All Saturday Afternoon Field Trips
List of all Saturday afternoon field trips and descriptions.
 | Saturday 1:00pm  |
If you?re looking for a new adventure that is part scavenger hunt, part thinking game, and all fun, then orienteering is for you! Like geocaching, orienteering involves finding hidden checkpoints in the woods. What makes orienteering different is that you don't get to use gps. The only gadgets involved are a map and compass! Participants will receive a detailed orienteering map of the park and use of a compass and timing chip to record their success in finding as many hidden checkpoints as they can within the time allowed. The trip will begin with the basic instruction necessary for success, presented by instructors from Orienteering Cincinnati and Orienteering Louisville. This trip is suitable for ages 8 and up.
Trip Fee: $5.00 - Meets in Fields Facility of lodge. No transportation required.
 | Saturday 1:00pm Crawling Cave Tour
|
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 1:30pm Crawling Cave Tour
|
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 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.
 | Saturday 1:30pm Vertical - On Rope Trip
|
Join Asbury University Center for Adventure Leadership 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. Participants will be required to sign an additional waiver to participate in this trip. Minors must have a legal guardian there to sign the waiver. Dowload Waiver form here: Rock Climbing Waiver
Trip Fee: $10.00 - Meets at lodge. Transportation required.
| Saturday 1:30pm Vertical - On Rope Trip
|
This trip will be only for those vertically-competent cavers with considerable experience (no beginners!). Two pits in the area will be rigged, but you must have your own vertical gear including a mechanical safety. The trip begins with a gear inspection and orientation by the field leaders (if you don't have an acceptable climbing system you will not go). These caves are only accessible during Winter Adventure Weekend!
Trip Fee: $10.00 - Meets at Lodge. Transportation required.
| Saturday 1:30pm Vertical - On Rope Trip
|
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 1:30pm Vertical - On Rope Trip
|
Now that you have rappelled into the pit, you have to get out, right? This trip will give you a taste of what is needed to ascend out of that pit that you may someday find yourself at the bottom of. You will be introduced to a basic system of rope ascending commonly used by cavers, and you will get a chance to do a rope climb. These same techniques are used whether you need to climb 12 feet or 1200 feet. Down for Dummies may get you to the bottom, but you will need us to get you out! We will provide you with all necessary equipment including a climbing system and helmet.
Trip Fee: $5.00 - Follow signs from in front of lodge to site. No transportation required.
| Saturday 1:30pm Vertical - On Rope Trip
|
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 1:30pm Vertical - On Rope Trip
|
Drop in. Would you like to know if you are the fastest rope climber at Winter Adventure Weekend? Well now is your chance to find out! WAW is hosting its sixth annual rope climbing competition this year. So come, compete and see just how good you really are. All of the required equipment will be provided for you, or you can bring your own complete climbing system, however the use of a seat harness is required and all personal equipment must pass a safety inspection at the site. Anything deemed unsafe will not be allowed to be used. The winners (and prizes) will be announced during the Saturday evening program.
Follow signs from in front of lodge to site. No transportation required.
 | Saturday 2:00pm |
Ever wonder what it's like to hunt for Bigfoot? Sasquatch inhabit some of North America's most beautiful expanses of wilderness. And according to the Kentucky Bigfoot Research Organization, Carter Country is one of the most active areas in the state for Bigfoot sightings! Join us on this hike to learn how to evaluate sasquatch food supply, water availability, and shelter options as well as common tree knocks, Squatch calls and tracking techniques - all while sharing Bigfoot facts and stories. This trip will take us hiking over several miles of hilly, uneven terrain. Dress for the elements and wear boots with good traction.
Trip Fee: $5.00 - Meets at Welcome Center. Transportation required.
| Saturday 2:00pm Crawling Cave Tour
|
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 2:00pm Vertical - On Rope Trip
|
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 2:00pm Vertical - On Rope Trip
|
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 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.
| Saturday 2:30pm Vertical - On Rope Trip
|
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 2:30pm Vertical - On Rope Trip
|
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 2:30pm Vertical - On Rope Trip
|
Drop in. Would you like to know if you are the fastest rope climber at Winter Adventure Weekend? Well now is your chance to find out! WAW is hosting its sixth annual rope climbing competition this year. So come, compete and see just how good you really are. All of the required equipment will be provided for you, or you can bring your own complete climbing system, however the use of a seat harness is required and all personal equipment must pass a safety inspection at the site. Anything deemed unsafe will not be allowed to be used. The winners (and prizes) will be announced during the Saturday evening program.
Follow signs from in front of lodge to site. No transportation required.
| Saturday 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.
| Saturday 3:00pm |
If you?re looking for a new adventure that is part scavenger hunt, part thinking game, and all fun, then orienteering is for you! Like geocaching, orienteering involves finding hidden checkpoints in the woods. What makes orienteering different is that you don't get to use gps. The only gadgets involved are a map and compass! Participants will receive a detailed orienteering map of the park and use of a compass and timing chip to record their success in finding as many hidden checkpoints as they can within the time allowed. The trip will begin with the basic instruction necessary for success, presented by instructors from Orienteering Cincinnati and Orienteering Louisville. This trip is suitable for ages 8 and up.
Trip Fee: $5.00 - Meets in Fields Facility of lodge. No transportation required.
| Saturday 3:00pm Vertical - On Rope Trip
|
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 3:00pm Vertical - On Rope Trip
|
Now that you have rappelled into the pit, you have to get out, right? This trip will give you a taste of what is needed to ascend out of that pit that you may someday find yourself at the bottom of. You will be introduced to a basic system of rope ascending commonly used by cavers, and you will get a chance to do a rope climb. These same techniques are used whether you need to climb 12 feet or 1200 feet. Down for Dummies may get you to the bottom, but you will need us to get you out! We will provide you with all necessary equipment including a climbing system and helmet.
Trip Fee: $5.00 - Follow signs from in front of lodge to site. No transportation required.
| Saturday 3:00pm Vertical - On Rope Trip
|
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 3:00pm |
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 10 years old and under need parental supervision in order to participate.
Follow signs from lobby to basement. No transportation required.
| Saturday 3:30pm Vertical - On Rope Trip
|
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 3:30pm Vertical - On Rope Trip
|
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 3:30pm Vertical - On Rope Trip
|
Drop in. Would you like to know if you are the fastest rope climber at Winter Adventure Weekend? Well now is your chance to find out! WAW is hosting its sixth annual rope climbing competition this year. So come, compete and see just how good you really are. All of the required equipment will be provided for you, or you can bring your own complete climbing system, however the use of a seat harness is required and all personal equipment must pass a safety inspection at the site. Anything deemed unsafe will not be allowed to be used. The winners (and prizes) will be announced during the Saturday evening program.
Follow signs from in front of lodge to site. No transportation required.
| Saturday 4:00pm Vertical - On Rope Trip
|
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 4:00pm Vertical - On Rope Trip
|
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 4:00pm |
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 10 years old and under need parental supervision in order to participate.
Follow signs from lobby to basement. No transportation required.
| Saturday 5:00pm |
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 10 years old and under need parental supervision in order to participate.
Follow signs from lobby to basement. No transportation required.
| Saturday 6:00pm |
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 10 years old and under need parental supervision in order to participate.
Follow signs from lobby to basement. No transportation required.
| Saturday 6:30pm Crawling Cave Tour
|
On this Friday Night Crawl we will be warming up Bat Cave for the weekend. After a 1/4 mile walk into the dark forest you will enter the dark underground world of Bat Cave. Plenty to see on this trip with a mix of walking passage, rock scrambling, hands and knee crawls, belly slitherin all with a taste of mud and water. After all is said and done this trip will get you itchen to get back to cavin the rest of the 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 7:00pm Crawling Cave Tour
|
Take a trip into Cascade Cave and see it like the old timer's (e.g. John Tierney) back in the day. We will go caving in Cascade Cave with only carbide lamps, and ONLY old-style carbide lamps. No newer type carbide generators, LED's or battery-powered lamps will be allowed. This trip will show you how the cave looked to the early explorers of the area when all they had was flame-type carbide lamps. We will tell you the history of the carbide lamp and how its simple design brought dependable light to miners and cavers throughout Kentucky back in the early 1900's. We will show you the exact spot where back in 1923, John Tierney scared a hibernating bear and then accidently blew out his carbide lamp and was stuck in the cave for two days until he was rescued by park staff. This is but one of many stories associated with this cave. If you have an older type carbide cap lamp that is in working order please bring it. We will also supply carbide lamps for the rest of the group to use. There will be some stooping, bending and crawling involved so level 2 caving equipment is required minus the lights.
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 7:00pm |
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 10 years old and under need parental supervision in order to participate.
Follow signs from lobby to basement. No transportation required.
| Saturday 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.
| Saturday 8:00pm |
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 10 years old and under need parental supervision in order to participate.
Follow signs from lobby to basement. No transportation required.
| Saturday 8:30pm Crawling Cave Tour
|
Prepare for an expedition into the depths of the earth and your imagination. We'll take a mock multi-day cave expedition to a base camp in the ancient cave system of the Cascades. Cavers will team up with Sherpa's to setup a deep base camp as we spend one Friday night in the cavern. Once camp is set we will take off and do some exploring of the unknown passages that lies ahead. We will likely encountering passages requiring stooping bending and crawling so level 2 cave gear is required. All overnight gear is to be supplied by the participant including a required 3 sources of light. Gear must be limited to cold weather camping gear and a tarp or piece of plastic to keep your gear on. Bring caving stories, caving questions, and caving lies to share around the base camp. All participants 17yrs and under must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, no exceptions!
You need: Helmet, Chin Strap, Headlamp, 2 Extra Lights, Ankle-High Boots, Knee Pads, Gloves And More.
Trip Fee: $30.00 - Meets at lodge . Transportation required.