All Thursday Field Trips
List of all Thursday field trips and descriptions.
Thursday 1:30pm 
3 hours Level: 1 Limit: 20 This class will feature outdoor cooking with cast iron as we prepare and sample several recipes using a campfire and charcoal briquets. Chili, cornbread, a campfire dessert, and more will be on the tasting menu! This class will include information for the beginner cook as well as tips useful to those more "seasoned!" Topics will include outdoor food safety, fire safety, food preparation outdoors, menu planning, and packing tips.
Trip Fee: $10.00 - Meets at Pool Shelter drive and follow signs from lodge. Transportation required.
Thursday 1:30pm 2.5 hours Level: 1 Limit: 20 Learn the basics of Winter Tree Identification. Join KY Division of Forestry Foresters and Rangers, and learn key characteristics that will enable you to identify some of the common tree species at Carter Caves. During the hike, attendees will be informed of characteristics such as buds, bark, twigs, etc., that are unique to each tree species. Once the hike is complete, participants will gain insight on ways to identify trees during the leafless dormant season. Hike distance of up to 1.5 miles in hilly terrain.
Trip Fee: $5.00 - Meets at Welcome Center. Transportation required.
Thursday 1:30pm 3 hours Level: 1 Limit: 15 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.
Thursday 1:30pm 2 hours Level: 1 Limit: 15 In this immersive writing workshop, we'll explore the natural world through the lens of the five senses, drawing inspiration from poets like Mary Oliver, Ada Limn, and Wendell Berry. Participants will engage in a "sit spot" practice inding a quiet outdoor space to observe and reflect on the sights, sounds, smells, and textures around them. We'll use this direct connection to nature to deepen our writing, honing the ability to capture the essence of a place and the subtleties of its presence. Through guided prompts and readings from Oliver, Limn, and Berry, we'll uncover new ways to express our relationship to the land, creatures, and moments of stillness. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just beginning, this workshop invites you to listen closely and write from a place of deep connection to the natural world.
Trip Fee: $5.00 - Meets in Fields Facility of lodge. No transportation required.
Thursday 1:30pm 3 hours Level: 2 Limit: 10 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.
Thursday 1:30pm 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.
Thursday 2:30pm 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.
Thursday 3:00pm 2 hours Level: 1 Limit: 15 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.
Thursday 6:00pm 1 hour Level: 1 Limit: 50 A dive into how panoramas can bring your idea of a location into reality. Jake Lewis has been taking panorama photos for many years and has some of his work displayed on canvas in the lobby of the Lewis Caveland Lodge. Jake will give you a short presentation on some of the workflow, what and why's of panorama photography. He will have some tripods, lenses and mounts available to check out after the presentation.
Meets in Fields Facility of lodge. No transportation required.
Thursday 7:00pm 1 hour Level: 1 Limit: 50 Gather your team and test your outdoor adventure knowledge at the Winter Adventure Trivia Challenge during Carter Caves' Winter Adventure Weekend! This exciting, family-friendly trivia competition invites teams of up to six participants to showcase their expertise across five thrilling categories, all inspired by outdoor and winter adventures. From wilderness survival to hiking trails and cold-weather wildlife, there's a question for everyone! Compete against other teams for the ultimate prize: a Carter Caves merchandise bundle, filled with unique items to commemorate your love for the great outdoors. Whether you're a trivia buff, nature enthusiast, or just looking for a fun group activity, this event promises an evening of camaraderie and adventure-themed excitement. There will be five outdoor adventure-themed topics that teams with up to 6 participants can choose from. The winning team will win a Carter Caves merchandise bundle! Get ready to challenge your wits, bond with your teammates, and celebrate the wonders of nature in this one-of-a-kind trivia experience. Don't miss out!
Meets in Fields Facility of lodge. No transportation required.