A multi-mile hike after a short drive to Cascade Cave. This will be an on-trail/off-trail hike up the valley paralleling the Cascade Cave System (Cascade, Sandy, Jones, Tire Creek, Waterfall caves) demonstrating a variety of impressive karst features including streams, an insurgence, springs, many cave entrances, a karst window, and arches. Time and weather permitting, various sandstone features can be visited as well (caves, springs).

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.

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." This is a commercially lit walking tour of the cave.

Come learn all about the amazing diversity of organisms that inhabit the Carter Caves forest. We will discuss everything from why some trees make good whiskey barrels and others do not to how to use different plants when the zombies come. This hike will be about 1.5 miles in length along the Horn Hollow Trail.

Is there a long distance hike on the Appalachian Trail or another long trail in your future, but you're not sure where to start? This program will give you the knowledge and confidence to plan a long distance hike. You'll learn trip planning skills on where to find information, what to look for, gear, footwear, selecting a section, mileage planning, smartphone apps, maps, guidebooks, food, resupply methods, getting to the trail, shuttles, long-term parking, and more. You will gain confidence and skills to begin planning your hike, whether it is a week-long or months-long trek. Taught by expert hike, Andy "Captain Blue" Niekamp, who has over 20,000 miles of backpacking experience including five end-to-end hikes on the Appalachian Trail, a continuous footpath from Georgia to Maine that travels throughout 14 different states. He has also hiked the Buckeye Trail, Florida Trail, Arizona Trail, Camino de Santiago, Colorado Trail, John Muir Trail, Sheltowee Trace, Long Trail, Ozark Highlands Trail, Superior Hiking Trail, Ohio To Erie Trail, and other trails.

Paddle your way on this 6 mile KAYAK trip that navigates you through the Tygarts Creek Gorge. Kentucky's most scenic limestone gorge. You will be on the creek for at least 3.5 hours. It is cold and wet, especially if you flip your boat! Needless to say this trip is not for beginners! If you have not figured it out BYOK stands for bringing your own kayak. The park provides the transportation shuttle from the Welcome Center and guides for your trip down Tygarts Creek. Required equipment includes; kayak, paddle, PFD (life jacket), helmet and the correct attire for cold weather paddling. A wet or dry suit is highly recommended, if not you are REQUIRED to have a complete change of clothes in a dry bag. Clothing should consist of layers of wool, fleece and polypropolene fabric, not cotton or denim. There are no exceptions to the required equipment, and the trip leaders can remove you from the trip if you do not meet the requirements. Bring a pack lunch or snacks for we will be stopping for lunch on the creek. We will load your kayaks on our trailer at the Picnic Area (follow signs from lodge) then head for the put in point. This trip can be canceled if the creek is frozen over, flooding or too low to navigate. If this happens you can cancel your registration and receive a full refund or we can register you for other trips during the weekend.

Are you interested in overnight backpacking but not sure where to start? Join in for a casual conversation and demonstration on the subject. We'll review from head to toe gear, navigation options, preplanning, food management, water options, Leave No Trace, bear/critter considerations, sleeping approaches, and whatever questions and experiences the group has on their minds. Depending on weather/time/interest levels we can load up and take a three mile hike to tune in packs and go through some field demos on bear hangs, water treatments and criteria for campsites.

While the bats are sleeping in the front of the cave, we will be entering into the back of the cave after a quarter mile hike to the cave entrance. Bat Cave is a completely wild cave with the exception of the cave gates. This trip is a combination of walking, duck walking, scrambling over breakdown piles, creek crossings, belly slides, and hand and knee crawls. 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.

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.

This trip will show you that Bat Cave does not have to be a cave for beginner cavers. On this trip you will visit most of the tight long crawl passages found within the cave. This trip consists of some walking passage, extended hand and knee crawls, rock scrambling, and belly crawls that will leave you wet, muddy, sore and exhausted.

Join us on this new and exciting hike. On this hike we will pass many beautiful rock formations, a small cave entrance, Tygart's creek access, 2 waterfalls(weather permitting) beautiful cliff over hangs. We will have breathtaking views of Tygart's gorge, travel across the natural formation called Devil's Backbone and then make it to the "Cabin in the Woods." A small cabin that was built in the late 1800's and is now privately owned. Lots of history surrounds this area, with moonshining being part of that history. History and stories of this cabin and the surrounding area will be discussed along the hike.

Take a trip into Cascade Cave and see it like the old timer's (e.g. John Tierney) back in the day. We will go caving in Cascade Cave with only carbide lamps, and ONLY old-style carbide lamps. No newer type carbide generators, LED's or battery-powered lamps will be allowed. This trip will show you how the cave looked to the early explorers of the area when all they had was flame-type carbide lamps. We will tell you the history of the carbide lamp and how its simple design brought dependable light to miners and cavers throughout Kentucky back in the early 1900's. We will show you the exact spot where back in 1923, John Tierney scared a hibernating bear and then accidently blew out his carbide lamp and was stuck in the cave for two days until he was rescued by park staff. This is but one of many stories associated with this cave. If you have an older type carbide cap lamp that is in working order please bring it. We will also supply carbide lamps for the rest of the group to use. There will be some stooping, bending and crawling involved so level 2 caving equipment is required minus the lights.

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!

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.

This class will feature outdoor cooking with cast iron as we prepare and sample several recipes using a campfire and charcoal briquets. Chili, cornbread, a campfire dessert, and more will be on the tasting menu! This class will include information for the beginner cook as well as tips useful to those more "seasoned!" Topics will include outdoor food safety, fire safety, food preparation outdoors, menu planning, and packing tips.

This activity is for children and adults. Materials will be provided for several craft projects featuring some connection to bats, salamanders, and other cave themes. You do have to register, but there is no charge. Children 10 years or under must be accompanied by an adult. Meets in the Fields facility from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM on Sunday morning.

Visit at least 4 caves and one overlook on the lodge side of the lake while hiking approximately 2 miles. You will need level 3 Caving equipment, clothing for inclement weather, water and a snack.

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.

On this Friday Night Crawl we will be warming up Bat Cave for the weekend. After a 1/4 mile walk into the dark forest you will enter the dark underground world of Bat Cave. Plenty to see on this trip with a mix of walking passage, rock scrambling, hands and knee crawls, belly slitherin all with a taste of mud and water. After all is said and done this trip will get you itchen to get back to cavin the rest of the weekend! .

A hike to view surfaces features and topology shaped by karst processes in Horn Hollow and the lower portion of the Valley of the Caves. Horn Hollow is a hanging karst valley that is the last major side valley of the Valley of the Caves before it's junction with Tygart's Gorge. The trip will look at sinkholes, pits, cave entrances, swallow holes and resurgences and how these features were shaped by the development of caves in Horn Hollow over time.

Tour Cascade by flashlight as your guide tells tall tales and ghost stories along the way. Flashlights will be the only light source in the cave. Not recommended for those with balance and lowlight vision impairment.

The title reads like new dish from an ancient culture; but here at WAW, it means learning the basics of shooting a bow and arrow along with learning the techniques for throwing a Tomahawk. This will include safe usage and beginner shooting techniques. Then participants will have the chance to shoot and try and hit a bulls eye on the target. We will go over hawk safety, and the basics for throwing tomahawks before getting an opportunity to try and stick a hawk in our targets.

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.

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!

A trip to one of the less well-known caves in the Park. Discovered in 1984 and originally named Coon-in-the-Crack Cave, this short and less-known-and-visited cave has a both crawlway and pit entrances (pit negotiated with a ladder). The western half of the cave is vaguely suggestive of how Saltpetre Cave must have looked prior to mining and commercialization. The trip will include a hike to and from the cave.

Drop in. Join us this morning to stretch your legs in a Hot Chocolate 5K run (or) walk through the park. The out and back course starts and finishes at the horse-camp-parking lot and offers 3.1 miles of flat roadway to accommodate runners and walkers of all abilities. A 1 mile Fun Run option is available for the kids or (for the kids of heart) is an option for anyone not wanting to tackle the full 5K . Dogs on leashes and strollers pushed by parents are welcome of course. Enjoy hot chocolate at the finish-line area and all participants will receive a small memento for braving the Hot Chocolate 5K. Restrooms are available at the start/finish-line area.

Join Asbury University Center for Adventure Leadership for an introduction to rock climbing experience on Kentucky Sandstone! This trip will teach basic technical skills and climbing techniques to safely climb in a top rope setting. All technical equipment will be provided, this includes harness, helmets, and shoes for each individual. Each participant needs to wear comfortable shoes to hike to the climb site with, and bring water and a snack with them for the day. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants will be required to sign an additional waiver to participate in this trip. Minors must have a legal guardian there to sign the waiver. ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST SIGN AN ADDITIONAL WAIVER FOR ASBURY UNIVERSITY. This waiver is found in the REGISTRATION INFO

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!

Follow James Branch from the Fort Falls waterfall to Cascade Caverns, seeing some amazing karst topography, including sinking streams, dry creek beds, a karst window and several caves along the way. This is purely a surface trip, no caving equipment needed, just normal weather-appropriate hiking gear.

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 10 years old and under need parental supervision in order to participate.

During this four-mile hike, you will learn to decipher tell-tale surface features that are indicative of a dynamic sub-surface environment. Cave entrances, sinkholes, pits, shelters, springs, arches, and bridges will be featured on this scenic ramble. The hike follows the Three Bridges Trail, with several short off-trail ventures.

Embark on a captivating adventure with our Carter Caves Park Interpreters on this Kids Wilderness Walk. Join experienced guides as they lead young explorers on a nature-filled journey through the heart of Carter Caves on this 3.5-mile hike of the Three Bridges Trail. Discover hidden wonders (including three natural stone bridges), identify native flora and fauna, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the great outdoors. This educational and fun-filled event promises an unforgettable experience, fostering a love for nature and instilling a sense of environmental stewardship in the next generation. Lace up your hiking boots, pack your curiosity, and prepare for exploration and discovery. (This event aids in completing the Winter Adventure Weekend Junior Naturalist certification and participants will get 3 different I Did a Hike stickers; more details at the time of the event.) Children need adult supervision on this hike.

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.

Come try the new rope swing at Carter Caves State Resort Park! Step off the edge of a 30-foot cliffline into a thrilling swing through the trees. The Leap of Faith: "Only in a leap from the lion's head shall they prove their worth." This trip requires a .1 mile trail hike to and from the cottage area to the swing site.

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.

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 as we spend one Friday night in the cavern. Once camp is set we will take off and do some exploring of the unknown passages that lies ahead. We will likely encountering passages requiring stooping bending and crawling so level 2 cave gear is required. 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 17yrs and under must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, no exceptions!

Drop in. Have some time to spare? Try your hand at the centuries old craft of weaving. You will have the opportunity to weave on a multi-harness floor loom, all materials will be provided and you will have a mug rug to take home with you. A mug rug is a smaller version of an Appalachian Rag Rug and is typically used as a coaster. This trip is open to all, no special equipment is needed. A $5 donation for your mug rug is being accepted by the Friends of Carter Caves Group.

Experience the drop of a lifetime as you rappel through the sinkhole in the top of Carter Cave's Natural Bridge! Enjoy not only the experience of rappelling but also the natural beauty of the area as you descend over 60 feet into the bed of Cave Branch Stream. Thousands of people enjoy the view of our Natural Bridge from the ground up, but only a few get to enjoy the view from top down. Here is your chance to be one of the few! 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. This trip requires a 1/4 mile walk from the Welcome Center to the Rappel Site.

If you're looking for a new adventure that is part scavenger hunt, part thinking game, and all fun, then orienteering is for you! Like geocaching, orienteering involves finding hidden checkpoints in the woods. What makes orienteering different is that you don't get to use gps. The only gadgets involved are a map and compass! Participants will receive a detailed orienteering map of the park and use of a compass and timing chip to record their success in finding as many hidden checkpoints as they can within the time allowed. The trip will begin with the basic instruction necessary for success, presented by instructors from Orienteering Cincinnati and Orienteering Louisville. This trip is suitable for ages 8 and up.

This trip will be only for those vertically-competent cavers with considerable experience (no beginners!). Two pits in the area will be rigged, but you must have your own vertical gear including a mechanical safety. The trip begins with a gear inspection and orientation by the field leaders (if you don't have an acceptable climbing system you will not go). These caves are only accessible during Winter Adventure Weekend!

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.

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.

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.

Drop in. Would you like to know if you are the fastest rope climber at Winter Adventure Weekend? Now is your chance to find out! WAW is now hosting its tenth annual rope climbing competition this year. So come, compete and see how you stack up. Everyone is welcome to compete, regardless of age or experience! All of the required equipment will be provided for you. Personal equipment can be used, however the use of a seat harness is required. All personal gear will be inspected by the climbing competition staff, and the staff reserve the right to refuse gear that does not pass inspection. Prizes will be awarded by age group during the Saturday evening program. Staph are welcome to participate but will be in a separate category from event participants.

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 Friday afternoon trip and from the cave on the 10:00 Sunday morning trip. This cave is only accessible during Winter Adventure Weekend!

Tucked back in the woods of Carter Caves State Park is a cave that is noted for its large passages. Instead of electric light we will explore this cave, like the explorers of yore, in the soft ambiance of lantern light. Although you should bring your electric lights for safety purposes we request that they remain off during this trip. Past experience has shown us that adults appreciate this particular trip more than children. This is subject to cancellation if potential flooding conditions occur. This cave is only accessible during Winter Adventure Weekend!

You don't need a yoga mat to get into a meditative state, put on an extra layer and your hiking boots and join us for a meditative hike designed to promote relaxation and mindfulness. This slow paced 2-mile hike is designed to help us tune into all of our senses and connect with the sight and sounds of nature that we will be immersed in. This hike is for everyone and no previous experience is necessary.

For the first time at Winter Adventure Weekend, The Friends of Carter Caves (FOCC) invite you to plunge into Smoky Lake! This event is a fundraiser, and participants are encouraged to raise a minimum of $50 to donate to FOCC to participate. Prizes for Best Costume and Most Funds Raised will be presented Saturday Night at the Awards Ceremony. For more information, check out the Smoky Lake Plunge webpage, at https://www.winteradventureweekend.com/smokylakeadventureplunge

This trip into Bat Cave is perfect for first-time cavers of all ages! We will see a little mud, a few puddles, and maybe a bat or two; learn some safe-caving guidelines; hear some spooky cave stories; and find out the REAL reason caves are dark. It is mostly walking with a short crawl, and you will never be more than five minutes from the entrance if you decide that caving is not your thing. If you do not have a helmet and headlamp we can provide that for participants upon request. This will satisfy the requirement for a helmet with a chin strap and headlamp.

Join us for a walking tour of Carter County's largest commercial cave, Cascade Cave! Cascade, like many other caves, provides an environment found only below Earth's surface which supports a myriad of organisms that never see the light of day. This tour explores the science of how caves are formed, what organisms exploit these unique environments and how they survive there. While we journey through this fragile ecosystem, we will discuss ways in which we can protect caves to conserve this special environment. While caves seem isolated from the surface, everything we do trickles into and affects not only the caves, but the organisms that live there. Come with three scientists on a journey through Cascade Cave along the commercially lit walking path. Your guides in science will meet you in the parking lot of Cascade Cave.

Drop in. Do you like tight places? Come find out just how tight of a space you can mentally and physically squeeze through. Due to the nature of their amusement, cavers have always wondered how tight of a place they can fit through. That was when the squeeze box was invented and later constructed. Here is the way it works. There will be 2 different categories: adult competition (15 years & up) and the kid's competition (6-14 years). We will have preliminary rounds on Saturday from 10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm in the Fields Facility of the Lodge. Adult competitors must take part in the squeezebox preliminaries to attempt to qualify for the finals held on Saturday night. In the adult competition, the top four male contenders along with the top four female contenders in each weight class will advance to the finals. The winners in each adult category will receive a t-shirt, sign the squeeze box, and best of all have bragging rights until next years competition. Adult finalist will be posted on the squeezebox in the fields facility by 6:00pm. In the kid's competition, kids ages 6-14 years must also take part in the preliminaries on Friday or Saturday to be in the competition. We have set different categories for children and will keep track of the records throughout the day. The child that squeezes through the box at the lowest height in each weight category will be determined the winner. The winners of the kid's squeeze box competition will be posted by 6:00pm on the squeezebox in the fields facility. Kid's competition winners in each weight category will win a prize. The winners will be recognized and prizes awarded during the awards ceremony around 8pm in the Fields Facility.

A BIG cave, with numerous entrances, and just getting there is a challenge. You'll hike about a half mile to the cave through cow pastures and steep sloping hills and maybe snow and ice, and then you must decide, "How wet do I really want to get?" Understand that eventually you'll be making that half mile hike back to your vehicle. Wet gear is recommended if you want to get really wet, but most will choose only to get their boots wet. There are only a few short necessary crawls, but for those of you that love to crawl, opportunities will be available. Bring a change of clothes for afterwards. NOTE: This trip attempts to avoid as much water as possible. NOTE: 25 miles of car travel round trip. The cave is on private property and we have permission to visit the cave only during Winter Adventure Weekend!

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. A helmet with a chin strap and headlamp can be provided upon request for those that don't have their own.

Take a 350-mile journey on the Pinhoti Trail National Recreation Trail from the southernmost peak of the Appalachian Mountains in Alabama to the Blue Ridge Mountains in northern Georgia with photos and narration as Andy Niekamp recounts his epic 2022 thru hike. This lesser-known trail is on one of the southern Appalachian Mountain's premier long-distance hiking trails. The Pinhoti Trail trail winds through diverse terrain of scenic views, rock gardens, forested mountain tops, and multiple water crossings. Completed in 2008 the Pinhoti Trail is often overlooked as a hiking destination because it's not well known and has some tough miles of road walking. The Pinhoti Trail connects with the Appalachian Trail via the Benton McKaye Trail. Learn about the controversial effort to make the Pinhoti Trail part of the Appalachian Trail. Presented by Andy "Captain Blue" Niekamp.

Much has been discussed about the significant geology of Carter Caves. Join our residential old broke down caver as he reviews the most recent theories on what makes the Carter Caves area so special and unique. This trip will include a walk through X-Cave and a jaunt into the valley along Cave Branch. One highlight of the trip will include a walk through, Carter Caves Natural Bridge, the only natural bridge in Kentucky that supports a paved road.

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.

Come learn how to read the messages that all are left behind by all animals, including humans. You will learn how to recognize the seven basic attributes of all tracks. This class will open your eyes many of the things you have been missing in a wilderness setting. Things such as what animal a track represents, how fast it was moving and its size. This will include looking at the vast amount of sign beyond what is captured in tracks on the ground such as aerial sign and intangible sign. This workshop is very useful for anyone that enjoys seeing more wildlife, and being more aware of what surrounds even when you cant see it. Come learn how to read the ground like a book.

Get ready for the cave experience you never knew you needed with Tutus and Glow sticks! On this unique trip through Cascade and into Sandy Cave via a 1/4 mile walk in the forest, we will share trivia around the history of dance, art, and entertainment in caves. Did you know a 9,000 year old cave painting is the earliest proof of human dance? Or, that the art of flamenco came from people living in excavated caves in Spain? Join our trip and learn more fun tidbits as we walk through large trunk passage, and scoot through optional side tunnels for anyone itching for a hands and knees crawl! At the end of the trip we will have hot chocolate waiting. This trip is appropriate for all ages and comes with a free tutu to keep. The Sandy Cave portion of this trip is only accessible during Winter Adventure Weekend.

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!

This is a 6-mile canoe trip that navigates you through the Tygarts Creek Gorge. Kentucky's most scenic limestone gorge. You will be on the creek for at least 3.5 hours. It is cold and wet, especially if you swamp! Because of the remoteness of the gorge and limited access, there is no turning back once you start. Needless to say this trip is not for beginners. Canoes, paddles, and vests will be provided. You should bring water, lunch or a snack for we will be eating lunch along the creek. Required Equipment includes the correct attire for cold weather paddling, a wet or dry suit is highly recommended. Clothing should consist of layers of wool, fleece and polypropolene fabric, not cotton or denim. You are required to have a complete change of clothes in a proper dry bag made for paddling. There are no exceptions to the required equipment, and the trip leaders can remove you from the trip if you do not meet the requirements. We will meet at the Picnic Area (follow signs from lodge) then head for the put in point. This trip can be canceled if the creek is frozen over, flooding or to low to naviagate. If this happens you can cancel your registration and receive a full refund or we can register you for other trips during the weekend.

Cavers descend into deep pits to explore, but how do they get out? This trip will give you insight into the basics needed to ascend on a rope. You will be introduced to a system of rope ascending commonly used by cavers, and you will get a chance to do a rope climb silhouetted by Smoky Bridge. This is a physical activity that requires the use of your whole body to successfully participate in. We will provide you with all the necessary equipment including a climbing system and helmet. For your safety and comfort, you must be able to fit in the harness per manufacturer safety guidelines and be able to follow directions while on rope.

Wilburn cave is located near the top of a big ridge. The trip to the cave entrance is a strenuous 250 foot climb up a 30 degree banking, so you should be in good health to participate in this trip. There is little to no walking passage found in the whole cave and it is known for plenty of nasty little crawls. At one point in the cave you will have to straddle over top of a 20 foot canyon to navigate through the passage. The park will provide transportation to and from the cave. The cave is on private property and we have permission to visit the cave during Winter Adventure Weekend only!

Winter survival will involve the fundamentals of survival methodology and mindset. This workshop will include practical application and skill building for specifics including shelter, fire basics, water, food, and signaling. You will be outside during this workshop so dress appropriately for the weather elements.

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.

Join us for a unique yoga experience in the midst of a winter wonderland. This moving meditation covers approximately 2 miles of hiking and roughly 20-minutes of a beginner-friendly yoga practice. Transportation is required to get to the Welcome Center as the hike will begin at the trailhead near X-Cave. We will traverse the first section of the 4Cs trail, a quiet, serene, and hilly section of woods. This leads us to a path that brings us to the backside of Natural Bridge. It is here we will pause for a mindful outdoor yoga practice, then loop back to the Welcome Center. No yoga mat is required, but it is recommended that you bring a towel or shirt for sitting on the ground.

Continue your Winter adventure and trek underground for a refreshing yoga practice in the stunning Cascade Cave! Step through the natural entrance into the cave, a large, open room with a high ceiling featuring beautiful stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, and more! Rejuvenate your mind and body as you are guided through standing and seated yoga postures, along with breathing exercises that are sure to relax and restore you. All levels are welcome in this practice, and previous yoga experience is not required. Wear clothing that is comfortable and easy to move in (jeans not recommended) and be prepared for temperatures around 55 degrees. Layers recommended. Bring a yoga mat and a large beach towel or blanket to put underneath the yoga mat. You will want the towel or blanket to be larger than your mat so you have room for your belongings. The cave floor consists of rock and dirt and may be damp or muddy in some areas. Kristy Matheson, RYT, will be guiding your unique cave yoga experience.