All Sunday Field Trips
List of all Sunday field trips and descriptions.
Sunday 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.
Sunday 8:00am 1.5 hours Level: 1 Limit: 20 Wake up, grab your yoga mat and perhaps some coffee, and head to the Fields Facility at the Lodge for an all-levels yoga practice designed to bring restoration and relaxation after a fun-filled and adventurous weekend. This will be a restorative practice complete with sitting, standing, and stretching postures designed for all levels. Wear clothing that is comfortable and easy to move in (jeans are not recommended). Bring your yoga mat and a small blanket to the Fields Facility (meeting room downstairs) at the Lodge. Please arrive 10-15 minutes before practice to set up. Kristy Matheson, RYT, will be leading us in this yoga practice.
Trip Fee: $5.00 - Meets in Fields Facility of lodge. No transportation required.
Sunday 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.
Sunday 8:30am 3 hours Level: 2 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.
Sunday 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.
Sunday 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.
Sunday 9:00am 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 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.
Sunday 9:00am 4 hours Level: 3 Limit: 10 This hiking and caving trip will take you into the beautiful Tygart's Creek Gorge. This trip will consist of 1 1/2 hours of scenic hiking through rough terrain and steep inclines around Tygarts Creek. Along the way you will get to see two - three different wild caves. Skyscraper Cave is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful in Carter County. On this trip you will have to navigate through a very narrow canyon passage and a very tight S-turn side crawl for about 15-20ft. But the formation filled room at the end makes it well worth the crawl getting there. After Skyscraper Cave you will venture off to another cave or two found within the Tygarts Creek Gorge. The caves are 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. Transportation required.
Sunday 9:00am 3 hours Level: 2 Limit: 15 The group will hike from the Welcome Center to the back entrance of Horn Hollow Cave, visiting other cave entrances and karst features during the trip. Caving techniques, equipment, how the caves formed, and associated geologic features will be discussed during the trip. A low 100-foot belly crawl in Horn Hollow Cave is optional. There will be a total of 1.5 miles hiking above ground which includes several long, steep hills. Be prepared to dress appropriately for the weather and your feet may get wet in the cave.
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.
Sunday 9:00am 2 hours Level: 1 Limit: 15 Bring the whole family to learn how to begin foraging and how to incorporate these free natural resources into your daily life. We will cover getting started, common items to forage in Kentucky during each season, discuss a variety of uses for foraged items, and take an easy on trail walk around the area to begin identifying plants and trees. Be ready to take pictures with your phone and take notes in the beginners guide that you will get to take home!
Trip Fee: $5.00 - Meets in Fields Facility of lodge. No transportation required.
Sunday 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.
Sunday 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.
Sunday 9:30am 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.
Sunday 9:30am 1.5 hours Level: 1 Limit: 12 Have you ever wondered how many things you could do with string? Well, actually a lot! It is super versatile and useful in a survival situation. However, what happens when you are outdoors without string? Mother Nature has what you need! Come learn how to make string and cordage from wild plants in the forest during this fun hands on activity.
Trip Fee: $5.00 - Meets at Pool Shelter drive and follow signs from lodge. Transportation required.
Sunday 9:30am 3 hours Level: 2 Limit: 40 Bafflement, Discombobulation.Surprise!! These are just a few of the words that could potentially describe this free-for-all trip into Carter Caves State Resort Parks largest cave system! 40 spaces.2 sets of guides choose your adventure!! 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.
Sunday 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.
Sunday 9:30am 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 2015 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.
Sunday 10:00am 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.
Sunday 10:00am 1 hour Level: 1 Limit: 15 This is knot to be missed!! There are countless knot tying books out there, but they can be frustrating to learn from. They don't show you practical uses for the knots they teach, sometimes the pictures are not clear, and there are 1000s of knots out there, which makes it hard to decide what knots to learn. Come alleviate your frustrations by joining us for a hands-on introduction to the knots that every caver, climber and outdoor enthusiast should know. No equipment or transportation is required. Follow signs from the lobby of the lodge.
Trip Fee: $5.00 - Meets in Fields Facility of lodge. No transportation required.
Sunday 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.
Sunday 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.
Sunday 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.
Sunday 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.
Sunday 11:00am 1 hour Level: 1 Limit: 15 This is knot to be missed!! There are countless knot tying books out there, but they can be frustrating to learn from. They don't show you practical uses for the knots they teach, sometimes the pictures are not clear, and there are 1000s of knots out there, which makes it hard to decide what knots to learn. Come alleviate your frustrations by joining us for a hands-on introduction to the knots that every caver, climber and outdoor enthusiast should know. No equipment or transportation is required. Follow signs from the lobby of the lodge.
Trip Fee: $5.00 - Meets in Fields Facility of lodge. No transportation required.
Sunday 11:00am 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.
Sunday 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.
Sunday 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.
Sunday 1:00pm 1 hour Level: 1 Limit: 25 A commercially lit tour of X-Cave. X-Cave has two vertical joint passages that meander through a large layer of limestone, which puts you up-close to many beautiful cave formations. Some of the highlighted features include turkey rock, the pipe organ, and the giant column, which is the largest cave formation found at the park. Be aware of your surroundings and you will discover how this cave became known as "X-Cave."
You need: Old Clothes, Flashlight, Extra Batteries, Ankle-High Shoes, Gloves And More.
Meets at Welcome Center. Transportation required.
Sunday 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.