Carter Caves State Resort Park
Winter Adventure Weekend
January 27-29, 2012
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Sunday Schedule of Events
 7:00am - 10:30am:All You Can Eat Breakfast Buffet in Tierney's Cavern Restaurant ($)
8:30am - 1:00pm: Field Trips (See Below)
9:00am - 12:00pm: Corrugated Cave. Drop in. No registration required. 9:30am - 12:30pm: Smoky Bridge High-Line Ride Fundraiser. High Line open at this time for participants to take a ride. Friends of Carter Caves are accepting donations from riders. Funds will go toward more equipment to guarantee futurehigh-line trips.
9:00am - 5:00pm: Welcome Center and Gift Shop open. 11:30am - 3:00pm: All you can eat Lunch Buffet in Tierney's Cavern Restaurant ($) |
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Sunday 8:30am
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.(Participants please do not wear any clothing or shoes that have been in another cave or mine outside of the Carter Caves area since 2006. This possibly will help prevent the spread of White Nose Syndrome, a disease that is killing bats across the Eastern United States. Because of the seriousness of WNS, all participants are required to walk across a bio-mat containing Lysol I.C. solution at the end of the cave trip.) Meets at lodge . Transportation required.
Sunday 9:00am
Drop in - no registration required. 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. The corrugated cave has undergone some renovations since last year. Bring a light (NOT carbide!) but you can leave your shoes & helmet behind. Dress lightly, it is strenuous and can get stuffy in the cave. Knee pads 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.
Sunday 9:00am
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. We have a new location for the 2012 event that will make you pucker before your decent. Required equipment includes leather gloves. Follow signs from in front of lodge to site. No transportation required.
Sunday 9:00am
Do you like the outdoors and modern technology? How about gadgets and gizmos? We have the perfect activity to combine both. A great family activity, geocaching uses the internet, GPS units, and a sense of adventure in the outdoors to send you on a scavenger hunt like no other. You can bring your own GPS but don't worry; we'll have extras if you don't have one. We'll provide the instruments and instruction on how to begin participating in this world wide phenomenon! Following a instructional presentation, you will put your new found skills to the test by venturing outdoors to find some specially placed caches. Meets at Welcome Center. Transportation required.
Sunday 9:00am
Basic information on three popular types of bicycling: road, cyclocross and mountain biking. There will also be information on cycling opportunities in the area along with a presentation on basic bicycle maintenance and repair. Presented by members of Ashland Cycling Enthusiasts. Meets in fields facility. No transportation required.
Sunday 9:30am
Drop in - no registration required. The high-line will be open from 9am - 12pm on Sunday. The Friends of Carter Caves are accepting donations for rides. Fund collected will go toward equipment to guarantee a high line for future events. 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 high-line over 200 feet long will be stretched across the gorge down behind the lodge. We will strap you in for you to take a ride to remember as you drop 40 feet in elevation and cruise by the parks largest natural arch, Smoky Bridge. Make sure you bring your cameras for there will be some great photo opportunities. A weight limit of 250 lbs is in place for this trip. The Friends of Carter Caves organization helped make this years high-line possible by purchasing $1,000 worth of vertical gear for rigging the ride. Follow signs from lobby to site. No transportation required.
Sunday 9:30am
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. Changes for 2012 include a new location and the addition of Single Rope Technique (SRT) Climbing opportunities. This is a strenuous high adventure activity. Participants 15yrs & under require parent or guardian supervision. Required equipment includes climbing appropriate gloves and warm clothing. Meets at lodge . No transportation required.
Sunday 9:30am
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. Keep your eyes peeled and you may see some of the resident big brown bats hibernating in X-Cave. (Participants please do not wear any clothing or shoes that have been in another cave or mine outside of the Carter Caves area since 2006. This possibly will help prevent the spread of White Nose Syndrome, a disease that is killing bats across the Eastern United States. Because of the seriousness of WNS, all participants are required to walk across a bio-mat containing Lysol I.C. solution at the end of the cave trip.) Meets at Welcome Center. Transportation required.
Sunday 9:30am
This Bud's For You! Are you ready for a cold one? Do you want to take a peek into my BUD bag? No, you have the wrong perception. But now that I have your attention, let's explore the basics of Winter Tree Identification. Join State Naturalist Ron Vanover as you will learn characteristics that will enable you to identify many of the tree species at Carter Caves. What tree bud looks like a Phillips screwdriver head? What tree bud looks like a lip stick pen? What tree bud, when scratched, smells like a lemon? These and others will be discussed, so that you have a better understanding on how to identify trees in the winter. This trip will begin with a short indoor portion then will continue outside. Maybe you will get to make your own bud bag! Meets at Cottage 249 . No transportation required.
Sunday 9:30am
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. You will be outside during this workshop so dress appropriately for the weather elements. Meets at lodge . Transportation required.
Sunday 9:30am
This trip takes you into and through multiple ancient dwelling sites used by the first cavers. We will pass though the Wood Hen Hollow Archaeological complex where Mississippian Sandstone has formed multiple, connected ancient habitation sites that have indicated occupation from at least 1000 BC to 1400 AD. You will view the Smokey Creek valley as seen by the first cavers many thousands of years ago. Then we will proceed to the Smoky Bridge area to view the bridge, small caves, and an archaeological area above the Smoky Bridge. On our return to the lodge you will see evidence of the ancient sea that covered this area in the Mississippian Era. Meets at lodge . No transportation required.
Sunday 10:00am
Drop in - no registration required. 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. The corrugated cave has undergone some renovations since last year. Bring a light (NOT carbide!) but you can leave your shoes & helmet behind. Dress lightly, it is strenuous and can get stuffy in the cave. Knee pads 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.
Sunday 10:00am
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. We have a new location for the 2012 event that will make you pucker before your decent. Required equipment includes leather gloves. Follow signs from in front of lodge to site. No transportation required.
Sunday 10:00am
A short briefing on mountain biking techniques followed by rides on trails and gravel roads. This will be a six mile route for the more advanced bikers. The required equipment includes a mountain bike with spare tube/pump and a helmet! Meets at lodge . Transportation required.
Sunday 10:00am
A short briefing on mountain biking techniques followed by rides on trails and gravel roads. This will be a three mile route for beginners. The required equipment includes a mountain bike with spare tube/pump and a helmet! Meets at lodge . Transportation required.
Sunday 10:00am
It's not always a breathtaking overlook or picturesque ridge top that makes a hike special. On this trip, we'll concentrate on the views that Carter Caves provides best - cave entrances, our windows into darkness! We'll start out near the Welcome Center, view the entrances of several Cave Branch caves and then hike into Horn Hollow valley where the karst spectacles continue. You'll see no less than 10 different cave entrances, maybe more, each with their own unique personalities, so to speak. Keep in mind that we will NOT be going into any caves, but bring along a camera or sketch pad because these underground wonders are wondrous to behold from the outside too! Join us as we hike with our feet, and our imaginations! (Note: Some off-trail and rough hiking may be required.) Meets at Welcome Center. Transportation required.
Sunday 10:00am
Some of the most unusual and interesting animals are found in the darkness of caves. Bats, bugs, and many other animals call caves their home. Join Breaks Interstate Park Naturalist, Jayd Raines, on a field trip to get an up close and personal look at these creatures of the darkness. Close toed shoes and flashlight are required. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. (Participants please do not wear any clothing or shoes that have been in another cave or mine outside of the Carter Caves area since 2006. This possibly will help prevent the spread of White Nose Syndrome, a disease that is killing bats across the Eastern United States. Because of the seriousness of WNS, all participants are required to walk across a bio-mat containing Lysol I.C. solution at the end of the cave trip.) Meets at lodge . Transportation required.
Sunday 10:00am
Have you ever wanted to cook over a campfire? People have been cooking over open fires for centuries. This trip gives you the opportunity to learn how to season cast iron ware, how to tell the temperature inside a Dutch oven, what types of cookware can be used on an open fire, how to cook over an open fire and receive several recipes to take home with you. Each participant will have the opportunity to prepare a hoecake. No equipment or experience is needed. All materials are supplied. Bring your appetite. This trip is indoors and uses a fireplace inside the Welcome Center meeting room. Meets at Welcome Center. Transportation required.
Sunday 10:30am
Drop in - no registration required. The high-line will be open from 9am - 12pm on Sunday. The Friends of Carter Caves are accepting donations for rides. Fund collected will go toward equipment to guarantee a high line for future events. 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 high-line over 200 feet long will be stretched across the gorge down behind the lodge. We will strap you in for you to take a ride to remember as you drop 40 feet in elevation and cruise by the parks largest natural arch, Smoky Bridge. Make sure you bring your cameras for there will be some great photo opportunities. A weight limit of 250 lbs is in place for this trip. The Friends of Carter Caves organization helped make this years high-line possible by purchasing $1,000 worth of vertical gear for rigging the ride. Follow signs from lobby to site. No transportation required.
Sunday 10:30am
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 commercially lit walking tour with some stooping and bending. Kenny the Real McCoy will be your guide and provide you with one uniquely delivered cave tour. (Participants please do not wear any clothing or shoes that have been in another cave or mine outside of the Carter Caves area since 2006. This possibly will help prevent the spread of White Nose Syndrome, a disease that is killing bats across the Eastern United States. Because of the seriousness of WNS, all participants are required to walk across a bio-mat containing Lysol I.C. solution at the end of the cave trip.) Meets at Welcome Center. Transportation required.
Sunday 10:30am
For the first time ever we are offering a guided horseback ride during Winter Adventure Weekend. Take a guided horseback ride through parts of the beautiful Tygart State Forest and Carter Caves State Park. This ride will take you up high on ridges with awesome views and deep into the valleys of Cave Branch. The ride will be around 5-6 miles and last about 1 1/2 hrs. Horseback riders must be 8yrs or older to participate. Participants will be required to sign a waiver. Parents or guardians of children will need to sign off on a waiver for their children. This program cost an additional $30 per person. Needs a minimum of 5 participants to go, if not the trip can be canceled. If this happens you can cancel your registration and receive a full refund or we can register you for other trips during the weekend. Meets at Horseback Riding Stables. Transportation required.
Sunday 11:00am
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. Changes for 2012 include a new location and the addition of Single Rope Technique (SRT) Climbing opportunities. This is a strenuous high adventure activity. Participants 15yrs & under require parent or guardian supervision. Required equipment includes climbing appropriate gloves and warm clothing. Meets at lodge . No transportation required.
Sunday 11:00am
Drop in - no registration required. 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. The corrugated cave has undergone some renovations since last year. Bring a light (NOT carbide!) but you can leave your shoes & helmet behind. Dress lightly, it is strenuous and can get stuffy in the cave. Knee pads 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.
Sunday 11:30am
Drop in - no registration required. The high-line will be open from 9am - 12pm on Sunday. The Friends of Carter Caves are accepting donations for rides. Fund collected will go toward equipment to guarantee a high line for future events. 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 high-line over 200 feet long will be stretched across the gorge down behind the lodge. We will strap you in for you to take a ride to remember as you drop 40 feet in elevation and cruise by the parks largest natural arch, Smoky Bridge. Make sure you bring your cameras for there will be some great photo opportunities. A weight limit of 250 lbs is in place for this trip. The Friends of Carter Caves organization helped make this years high-line possible by purchasing $1,000 worth of vertical gear for rigging the ride. Follow signs from lobby to site. No transportation required.
Sunday 1:00pm
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."" (Participants please do not wear any clothing or shoes that have been in another cave or mine outside of the Carter Caves area since 2006. This possibly will help prevent the spread of White Nose Syndrome, a disease that is killing bats across the Eastern United States. Because of the seriousness of WNS, all participants are required to walk across a bio-mat containing Lysol I.C. solution at the end of the cave trip.) Meets at Welcome Center. Transportation required.
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Carter Caves State Park 2011 Winner of Outstanding Park Of The Year. |
| Winter Adventure Weekend 2011 Winner Of The Outstanding Special Event Of The Year. |
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