For a complete list of dates & times, follow this link.

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.

FEE

LIMIT

10

For a complete list of dates & times, follow this link.

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.

FEE

LIMIT

100

For a complete list of dates & times, follow this link.

Drop in. A dive into how panoramas can bring your idea of a location into reality. Jake Lewis has been taking panorama photos for many years and has some of his work displayed on canvas in the lobby of the Lewis Caveland Lodge. Jake will give you a short presentation on some of the workflow, what and why's of panorama photography. He will have some tripods, lenses and mounts available to check out after the presentation.

FEE

LIMIT

50

For a complete list of dates & times, follow this link.

Drop in. Gather your team and test your outdoor adventure knowledge at the Winter Adventure Trivia Challenge during Carter Caves' Winter Adventure Weekend! This exciting, family-friendly trivia competition invites teams of up to six participants to showcase their expertise across five thrilling categories, all inspired by outdoor and winter adventures. From wilderness survival to hiking trails and cold-weather wildlife, there's a question for everyone! Compete against other teams for the ultimate prize: a Carter Caves merchandise bundle, filled with unique items to commemorate your love for the great outdoors. Whether you're a trivia buff, nature enthusiast, or just looking for a fun group activity, this event promises an evening of camaraderie and adventure-themed excitement. There will be five outdoor adventure-themed topics that teams with up to 6 participants can choose from. The winning team will win a Carter Caves merchandise bundle! Get ready to challenge your wits, bond with your teammates, and celebrate the wonders of nature in this one-of-a-kind trivia experience. Don't miss out!

FEE

LIMIT

50

For a complete list of dates & times, follow this link.

Drop in. Confused About All The Options To Treat Water in The Backcountry? Not Sure What To Choose? Learn The Facts! Selecting a water treatment system can be an overwhelming decision. There are many factors to consider, including method, effort, size, weight, treatment time and cost. In this workshop we will cover all the major types of water treatment options for the backpacker, day hiker and camper and what types of organisms each system is effective at eliminating. We will discuss the pros and cons of each method. We will give you advice on what to consider, what we think is the most important, and which products might be best for you. We'll also discuss why treating water in the backcountry is necessary, the common waterborne pathogens you'll encounter, how they make you ill and the symptoms of waterborne illnesses.

FEE

LIMIT

50

For a complete list of dates & times, follow this link.

Drop in. Join Andy Niekamp as he relives his 35-day journey of culture, friendship, and faith on the Camino de Santiago during the fall of 2023. His route, the classic and most popular route, the 480-mile French Way, stretches from St. Jean, France over the Pyrenees Mountains to Santiago de Compostela, Spain, the final resting place of the Apostle Saint James. The Camino is Spain, past and present. His route took us through medieval cities and areas of natural beauty such as Pamplona, famous for its bull run; La Rioja wine region; Burgos with its magnificent cathedral; elegant Leon and Ponferrada with its Templars Castle. From Ponferrada, the Camino continues through Galicia over the mountains and picturesque village of O Cebreiro. As a pilgrim, he endured the extremes of heat, cold, wind, and rain over steep mountains, on wooded paths, rolling farmland, and paved roads. He stayed in picturesque towns and villages, pensions, hostels, hotels and an alburgue. Learn why the Camino de Santiago, a thousand-year-old footpath, is often called a journey for the body, mind, and soul. Come to hear why so many people from around the world embark on the Camino de Santiago.

FEE

LIMIT

50

For a complete list of dates & times, follow this link.

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.

FEE

LIMIT

10

For a complete list of dates & times, follow this link.

Drop in. Dogs are family. You love doing all the outdoorsy things, and you want to include your dogs. Don’t risk becoming the owner looking for a lost dog, or nursing an injured dog back to health after encountering the unexpected. We will cover what to pack, how to travel, what to watch out for, and the skills your dogs need to master before hitting the trail.

FEE

LIMIT

50

For a complete list of dates & times, follow this link.

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 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.

FEE

LIMIT

15

For a complete list of dates & times, follow this link.

Drop in. Would you like to know if you're the fastest rope climber at Winter Adventure Weekend? Now is your chance to find out! So come, compete and see how you stack up. Everyone is welcome to compete, regardless of age or experience! This is a physical activity that requires the use of your whole body to successfully participate in. 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.

FEE

LIMIT

10

For a complete list of dates & times, follow this link.

Drop in. Bring the kids and go on a family cave trip searching for cave critters in Hot Dog Cave. The directions and information will be in the picnic shelter in front of the cave. Each family will lead their own trip in search critters. Please dress for the weather as well as for an easy cave trip. Make sure you bring a flashlight or headlamp!

FEE

LIMIT

​

For a complete list of dates & times, follow this link.

Drop in. Do the I-Did-A Hike Challenge and earn stickers for visiting Natural Bridge, Smoky Bridge, Raven Bridge, Fern Bridge and Box Canyon. No sledding or mushing here as this a self-guided, on your own, hike. Take a selfie of you or your group with Natural Bridge, Smoky Bridge, Raven Bridge, Fern Bridge or Box Canyon in the background.

FEE

LIMIT

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