of the cave and cruise the passages with your flashlights. You can use your lights to discover the many cave formations that decorate the cave walls. A dependable light source is required for every participant. Keep your eyes peeled, and you may see some of the resident big brown bats hibernating in X-Cave.
You need: Old Clothes, Flashlight, Extra Batteries, Ankle-High Shoes, Gloves And More.
Meets at Welcome Center. Transportation required.
Saturday 9:30am 3 hours Level: 1 Limit: 25 Come learn how to read the messages that all are left behind by all animals, including humans. You will learn how to recognize the seven basic attributes of all tracks. This class will open your eyes many of the things you have been missing in a wilderness setting. Things such as what animal a track represents, how fast it was moving and its size. This will include looking at the vast amount of sign beyond what is captured in tracks on the ground such as aerial sign and intangible sign. This workshop is very useful for anyone that enjoys seeing more wildlife, and being more aware of what surrounds even when you cant see it. Come learn how to read the ground like a book.
Trip Fee: $8.00 - Meets at Pool Shelter drive and follow signs from lodge. Transportation required.
Saturday 9:30am 3 hours Level: 2 Limit: 8 Join us for an introduction to rock climbing experience on Kentucky Sandstone! This trip will teach basic technical skills and climbing techniques to safely climb in a top rope setting. All technical equipment will be provided, this includes harness, helmets, and shoes for each individual. Each participant needs to wear comfortable shoes to hike to the climb site with, and bring water and a snack with them for the day. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Trip Fee: $10.00 - Follow signs from Cottage area to the site. Transportation required.
Saturday 9:30am 6 hours Level: 3 Limit: 15 A BIG cave, with numerous entrances, and just getting there is a challenge. You'll hike about a half mile to the cave through cow pastures and steep sloping hills and maybe snow and ice, and then you must decide, "How wet do I really want to get?" Understand that eventually you'll be making that half mile hike back to your vehicle. Wet gear is recommended if you want to get really wet, but most will choose only to get their boots wet. There are only a few short necessary crawls, but for those of you that love to crawl, opportunities will be available. Bring a change of clothes for afterwards. NOTE: This trip attempts to avoid as much water as possible. NOTE: 25 miles of car travel round trip. The cave is on private property and we have permission to visit the cave only during Winter Adventure Weekend!
You need: Helmet, Chin Strap, Headlamp, 2 Extra Lights, Ankle-High Boots, Knee Pads, Gloves And More.
Trip Fee: $10.00 - Meets at lodge. Transportation required.
Saturday 9:30am 3 hours Level: 2 Limit: 20 While the bats are sleeping in the front of the cave, we will be entering into the back of the cave after a quarter mile hike to the cave entrance. Bat Cave is a completely wild cave with the exception of the cave gates. This trip is a combination of walking, duck walking, scrambling over breakdown piles, creek crossings, belly slides, and hand and knee crawls. You get the whole package with the cave being a combination of dry, muddy and wet. How wet you get depends on how merciful your guide is.
You need: Helmet, Chin Strap, Headlamp, 2 Extra Lights, Ankle-High Boots, Knee Pads, Gloves And More.
Trip Fee: $10.00 - Meets at lodge. Transportation required.
Saturday 9:30am 3 hours Level: 2 Limit: 10 Sandy Cave has a huge and long trunk passage that is part of the Cascade Cave system. It also provides some interesting areas that are accessed by crawling and climbing. The entrance is through a karst window with a 70-foot pool of deep water at its bottom. The guides intend to lower a john boat to the pool and offer a boat ride to dry land. This is subject to cancellation if potential flooding conditions occur. Participants must help carry the boat through the woods for 1/2 mile to the cave on the Friday afternoon trip and from the cave on the 10:00 Sunday morning trip. This cave is only accessible during Winter Adventure Weekend!
You need: Helmet, Chin Strap, Headlamp, 2 Extra Lights, Ankle-High Boots, Knee Pads, Gloves And More.
Trip Fee: $10.00 - Meets at lodge. Transportation required.
Saturday 9:30am 1 hour Level: 2 Limit: 6 Would you like to try rappelling? Here's your chance. No experience will be necessary. This will NOT be a "how to" workshop. You will be given basic instructions, put on the rope, and monitored on the descent. The rappel location is very scenic and is guaranteed to make you pucker before your 50-foot descent. For your safety and comfort, there is a weight limit of 250 lbs, however you must also fit in the harness per manufacturer's safety guidelines.
Trip Fee: $5.00 - Follow signs from in front of lodge to site. No transportation required.
Saturday 9:30am 1.5 hours Level: 2 Limit: 6 Experience the drop of a lifetime as you rappel through the sinkhole in the top of Carter Cave's Natural Bridge! Enjoy not only the experience of rappelling but also the natural beauty of the area as you descend over 60 feet into the bed of Cave Branch Stream. Thousands of people enjoy the view of our Natural Bridge from the ground up, but only a few get to enjoy the view from top down. Here is your chance to be one of the few! For your safety and comfort, there is a weight limit of 250 lbs, however you must also fit in the harness per manufacturer's safety guidelines. This trip requires a 1/4 mile walk from the Welcome Center to the Rappel Site.
Trip Fee: $5.00 - Follow signs from in front of Welcome Center. Transportation required.
Saturday 9:30am 1.5 hours Level: 1 Limit: 6 Come try the our extreme rope swing at Carter Caves State Resort Park! Step off the edge of a 30-foot cliffline into a thrilling swing through the trees. The Leap of Faith: "Only in a leap from the lion's head shall they prove their worth." This trip requires a .1 mile trail hike to and from the cottage area to the swing site. For your safety and comfort, there is a weight limit of 250 lbs, however you must also fit in the harness per manufacturer's safety guidelines.
Trip Fee: $5.00 - Follow signs from Cottage area to the site. Transportation required.
Saturday 9:30am 1 hour Level: 2 Limit: 10 Drop in. Would you like to know if you're the fastest rope climber at Winter Adventure Weekend? Now is your chance to find out! So come, compete and see how you stack up. Everyone is welcome to compete, regardless of age or experience! This is a physical activity that requires the use of your whole body to successfully participate in. All of the required equipment will be provided for you. Personal equipment can be used, however the use of a seat harness is required. All personal gear will be inspected by the climbing competition staff, and the staff reserve the right to refuse gear that does not pass inspection. Prizes will be awarded by age group during the Saturday evening program. Staph are welcome to participate but will be in a separate category from event participants.
Follow signs from in front of lodge to site. No transportation required.
Saturday 10:00am 3 hours Level: 2 Limit: 20 Cascade Cave has been developed for commercial tours, but the fun begins when you head into the darkness and leave the tourist route behind. Participant will get a chance to walk the commercial routes and enjoy the formations along with scrambling over breakdown, attempting some duck walking, and experiencing some hand and knee crawls. Cascade is one of the largest caves found at park, and in my opinion, this tour is one of the best ways to appreciate its size. This tour, unlike the commercial tour, will cause some of those assorted aches and pains associated with caving.
You need: Helmet, Chin Strap, Headlamp, 2 Extra Lights, Ankle-High Boots, Knee Pads, Gloves And More.
Trip Fee: $10.00 - Meets at lodge. Transportation required.
Saturday 10:00am 6 hours Level: 4 Limit: 12 Paddle your way on this 6 mile KAYAK trip that navigates you through the Tygarts Creek Gorge. Kentucky's most scenic limestone gorge. You will be on the creek for at least 3.5 hours. It is cold and wet, especially if you flip your boat! Needless to say this trip is not for beginners! If you have not figured it out BYOK stands for bringing your own kayak. The park provides the transportation shuttle from the Welcome Center and guides for your trip down Tygarts Creek. Required equipment includes; kayak, paddle, PFD (life jacket), helmet and the correct attire for cold weather paddling. A wet or dry suit is highly recommended, if not you are REQUIRED to have a complete change of clothes in a dry bag. Clothing should consist of layers of wool, fleece and polypropolene fabric, not cotton or denim. There are no exceptions to the required equipment, and the trip leaders can remove you from the trip if you do not meet the requirements. Bring a pack lunch or snacks for we will be stopping for lunch on the creek. We will load your kayaks on our trailer at the Picnic Area (follow signs from lodge) then head for the put in point. This trip can be canceled if the creek is frozen over, flooding or too low to navigate. If this happens you can cancel your registration and receive a full refund or we can register you for other trips during the weekend.
Trip Fee: $15.00 - Meets at the Picnic Area drive and follow signs from lodge. Transportation required.
Saturday 10:00am 2.5 hours Level: 1 Limit: 15 Join us for a unique yoga experience in the midst of a winter wonderland. This moving meditation covers approximately 2 miles of hiking and roughly 20-minutes of a beginner-friendly yoga practice. Transportation is required to get to the Welcome Center as the hike will begin at the trailhead near X-Cave. We will traverse the first section of the 4Cs trail, a quiet, serene, and hilly section of woods. This leads us to a path that brings us to the backside of Natural Bridge. It is here we will pause for a mindful outdoor yoga practice, then loop back to the Welcome Center. No yoga mat is required, but it is recommended that you bring a towel or shirt for sitting on the ground.
Trip Fee: $5.00 - Meets at Welcome Center. Transportation required.
Saturday 10:00am 1 hour Level: 2 Limit: 6 Would you like to try rappelling? Here's your chance. No experience will be necessary. This will NOT be a "how to" workshop. You will be given basic instructions, put on the rope, and monitored on the descent. The rappel location is very scenic and is guaranteed to make you pucker before your 50-foot descent. For your safety and comfort, there is a weight limit of 250 lbs, however you must also fit in the harness per manufacturer's safety guidelines.
Trip Fee: $5.00 - Follow signs from in front of lodge to site. No transportation required.
Saturday 10:00am 1.5 hours Level: 2 Limit: 6 Experience the drop of a lifetime as you rappel through the sinkhole in the top of Carter Cave's Natural Bridge! Enjoy not only the experience of rappelling but also the natural beauty of the area as you descend over 60 feet into the bed of Cave Branch Stream. Thousands of people enjoy the view of our Natural Bridge from the ground up, but only a few get to enjoy the view from top down. Here is your chance to be one of the few! For your safety and comfort, there is a weight limit of 250 lbs, however you must also fit in the harness per manufacturer's safety guidelines. This trip requires a 1/4 mile walk from the Welcome Center to the Rappel Site.
Trip Fee: $5.00 - Follow signs from in front of Welcome Center. Transportation required.
Saturday 10:00am 1.5 hours Level: 2 Limit: 10 Cavers descend into deep pits to explore, but how do they get out? This trip will give you insight into the basics needed to ascend on a rope. You will be introduced to a system of rope ascending commonly used by cavers, and you will get a chance to do a rope climb silhouetted by Smoky Bridge. This is a physical activity that requires the use of your whole body to successfully participate in. We will provide you with all the necessary equipment including a climbing system and helmet. For your safety and comfort, you must be able to fit in the harness per manufacturer safety guidelines and be able to follow directions while on rope.
Trip Fee: $5.00 - Follow signs from in front of lodge to site. No transportation required.
Saturday 10:00am 1.5 hours Level: 1 Limit: 6 Come try the our extreme rope swing at Carter Caves State Resort Park! Step off the edge of a 30-foot cliffline into a thrilling swing through the trees. The Leap of Faith: "Only in a leap from the lion's head shall they prove their worth." This trip requires a .1 mile trail hike to and from the cottage area to the swing site. For your safety and comfort, there is a weight limit of 250 lbs, however you must also fit in the harness per manufacturer's safety guidelines.
Trip Fee: $5.00 - Follow signs from Cottage area to the site. Transportation required.
Saturday 10:00am 0.5 hours Level: 1 Limit: 10 Drop in. Have some time to spare? Try your hand at the centuries old craft of weaving. You will have the opportunity to weave on a multi-harness floor loom, all materials will be provided and you will have a mug rug to take home with you. A mug rug is a smaller version of an Appalachian Rag Rug and is typically used as a coaster. This trip is open to all, no special equipment is needed. A $5 donation for your mug rug is being accepted by the Friends of Carter Caves Group.
Meets in Fields Facility of lodge. No transportation required.
Saturday 10:00am 1 hour Level: 1 Limit: 10 Drop in. Kentucky's longest cardboard cave! This is an EXTREME cardboard maze that is adventurous for both adults and kids. You will encounter extensive crawling passages and some constrictive spaces during this trip. The passages simulate conditions often encountered by cavers in the area's wild caves. Bring a light (NOT carbide!) but leave your shoes and helmet behind. Dress lightly since crawling through the Kenny McCoy Corrugated Cave can be strenuous and stuffy. Kneepads are a good option if you have them. We allow 10 people maximum in the cave at one time; therefore a short wait may occur. Children 12 years old and under need parental supervision in order to participate.
Follow signs from lobby to basement. No transportation required.
Saturday 10:00am 1 hour Level: 1 Limit: 15 Drop in. Do you like tight places? Come find out just how tight of a space you can mentally and physically squeeze through. Due to the nature of their amusement, cavers have always wondered how tight of a place they can fit through. That was when the squeeze box was invented and later constructed. Here is the way it works. There will be 2 different categories: adult competition (15 years & up) and the kid's competition (6-14 years). We will have preliminary rounds on Saturday from 10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm in the Fields Facility of the Lodge. Adult competitors must take part in the squeezebox preliminaries to attempt to qualify for the finals held on Saturday night. In the adult competition, the top four male contenders along with the top four female contenders in each weight class will advance to the finals. The winners in each adult category will receive a t-shirt, sign the squeeze box, and best of all have bragging rights until next years competition. Adult finalist will be posted on the squeezebox in the fields facility by 6:00pm. In the kid's competition, kids ages 6-14 years must also take part in the preliminaries on Saturday to be in the competition. We have set different categories for children and will keep track of the records throughout the day. The child that squeezes through the box at the lowest height in each weight category will be determined the winner. The winners of the kid's squeeze box competition will be posted by 6:00pm on the squeezebox in the fields facility. Kid's competition winners in each weight category will win a prize. The winners will be recognized and prizes awarded during the awards ceremony around 8pm in the Fields Facility.
Meets in Fields Facility of lodge. No transportation required.
Saturday 10:30am 1 hour Level: 2 Limit: 10 Drop in. Would you like to know if you're the fastest rope climber at Winter Adventure Weekend? Now is your chance to find out! So come, compete and see how you stack up. Everyone is welcome to compete, regardless of age or experience! This is a physical activity that requires the use of your whole body to successfully participate in. All of the required equipment will be provided for you. Personal equipment can be used, however the use of a seat harness is required. All personal gear will be inspected by the climbing competition staff, and the staff reserve the right to refuse gear that does not pass inspection. Prizes will be awarded by age group during the Saturday evening program. Staph are welcome to participate but will be in a separate category from event participants.
Follow signs from in front of lodge to site. No transportation required.
Saturday 10:30am 2 hours Level: 1 Limit: 60 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.
Saturday 10:30am 4 hours Level: 3 Limit: 10 This trip will show you that Bat Cave does not have to be a cave for beginner cavers. On this trip you will visit most of the tight long crawl passages found within the cave. This trip consists of some walking passage, extended hand and knee crawls, rock scrambling, and belly crawls that will leave you wet, muddy, sore and exhausted.
You need: Helmet, Chin Strap, Headlamp, 2 Extra Lights, Ankle-High Boots, Knee Pads, Gloves And More.
Trip Fee: $10.00 - Meets at lodge. Transportation required.
Saturday 10:30am 2 hours Level: 1 Limit: 20 The title reads like new dish from an ancient culture; but here at WAW, it means learning the basics of shooting a bow and arrow along with learning the techniques for throwing a Tomahawk. This will include safe usage and beginner shooting techniques. Then participants will have the chance to shoot and try and hit a bulls eye on the target along with balloons and other assorted items. We will go over hawk safety, and the basics for throwing tomahawks before getting an opportunity to try and stick a hawk in our targets.
Trip Fee: $5.00 - Follow signs from in front of lodge to site. No transportation required.
Saturday 10:30am 1 hour Level: 2 Limit: 6 Would you like to try rappelling? Here's your chance. No experience will be necessary. This will NOT be a "how to" workshop. You will be given basic instructions, put on the rope, and monitored on the descent. The rappel location is very scenic and is guaranteed to make you pucker before your 50-foot descent. For your safety and comfort, there is a weight limit of 250 lbs, however you must also fit in the harness per manufacturer's safety guidelines.
Trip Fee: $5.00 - Follow signs from in front of lodge to site. No transportation required.
Saturday 10:30am 1.5 hours Level: 2 Limit: 10 Like climbing trees? Recreational tree climbing is a popular high adventure activity that puts a twist to our backyard tree climbing pastime. We will cover what the traditional tree climbing schools are teaching, which is traditional double rope technique that involves using a modified hip thrust to pull themselves 20-40 feet off of the ground. The location will not only give you a great view, the classroom portion will be sheltered from the elements. Participants 15 years and under require parent or guardian supervision. Required equipment includes climbing appropriate gloves and warm clothing.
Trip Fee: $10.00 - Follow signs from in front of lodge to site. No transportation required.
Saturday 10:30am 1.5 hours Level: 2 Limit: 6 Experience the drop of a lifetime as you rappel through the sinkhole in the top of Carter Cave's Natural Bridge! Enjoy not only the experience of rappelling but also the natural beauty of the area as you descend over 60 feet into the bed of Cave Branch Stream. Thousands of people enjoy the view of our Natural Bridge from the ground up, but only a few get to enjoy the view from top down. Here is your chance to be one of the few! For your safety and comfort, there is a weight limit of 250 lbs, however you must also fit in the harness per manufacturer's safety guidelines. This trip requires a 1/4 mile walk from the Welcome Center to the Rappel Site.
Trip Fee: $5.00 - Follow signs from in front of Welcome Center. Transportation required.
Saturday 10:30am 1.5 hours Level: 1 Limit: 6 Come try the our extreme rope swing at Carter Caves State Resort Park! Step off the edge of a 30-foot cliffline into a thrilling swing through the trees. The Leap of Faith: "Only in a leap from the lion's head shall they prove their worth." This trip requires a .1 mile trail hike to and from the cottage area to the swing site. For your safety and comfort, there is a weight limit of 250 lbs, however you must also fit in the harness per manufacturer's safety guidelines.
Trip Fee: $5.00 - Follow signs from Cottage area to the site. Transportation required.
Saturday 11:00am 6 hours Level: 3 Limit: 15 A BIG cave, with numerous entrances, and just getting there is a challenge. You'll hike about a half mile to the cave through cow pastures and steep sloping hills and maybe snow and ice, and then you must decide, "How wet do I really want to get?" Understand that eventually you'll be making that half mile hike back to your vehicle. Wet gear is recommended if you want to get really wet, but most will choose only to get their boots wet. There are only a few short necessary crawls, but for those of you that love to crawl, opportunities will be available. Bring a change of clothes for afterwards. NOTE: This trip attempts to avoid as much water as possible. NOTE: 25 miles of car travel round trip. The cave is on private property and we have permission to visit the cave only during Winter Adventure Weekend!
You need: Helmet, Chin Strap, Headlamp, 2 Extra Lights, Ankle-High Boots, Knee Pads, Gloves And More.
Trip Fee: $10.00 - Meets at lodge. Transportation required.
Saturday 11:00am 1 hour Level: 2 Limit: 6 Would you like to try rappelling? Here's your chance. No experience will be necessary. This will NOT be a "how to" workshop. You will be given basic instructions, put on the rope, and monitored on the descent. The rappel location is very scenic and is guaranteed to make you pucker before your 50-foot descent. For your safety and comfort, there is a weight limit of 250 lbs, however you must also fit in the harness per manufacturer's safety guidelines.
Trip Fee: $5.00 - Follow signs from in front of lodge to site. No transportation required.
Saturday 11:00am 1.5 hours Level: 2 Limit: 6 Experience the drop of a lifetime as you rappel through the sinkhole in the top of Carter Cave's Natural Bridge! Enjoy not only the experience of rappelling but also the natural beauty of the area as you descend over 60 feet into the bed of Cave Branch Stream. Thousands of people enjoy the view of our Natural Bridge from the ground up, but only a few get to enjoy the view from top down. Here is your chance to be one of the few! For your safety and comfort, there is a weight limit of 250 lbs, however you must also fit in the harness per manufacturer's safety guidelines. This trip requires a 1/4 mile walk from the Welcome Center to the Rappel Site.
Trip Fee: $5.00 - Follow signs from in front of Welcome Center. Transportation required.
Saturday 11:00am 1.5 hours Level: 1 Limit: 6 Come try the our extreme rope swing at Carter Caves State Resort Park! Step off the edge of a 30-foot cliffline into a thrilling swing through the trees. The Leap of Faith: "Only in a leap from the lion's head shall they prove their worth." This trip requires a .1 mile trail hike to and from the cottage area to the swing site. For your safety and comfort, there is a weight limit of 250 lbs, however you must also fit in the harness per manufacturer's safety guidelines.
Trip Fee: $5.00 - Follow signs from Cottage area to the site. Transportation required.
Saturday 11:00am 0.5 hours Level: 1 Limit: 10 Drop in. Have some time to spare? Try your hand at the centuries old craft of weaving. You will have the opportunity to weave on a multi-harness floor loom, all materials will be provided and you will have a mug rug to take home with you. A mug rug is a smaller version of an Appalachian Rag Rug and is typically used as a coaster. This trip is open to all, no special equipment is needed. A $5 donation for your mug rug is being accepted by the Friends of Carter Caves Group.
Meets in Fields Facility of lodge. No transportation required.
Saturday 11:00am 1 hour Level: 1 Limit: 10 Drop in. Kentucky's longest cardboard cave! This is an EXTREME cardboard maze that is adventurous for both adults and kids. You will encounter extensive crawling passages and some constrictive spaces during this trip. The passages simulate conditions often encountered by cavers in the area's wild caves. Bring a light (NOT carbide!) but leave your shoes and helmet behind. Dress lightly since crawling through the Kenny McCoy Corrugated Cave can be strenuous and stuffy. Kneepads are a good option if you have them. We allow 10 people maximum in the cave at one time; therefore a short wait may occur. Children 12 years old and under need parental supervision in order to participate.
Follow signs from lobby to basement. No transportation required.
Saturday 11:00am 1 hour Level: 1 Limit: 15 Drop in. Do you like tight places? Come find out just how tight of a space you can mentally and physically squeeze through. Due to the nature of their amusement, cavers have always wondered how tight of a place they can fit through. That was when the squeeze box was invented and later constructed. Here is the way it works. There will be 2 different categories: adult competition (15 years & up) and the kid's competition (6-14 years). We will have preliminary rounds on Saturday from 10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm in the Fields Facility of the Lodge. Adult competitors must take part in the squeezebox preliminaries to attempt to qualify for the finals held on Saturday night. In the adult competition, the top four male contenders along with the top four female contenders in each weight class will advance to the finals. The winners in each adult category will receive a t-shirt, sign the squeeze box, and best of all have bragging rights until next years competition. Adult finalist will be posted on the squeezebox in the fields facility by 6:00pm. In the kid's competition, kids ages 6-14 years must also take part in the preliminaries on Saturday to be in the competition. We have set different categories for children and will keep track of the records throughout the day. The child that squeezes through the box at the lowest height in each weight category will be determined the winner. The winners of the kid's squeeze box competition will be posted by 6:00pm on the squeezebox in the fields facility. Kid's competition winners in each weight category will win a prize. The winners will be recognized and prizes awarded during the awards ceremony around 8pm in the Fields Facility.
Meets in Fields Facility of lodge. No transportation required.
Saturday 11:30am 1.5 hours Level: 2 Limit: 6 Experience the drop of a lifetime as you rappel through the sinkhole in the top of Carter Cave's Natural Bridge! Enjoy not only the experience of rappelling but also the natural beauty of the area as you descend over 60 feet into the bed of Cave Branch Stream. Thousands of people enjoy the view of our Natural Bridge from the ground up, but only a few get to enjoy the view from top down. Here is your chance to be one of the few! For your safety and comfort, there is a weight limit of 250 lbs, however you must also fit in the harness per manufacturer's safety guidelines. This trip requires a 1/4 mile walk from the Welcome Center to the Rappel Site.
Trip Fee: $5.00 - Follow signs from in front of Welcome Center. Transportation required.