Now that you have had the chance to go down a rope and up a rope we are introducing the concept of across the rope. That's right a 300ft long high line will be stretched across a 50ft gorge for your amusement. We will strap you in and you can take a ride to remember. Make sure you bring your cameras for there will be some great photo opportunities. The company Passages To Adventure from Fayetteville, West Virginia will set up and operate the high line trips. Note additional waiver form will be required to sign on-site for all participants. Follow signs in front of lodge to the site.

Saturday 12:30pm
TRIP #31: Down For Dummies (Level 2) - Duration: 1.5 hours - Limit: 10 people - Status: 10 Spots Open

Would you like to try rappelling? Here's your chance. No experience will be necessary. This will NOT be a "how to" workshop. You'll be given basic instructions, put on the rope, and monitored on the descent. Required equipment includes leather gloves and a hard hat with a chin strap. Follow signs in front of lodge to the site.

Saturday 12:30pm
TRIP #32: Up For Idiots (Level 2) - Duration: 1.5 hours - Limit: 10 people - Status: 10 Spots Open

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 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 12ft. or 1200ft. Down for Dummies may get you to the bottom, but you'll need us to get you out! Leather gloves and a hard hat with a chin strap is required. Don't have a hard hat with a chin strap, no worries we can provide one. Follow signs in front of lodge to the site.

Saturday 12:30pm
TRIP #33: History of Mine Lighting (Level 1) - Duration: 3 hours - Limit: 10 people - Status: 10 Spots Open

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. See original photographs from the day of not only the miners, but 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. Meets at lodge; transportation needed.

Saturday 12:30pm
TRIP #34: Tygart's Creek Cliff Hike (Level 3) - Duration: 4 hours - Limit: 18 people - Status: 18 Spots Open

Join us for an adventure to where few have gone before - the cliffs framing the Tygarts Creek gorge! We'll start off from the lodge on a well-kept trail, then quickly shift off trail to blaze our way along the ankle twisting cliff line that meanders along the creek. See towering rock walls, deep rock shelters and vistas normally obscured, and out of reach, because of summer's growth. We'll take a short climb up the hill and return to the lodge via the Three Bridges Trail. Because parts of this hike are off the normal trail system, it is rough! It's not for the kiddies! Meets at lodge.

Saturday 1:00pm
TRIP #35: Cliff to Cliff High Line Ride (Level 2) - Duration: 1.5 hours - Limit: 10 people - Status: 10 Spots Open

Now that you have had the chance to go down a rope and up a rope we are introducing the concept of across the rope. That's right a 300ft long high line will be stretched across a 50ft gorge for your amusement. We will strap you in and you can take a ride to remember. Make sure you bring your cameras for there will be some great photo opportunities. The company Passages To Adventure from Fayetteville, West Virginia will set up and operate the high line trips. Note additional waiver form will be required to sign on-site for all participants. Follow signs in front of lodge to the site.

Saturday 1:00pm
TRIP #36: Corrugated Cave (Level 1) - Duration: 1 hours - Limit: 10 people - Status: 10 Spots Open

Yet another rendition of the cardboard box cave. Bring a light (NOT carbide) but you can leave your shoes & helmet behind. Dress lightly, it's strenuous and can get stuff in the cave. Must be at least 10 years old to participate. Follow signs from the lobby to the basement.

Saturday 1:00pm
TRIP #37: Recreational Tree Climbing (Level 2) - Duration: 1.5 hours - Limit: 6 people - Status: 6 Spots Open

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. A familiarity activity that involves accessing the tree recreationally. This is a strenuous high adventure activity. Participants 15yrs & under require parent or guardian supervision. Required equipment includes climbing appropriate gloves, a hard hat with a chin strap and warm clothing. Meets at lodge.

Saturday 1:00pm
TRIP #38: Visit To X Cave (Level 1) - Duration: 1 hours - Limit: 30 people - Status: 30 Spots Open

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." Meets at the Welcome Center; transportation needed.

Saturday 1:00pm
TRIP #39: Geocaching at Carter Caves (Level 1) - Duration: 1.5 hours - Limit: 20 people - Status: 20 Spots Open

Do you like the outdoors? How about gadgets and gizmos? We have the perfect activity to combine both. Geocaching is a fairly new sport that uses the internet, GPS units, and a sense of adventure in the outdoors to send you on a scavenger hunt like no other. Growing in popularity by the day, there are over 800,000 active Geocaches found around the world. Don't have a GPS unit? Don't worry! We will provide the instruments and instruction on how to begin participating in this World Wide Phenomenon! Meets at the Welcome Center; transportation needed.

Saturday 1:30pm
TRIP #40: Down For Dummies (Level 2) - Duration: 1.5 hours - Limit: 10 people - Status: 10 Spots Open

Would you like to try rappelling? Here's your chance. No experience will be necessary. This will NOT be a "how to" workshop. You'll be given basic instructions, put on the rope, and monitored on the descent. Required equipment includes leather gloves and a hard hat with a chin strap. Follow signs in front of lodge to the site.

Saturday 1:30pm
TRIP #41: Fire Building Workshop (Level 1) - Duration: 3 hours - Limit: 25 people - Status: 25 Spots Open

A fire building workshop that will look at the fundamental aspects of building a fire along with several different methods, including matches, prism, flint and steel, and bow drill. All participants will build a small fire with matches, and practice the other methods. Meets at lodge.

Saturday 1:30pm
TRIP #42: The Secret Life of Winter Hike (Level 2) - Duration: 3 hours - Limit: 20 people - Status: 20 Spots Open

Explore the life inhabiting the surface of karst topography during the dead of winter. This hike will take you along beautiful Horn Hollow Trail, and off the beaten path to find what animals remain active when all else is frozen. Learn birding and tracking techniques while picking up a few tips to make the best of a bad winter situation. This guided trek will venture to the active beaver pond at the head of Horn Hollow, and will stop to explore any interests along the way (including several cave entrances). Progress along the trail will be obtained by achieving identification/activity objectives. Be prepared for ice, mud, and any other miscellaneous trail obstacles. Dress for the elements and if you have binoculars, bring them! Meets at the Welcome Center; transportation needed.

Saturday 1:30pm
TRIP #43: The "8800" Trek (Level 2) - Duration: 3 hours - Limit: 15 people - Status: 15 Spots Open

Can you count to 8800? Find out as you trek into the wilderness with us. You will hike alongside big sandstone cliffs, through three Natural Bridges, visit scenic overlooks of Smoky Lake and see what nature has to offer during the winter at Carter Caves. It takes 8800 steps to complete this adventure. No other visitors will know you were there, since we will learn and practice Leave No Trace hiking principles along the way. Meets at the lodge.

Saturday 2:00pm
TRIP #44: Flashlight Tour of X-Cave (Level 1) - Duration: 1 hours - Limit: 25 people - Status: 25 Spots Open

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. A dependable light source is required for every participant. Meets at Welcome Center. transportation needed.

Saturday 2:00pm
TRIP #45: Cliff to Cliff High Line Ride (Level 2) - Duration: 1.5 hours - Limit: 10 people - Status: 10 Spots Open

Now that you have had the chance to go down a rope and up a rope we are introducing the concept of across the rope. That's right a 300ft long high line will be stretched across a 50ft gorge for your amusement. We will strap you in and you can take a ride to remember. Make sure you bring your cameras for there will be some great photo opportunities. The company Passages To Adventure from Fayetteville, West Virginia will set up and operate the high line trips. Note additional waiver form will be required to sign on-site for all participants. Follow signs in front of lodge to the site.

Saturday 2:00pm
TRIP #46: Corrugated Cave (Level 1) - Duration: 1 hours - Limit: 10 people - Status: 10 Spots Open

Yet another rendition of the cardboard box cave. Bring a light (NOT carbide) but you can leave your shoes & helmet behind. Dress lightly, it's strenuous and can get stuff in the cave. Must be at least 10 years old to participate. Follow signs from the lobby to the basement.

Saturday 2:00pm
TRIP #47: An Adventure into the Neo-lithic Past at Carter Caves (Level 3) - Duration: 2 hours - Limit: 10 people - Status: 10 Spots Open

We will visit some unique and large rock shelters that were used by pre-historic people for hundreds to thousands of years. In one case we will view a natural arch and in another we will observe the very ancient ripple marks that were preserved in the local  Mississippian limestone when the area was covered by an ancient shallow sea. These ripple marks are actually within a rock shelter that had been occupied by pre-historic people. Chert (flint) outcrops are present that had  been used by neo-lithic age (new stone age) people.  Bring a camera since some of the rock formations and rock shelters are unique and worth documenting. Initially we will follow a designated park trail and then will go off the beaten path" to areas not commonly visited. There is a relatively steep climb so bring your walking stick. Meets at lodge; transportation needed.

Saturday 2:00pm
TRIP #48: Up For Idiots (Level 2) - Duration: 1.5 hours - Limit: 10 people - Status: 10 Spots Open

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 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 12ft. or 1200ft. Down for Dummies may get you to the bottom, but you'll need us to get you out! Leather gloves and a hard hat with a chin strap is required. Don't have a hard hat with a chin strap, no worries we can provide one. Follow signs in front of lodge to the site.

Saturday 2:30pm
TRIP #49: Recreational Tree Climbing (Level 2) - Duration: 1.5 hours - Limit: 6 people - Status: 6 Spots Open

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. A familiarity activity that involves accessing the tree recreationally. This is a strenuous high adventure activity. Participants 15yrs & under require parent or guardian supervision. Required equipment includes climbing appropriate gloves, a hard hat with a chin strap and warm clothing. Meets at lodge.

Saturday 2:30pm
TRIP #50: Visit To Cascade Cave (Level 1) - Duration: 2 hours - Limit: 60 people - Status: 60 Spots Open

Cascade is the largest commercial cave in Carter County. You will experience large cave passageways, bats, beautiful cave formations and finish with a look at a 30 foot underground waterfall. This is a walking tour with some stooping and bending. Meets at the Welcome Center; transportation needed.

Saturday 2:30pm
TRIP #51: Down For Dummies (Level 2) - Duration: 1.5 hours - Limit: 10 people - Status: 10 Spots Open

Would you like to try rappelling? Here's your chance. No experience will be necessary. This will NOT be a "how to" workshop. You'll be given basic instructions, put on the rope, and monitored on the descent. Required equipment includes leather gloves and a hard hat with a chin strap. Follow signs in front of lodge to the site.

Saturday 2:30pm
TRIP #52: Wildlife Crafts (Level 1) - Duration: 1 hours - Limit: 25 people - Status: 25 Spots Open

Kids can enjoy learning about Kentucky wildlife and make a wildlife themed craft to take home. This program is geared toward 6-12yr olds, but all ages are welcome. Meets in Olive Hill Room of the Lodge.

Saturday 3:00pm
TRIP #53: Cliff to Cliff High Line Ride (Level 2) - Duration: 1.5 hours - Limit: 10 people - Status: 10 Spots Open

Now that you have had the chance to go down a rope and up a rope we are introducing the concept of across the rope. That's right a 300ft long high line will be stretched across a 50ft gorge for your amusement. We will strap you in and you can take a ride to remember. Make sure you bring your cameras for there will be some great photo opportunities. The company Passages To Adventure from Fayetteville, West Virginia will set up and operate the high line trips. Note additional waiver form will be required to sign on-site for all participants. Follow signs in front of lodge to the site.

Saturday 3:00pm
TRIP #54: Corrugated Cave (Level 1) - Duration: 1 hours - Limit: 10 people - Status: 10 Spots Open

Yet another rendition of the cardboard box cave. Bring a light (NOT carbide) but you can leave your shoes & helmet behind. Dress lightly, it's strenuous and can get stuff in the cave. Must be at least 10 years old to participate. Follow signs from the lobby to the basement.

Saturday 3:00pm
TRIP #55: Geocaching at Carter Caves (Level 1) - Duration: 1.5 hours - Limit: 20 people - Status: 20 Spots Open

Do you like the outdoors? How about gadgets and gizmos? We have the perfect activity to combine both. Geocaching is a fairly new sport that uses the internet, GPS units, and a sense of adventure in the outdoors to send you on a scavenger hunt like no other. Growing in popularity by the day, there are over 800,000 active Geocaches found around the world. Don't have a GPS unit? Don't worry! We will provide the instruments and instruction on how to begin participating in this World Wide Phenomenon! Meets at the Welcome Center; transportation needed.

Saturday 3:30pm
TRIP #56: Flashlight Tour of X-Cave (Level 1) - Duration: 1 hours - Limit: 25 people - Status: 25 Spots Open

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. A dependable light source is required for every participant. Meets at the Welcome Center; transportation needed.

Saturday 3:30pm
TRIP #57: Down For Dummies (Level 2) - Duration: 1.5 hours - Limit: 10 people - Status: 10 Spots Open

Would you like to try rappelling? Here's your chance. No experience will be necessary. This will NOT be a "how to" workshop. You'll be given basic instructions, put on the rope, and monitored on the descent. Required equipment includes leather gloves and a hard hat with a chin strap. Follow signs in front of lodge to the site.

Saturday 3:30pm
TRIP #58: Up For Idiots (Level 2) - Duration: 1.5 hours - Limit: 10 people - Status: 10 Spots Open

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 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 12ft. or 1200ft. Down for Dummies may get you to the bottom, but you'll need us to get you out! Leather gloves and a hard hat with a chin strap is required. Don't have a hard hat with a chin strap, no worries we can provide one. Follow signs in front of lodge to the site.

Saturday 4:00pm
TRIP #59: Cliff to Cliff High Line Ride (Level 2) - Duration: 1.5 hours - Limit: 10 people - Status: 10 Spots Open

Now that you have had the chance to go down a rope and up a rope we are introducing the concept of across the rope. That's right a 300ft long high line will be stretched across a 50ft gorge for your amusement. We will strap you in and you can take a ride to remember. Make sure you bring your cameras for there will be some great photo opportunities. The company Passages To Adventure from Fayetteville, West Virginia will set up and operate the high line trips. Note additional waiver form will be required to sign on-site for all participants. Follow signs in front of lodge to the site.

Saturday 4:00pm
TRIP #60: Corrugated Cave (Level 1) - Duration: 1 hours - Limit: 10 people - Status: 10 Spots Open

Yet another rendition of the cardboard box cave. Bring a light (NOT carbide) but you can leave your shoes & helmet behind. Dress lightly, it's strenuous and can get stuff in the cave. Must be at least 10 years old to participate. Follow signs from the lobby to the basement.

Saturday 4:30pm
TRIP #61: Visit To X Cave (Level 1) - Duration: 1 hours - Limit: 30 people - Status: 30 Spots Open

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." Meets at the Welcome Center; transportation needed.