Friday 10:00pm
TRIP #4: Mock Expedition Overnight - Extra Fee: $7.50 - Duration: 9 hours - Limit: 30 people - Status: full

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 and share experiences and ideas of caving as we spend one Friday night in the cavern. 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 14yrs and under must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, no exceptions! There is an extra fee of $7.50 per person for this trip. (Participants please do not wear any clothing or shoes or bring gear 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 will be required to decontaminate their shoe treads with a Lysol I.C. solution at the end of the cave trip.) Meets at lodge . Transportation required.

Saturday 8:30am
TRIP #5: Down For Dummies - Duration: 1.5 hours - Limit: 10 people - Status: full

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.

Saturday 8:30am
TRIP #6: Up For Idiots - Duration: 1.5 hours - Limit: 10 people - Status: full

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 will need us to get you out! We will provide you with all necessary equipment including a climbing system and helmet. Follow signs from in front of lodge to site. No transportation required.

Saturday 9:00am
TRIP #11: Smoky Bridge High-Line Ride - Duration: 1.5 hours - Limit: 15 people - Status: full

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. More gear is needed to guarantee this trip year after year. Keep this in mind when you are making bids during the silent auction. Follow signs from lobby to site. No transportation required.

Saturday 9:00am
TRIP #14: Recreational Tree Climbing - Duration: 1.5 hours - Limit: 8 people - Status: full

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.

Saturday 9:30am
TRIP #18: Down For Dummies - Duration: 1.5 hours - Limit: 10 people - Status: full

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.

Saturday 10:00am
TRIP #22: Smoky Bridge High-Line Ride - Duration: 1.5 hours - Limit: 15 people - Status: 1 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 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. More gear is needed to guarantee this trip year after year. Keep this in mind when you are making bids during the silent auction. Follow signs from lobby to site. No transportation required.

Saturday 10:00am
TRIP #24: Cave Life in Cascade Caverns - Duration: 2.5 hours - Limit: 20 people - Status: 2 Spots Open

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.

Saturday 10:00am
TRIP #25: Up For Idiots - Duration: 1.5 hours - Limit: 10 people - Status: full

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 will need us to get you out! We will provide you with all necessary equipment including a climbing system and helmet. Follow signs from in front of lodge to site. No transportation required.

Saturday 10:30am
TRIP #27: Down For Dummies - Duration: 1.5 hours - Limit: 10 people - Status: full

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.

Saturday 10:30am
TRIP #28: Recreational Tree Climbing - Duration: 1.5 hours - Limit: 8 people - Status: full

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.

Saturday 10:30am
TRIP #31: Winter Horseback Riding - Extra Fee: $30.00 - Duration: 2.5 hours - Limit: 10 people - Status: full

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.

Saturday 11:00am
TRIP #35: Smoky Bridge High-Line Ride - Duration: 1.5 hours - Limit: 15 people - Status: full

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. More gear is needed to guarantee this trip year after year. Keep this in mind when you are making bids during the silent auction. Follow signs from lobby to site. No transportation required.

Saturday 12:00pm
TRIP #38: Smoky Bridge High-Line Ride - Duration: 1.5 hours - Limit: 15 people - Status: full

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 over a 200ft long high line will be stretched across the gorge down behind the lodge. We will strap you in and you can take a ride to remember as you drop 40ft 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. 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. Keep this in mind when you are making bids during the silent auction, since more gear is required to guarantee a high line ride year after year. Follow signs from lobby to site. No transportation required.

Saturday 12:30pm
TRIP #42: Down For Dummies - Duration: 1.5 hours - Limit: 10 people - Status: full

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.

Saturday 12:30pm
TRIP #43: Up For Idiots - Duration: 1.5 hours - Limit: 10 people - Status: full

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 will need us to get you out! We will provide you with all necessary equipment including a climbing system and helmet. Follow signs from in front of lodge to site. No transportation required.

Saturday 1:00pm
TRIP #48: Smoky Bridge High-Line Ride - Duration: 1.5 hours - Limit: 15 people - Status: full

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. More gear is needed to guarantee this trip year after year. Keep this in mind when you are making bids during the silent auction. Follow signs from lobby to site. No transportation required.

Saturday 1:00pm
TRIP #52: Recreational Tree Climbing - Duration: 1.5 hours - Limit: 8 people - Status: full

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.

Saturday 1:00pm
TRIP #54: Backpacking 101 - Duration: 3.5 hours - Limit: 20 people - Status: 6 Spots Open

Backpacking is an activity that gets you about as close to nature as you can get. If you are new to backpacking or thinking about looking for an outdoor activity to pursue this workshop fits the bill. Take part in a interactive discussion of the do's and don'ts of multi-day backpacking trips. Topics to include trip preparation & planning, safety, training, gear, packing your pack, food options and basic navigation. During the workshop we will take a 3.5 mile hike and look for good places to set camp, demonstrate filtering water and discuss leave no trace backpacking principles. If you have a backpack and gear bring it with you to show off. We will show different examples of equipment available. About a 30-45 minute portion of this workshop will be indoors. Meets at Welcome Center. Transportation required.

Saturday 1:00pm
TRIP #55: Walking In The Footsteps Of Aboriginal Visitors - Duration: 3 hours - Limit: 15 people - Status: full

Join us on this Geo/Archeology adventure and view a massive Box Canyon natural arch and a collapsed cave that formed an ancient habitation site used for thousands of years. See the massive 3.5 million year old 100 ft. high cliff of Carter Caves Sandstone that forms the right angle corner of the ""box"". A waterfalls cascades down to a the deep rock strewn stream canyon that flows into underground passages. Giant sinks mark the presence of caves in this karst area. Then follow a key prehistoric Aboriginal trail, view Tygarts Creek from over 200 ft. above the stream, see where the James Branch exits the Cascade Cave and merges with the Tygarts. View the massive Mississippian Limestone and Sandstone cliffs and go to the entrance of Rhododendron Cave. If time and interest permit, we will enter an Archaeological site that was occupied by the first cavers back to at least 4000 BC. There we will see giant iron oxide ""liesegang banding/rings"" in the ceiling. Also, ""boxwork"" and ""honeycomb"" weathering provides unusual formations and photographic opportunities. Bring your camera, good hiking shoes and an interest in the wonders of Carter Caves. Total walking distance is approximately 1.4 miles. Meets at lodge . Tranportation required.

Saturday 1:30pm
TRIP #56: Down For Dummies - Duration: 1.5 hours - Limit: 10 people - Status: full

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.

Saturday 1:30pm
TRIP #57: The "8800" Trek - Duration: 3 hours - Limit: 15 people - Status: full

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. All participants will receive Leave No Trace backpack tag for participating. Meets at lodge . No transportation required.

Saturday 1:30pm
TRIP #59: Winter Horseback Riding - Extra Fee: $30.00 - Duration: 2.5 hours - Limit: 10 people - Status: full

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.

Saturday 2:00pm
TRIP #62: Smoky Bridge High-Line Ride - Duration: 1.5 hours - Limit: 15 people - Status: full

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. More gear is needed to guarantee this trip year after year. Keep this in mind when you are making bids during the silent auction. Follow signs from lobby to site. No transportation required.

Saturday 2:00pm
TRIP #63: Cave Life in Cascade Caverns - Duration: 2.5 hours - Limit: 20 people - Status: 9 Spots Open

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.

Saturday 2:00pm
TRIP #64: Winter Birding 101 & Birding By Ear - Duration: 2.5 hours - Limit: 15 people - Status: 4 Spots Open

Birding is a fascinating hobby that promotes outdoor movement among many age groups. Ron Vanover, State Naturalist, and Brian Gasdorf, Natural Bridge Park Naturalist, will be leading this hike and sharing their identification and vocal knowledge of many winter bird species. In addition, this program will lead you on an adventure as we will explore the roadways, field areas, and common areas where you are sure to see and hear several bird species. No experience necessary as this hike is intended for those beginning birders that want to whet their curiosity. Come on out and be a snowbird. We will provide binoculars, but if you have your own bring them along. This trip will have a short indoor portion before heading outside. Meets at Cottage 248 . Transportation required.

Saturday 2:00pm
TRIP #65: Up For Idiots - Duration: 1.5 hours - Limit: 10 people - Status: full

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 will need us to get you out! We will provide you with all necessary equipment including a climbing system and helmet. Follow signs from in front of lodge to site. No transportation required.

Saturday 2:30pm
TRIP #66: Recreational Tree Climbing - Duration: 1.5 hours - Limit: 8 people - Status: full

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.

Saturday 2:30pm
TRIP #69: Down For Dummies - Duration: 1.5 hours - Limit: 10 people - Status: full

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.

Saturday 3:00pm
TRIP #72: Smoky Bridge High-Line Ride - Duration: 1.5 hours - Limit: 15 people - Status: full

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. More gear is needed to guarantee this trip year after year. Keep this in mind when you are making bids during the silent auction. Follow signs from lobby to site. No transportation required.

Saturday 3:30pm
TRIP #76: Down For Dummies - Duration: 1.5 hours - Limit: 10 people - Status: full

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.

Saturday 3:30pm
TRIP #77: Up For Idiots - Duration: 1.5 hours - Limit: 10 people - Status: full

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 will need us to get you out! We will provide you with all necessary equipment including a climbing system and helmet. Follow signs from in front of lodge to site. No transportation required.

Saturday 4:00pm
TRIP #79: Smoky Bridge High-Line Ride - Duration: 1.5 hours - Limit: 15 people - Status: full

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. More gear is needed to guarantee this trip year after year. Keep this in mind when you are making bids during the silent auction. Follow signs from lobby to site. No transportation required.

Sunday 9:00am
TRIP #84: Down For Dummies - Duration: 1.5 hours - Limit: 10 people - Status: full

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 9:30am
TRIP #87: Smoky Bridge High-Line Ride Fundraiser - Duration: 1 hours - Limit: 15 people - Status: Drop In

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
TRIP #88: Recreational Tree Climbing - Duration: 1.5 hours - Limit: 8 people - Status: full

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
TRIP #90: Winter Tree ID - Duration: 2.5 hours - Limit: 15 people - Status: 3 Spots Open

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 10:00am
TRIP #94: Down For Dummies - Duration: 1.5 hours - Limit: 10 people - Status: 2 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 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
TRIP #98: Cave Life in Cascade Caverns - Duration: 2.5 hours - Limit: 20 people - Status: 2 Spots Open

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 10:30am
TRIP #100: Smoky Bridge High-Line Ride Fundraiser - Duration: 1 hours - Limit: 15 people - Status: Drop In

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
TRIP #106: Winter Horseback Riding - Extra Fee: $30.00 - Duration: 2.5 hours - Limit: 10 people - Status: full

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
TRIP #102: Recreational Tree Climbing - Duration: 1.5 hours - Limit: 8 people - Status: full

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 11:30am
TRIP #104: Smoky Bridge High-Line Ride Fundraiser - Duration: 1 hours - Limit: 15 people - Status: Drop In

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.