Carter Caves, KY Natural Bridges, Stone Formations, Wildflowers, Hiking Weekend

Carter Caves State Resort Park is a Kentucky state park located in Carter County near Olive Hill. It is best known for its network of natural limestone caves, scenic hiking trails, and historic stone architecture.

The park lies within a karst landscape shaped by the dissolution of limestone, resulting in sinkholes, natural bridges, and caves. Cascade and X caves offer guided tours showcasing stalactites, stalagmites, and underground streams. Smoky Bridge, one of Kentucky’s largest natural bridges, is a highlight for visitors interested in geological formations.

Attendee limit is 15 and then a waitlist starts.

Carter Caves State Resort Park
344 Caveland Drive, Olive Hill, KY 41164
Link: https://parks.ky.gov/explore/carter-caves-state-resort-park-7785

Lodging: We will stay in cottages at the park that I have reserved. 2 bedrooms per cottage with 2 queen beds in each bedroom. Total 4 queen beds with one person per bed. (everyone has there own bed)

Full kitchen fully stocked with utensils, dinnerware and cookware. Cottage includes a wood burning fireplace, covered deck, and a grill for outdoor entertainment. Cottages do not include Wi-Fi, however Free Wi-Fi is available at the Lewis Caveland Lodge. Price is 105 per person. (after event fills, I will send a private message with Payment details. Payment non refundable.)

Cottage Link: https://guestrez.megasyshms.com/87ZX9/carter-caves-state-resort-park/SearchCriteria/

The following itinerary is for planning purpose and may change but not much.

Do as much or as little as you want. We will fill the days with exciting hiking trails and views. We will stay busy the entire time we are there. The pace is moderate and allows time for plenty of photos but we won't spend 30 minutes taking a photo of a mushroom. lol

Very minimal driving for the weekend. Everything is within the park borders except if we go in town for dinner.

Friday night.
4:00 pm Earliest Check in at Cottage, I will pick up keys and take them to cottage area for the others when you arrive.
If you arrive early enough, we will do the following.
5:30 pm Natural & Raven Bridge hikes. 1.6 Miles, 1.5 Hr
7:00 pm Dinner at the cabins on your own or in town.

Saturday, April 18th
8:00 am Carter Caves Cross Country Trail 7.5 Miles, 4.5 Hr, Moderate.
12:30 pm Lunch at car parking area has picnic tables.
1:15 pm Three Bridges Trail 3.6 Miles, 2 Hr, Moderate.
3:15 pm Visitor Center/ gift store. Purchase tickets of X-cave tour. $12
4:30 pm X-Cave tour, 60 minutes
5:15 pm Dinner at your cabin, Group dinner or head in town to eat.

Sunday April 19th

8:45 am Box Canyon Trail, 1 Mile, 1 Hr
10:00 am. Visitor Area Purchase tickets for Cascade Cave Tour $12
10:30 am Cascade Cave Tour 75 minutes
12:00 pm Head home

Alltrails trail List: (download ahead of time)

Friday: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/kentucky/carter-caves-natural-bridge, https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/kentucky/raven-bridge-trail--3
Saturday: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/kentucky/carter-caves-cross-country-trail, https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/kentucky/three-bridges-trail
Sunday: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/kentucky/box-canyon-trail

*No pets, no smoking of any type. Thanks

*All hikers and attendees participate at their own risk. All activities should always be within your comfort and skill level. Please read the description carefully and ask the event organizer if you have any question about your ability to participate in the event. By attending this event, you agree to release trip organizers, other attendees and the group administrator from all liability