Carter Caves Kentucky State Resort Park: Affordable Family Adventure

Celebrate the 100-year anniversary of Kentucky State Parks at Carter Caves State Resort Park in Olive Hill, Kentucky, home to the Carter Cave system and the highest concentration of caves in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Along the entry drive Cave Branch Creek runs next to the creek and immediately you know you’re in a special place! 

Carter Caves spreads over 2,000+ acres of the most beautiful Appalachian foothills in Eastern Kentucky.

We “lucked” into a camping site in October 2020 at Carter Caves State Resort Park, scared campground time, and have been looking forward to a return visit since, especially to explore the renowned cave system and other natural attractions. The campground odds turned in our favor and we enjoyed a long, peaceful weekend in early June 2024. We were blessed with fabulous weather and we made use of it by exploring the park!

Camping provides a “choose your own adventure” type of vacation. Surrounded by the natural wonders of Kentucky State Parks, we disconnect from the world and recharge with our family! 

The best part is everyone at the campground is having a great time. From tent campers to those in seven-figure buses! We’re all sharing the same campfire smoke-filled air!

Keep reading for how we recommend you spend a weekend creating AFFORDABLE family memories!

TL;DR: Carter Caves State Park

Celebrate 100 years of Kentucky State Parks at Carter Caves State Resort Park in Olive Hill, KY. Over 2,000+ acres of Appalachian foothills.

• Hiking Trails: 26+ miles, including Three Bridges Trail.
• Caves: Explore Cascade Cave, Bat Cave, and more.
• Activities: Horseback riding, fishing, kayaking, rock climbing, camping.

Create affordable family memories and enjoy nature. Happy exploring!

Explore Outdoor Activities at Carter Caves

As a state park resort, Carter Caves has all the amenities! 

• Hiking Trails – 26+ miles
• Caves
• Horseback riding
• Fishing & Kayaking (flatwater)
• Rappelling and Rockclimbing
• Camping
• Swimming (in the pool)
• Wildlife Viewing

Hiking Trails

As a family of avid hikers and soon to be trail runners, we love exploring hiking trails. We see new things each time we hike a trail. Even if we hike the same trail multiple times the “trail magic” highlights a new feature. 

For instance, Madeline and I took an early morning trail run on the Three Bridges Trail, which highlights Smokey Bridge, and we saw 5 or more deer along the trail. Plus the rising sunbeams filtering through the tree leaves made the forest come to life. Finally, breaking through spiderwebs made this an interactive trail!

Three Bridges Trail

Three Bridges Trail in Carter Caves is a 3.5-mile loop-style trail. This trail is special because it showcases 3 amazing arches, towering sandstone rockfaces and rockhouses, and the beautiful forest that is home to Carter Caves. 

During the fall, winter, and early spring, hikers are treated to vista overlooks of Smoky Lake. 

Explore the 3 main arches (e.g., bridges) 

• Smoky Bridge looks like a train tunnel because the arch opening is so perfectly curved, making it one of the most impressive caves and natural bridges in the park We recommend hiking under Smoky Bridge and up the steep hill for a view of Smoky Lake.
• Raven Bridge Arch is a towering arch with rocks that are stacked to resemble a balancing act only mother nature could pull off! Hikers can climb the stairs to get a “top-side” view of the arch. Be careful as the dropoff is steep from the top! Easily access this trail from Raven Bridge Trail leaving from Lewis Caveland Lodge.
• Fern Bridge is an arch you have to see to believe. At first, hikers wonder if it’s even an arch. Then you hike under, look up, and see the daylight coming through this neat bridge. The green ferns growing over this arch make this a special part of the hike!

Hikers can join this trail in several locations along the loop, including near the miniature golf area and the primitive sites: 

• Visitor center – The trail passes directly by the Saltpetre Cave entrance.
• Campground – The trail joins up near the mini-golf parking lot.
• Lewis Caveland Lodge – Three options to join the trail. First, easily hike down to the Smoky Bridge (largest bridge in the park). Join from the Raven Bridge Trail. Or take the spur trail from the parking lot to the right of the Lewis Caveland Lodge main building.

Three Bridges Trail is well marked with Red Blazes on trees every 25 to 50 yards. Each turning point is well marked with signs and blazes. Part of the trail joins the 4C’s Trail. Follow the Red and Orange blazes at this point.

Pro Tip: For the best wildlife viewing, hike this trail in the morning.

Box Canyon Trail

Box Canyon Trail is located in the Cascade Nature Preserve which is about 5 to 10 minutes by car. It is not possible to walk or hike to the Box Canyon Trail.

The Box Canyon trail is 0.7 miles and set up as a loop trail. The trail starts flat and hiking counter-clockwise takes hikers right past the Cascade Cave Trailhead / Entrance.

Quickly, the hike turns uphill for about ¼ mile towards the giant rock wall. You will travel along the rock wall on a well-marked path with plenty of orange blazes to follow. We enjoyed stepping over rocks and taking our time working through this more technical section. The wind tunnel is surrounded by huge towering boulders, which makes it a fun experience.

After exiting the wind tunnel, Box Canyon Trail quickly heads back downhill toward the parking lot.

We have hiked this trail twice and have had it virtually to ourselves. If you want to experience the peace and solitude of nature, Box Canyon Trail is perfect!

Did You Know: On Friday nights movies are shown against the walls in Cascade Cave. Talk about a one of a kind experience!

The Cascade Cave is only accessible on a ranger-led tour. Purchase tickets at the Carter Cave welcome center. The park does not provide transportation to the Cascade Cave system.

Pro Tip: Carter Caves is home to two venomous snakes, the Northern Copperhead and the Timber Rattlesnake. So remain snake-aware!

Natural Bridge Trail

Carter Cave Natural Bridge is located behind the visitor center. There is a paved trail leading to the arch. This arch is gigantic! 

Since the trail is alongside the park road and behind the visitor center, it is not the most scenic trail in the park, but it’s a quarter mile long and worth 15 minutes to check out!

Take an extra 5 minutes to climb to the top and sneak a peak inside the “skylight”. Don’t worry it’s fenced off.

Caves and Caverns

Carter Caves is well known for its cave system, including the famous Bat Cave and the largest cave in the park, Cascade Cave. The main caves are Cascade Cave, X Cave, Bat Cave, Laurel Cave, Horn Hollow Cave, and Saltpetre Cave. 

The park rangers offer several cave tour options like the lantern tour of Saltpeter Cave, Next Level Adventure tours, and wild caving series. Cave tours have additional fees. 

On our trips, we explored the Saltpeter Cave. We are looking forward to visiting again soon to check out the others!

Fun Fact: Carter County has the more caves than the self proclaimed cave capital of Kentucky…Mammoth Cave region of Southern Kentucky!

Cascade Cave

This is one of the longest caves in the Carter County and includes large passages, formations, and even an underground waterfall.

X Cave

The X Cave system includes two very different vertical passages. Rangers share details on the ecology of the cave on the 45 minute tour. 

Saltpetre Cave

The Old Saltpeter Cave is a historic cave used to supply saltpeter for the War of 1812. Saltpeter from Carter Caves was sent to the Battle of New Orleans where it helped secure victory for America!

This hour long tour leads explorers through the cave using only lanterns. It’s shocking how long it takes your eyes to adjust to the darkness and how little light lanterns put out. On the tour we gained an appreciation for the tough working conditions in the cave with limited light, low ceilings, stale air, and low pay. 

Touring through the cave we had to duck low to avoid the ceiling of the passageway. We explored deep into the cave where the miners likely slept in the cave as well as past the underground waterfall (more like a trickle!). As a historic cave and working cave of the late eighteenth century this cave is missing the distinctive features of other caves like giant stalactite. 

This operation ran 24X7 for 2 years to support the war effort. And produced enough saltpeter for about 20 to 30 seconds worth of battle! 

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is permitted on nearly 18 miles of trails. The miles of wooded nature trails stretch through the Carter Caves trail system and Tygarts State Forest. 

Horseback riding tours are available for additional fees at the horse stable. Day use parking is available near the horse campground.

Fishing and Boating

Smokey Valley Lake

Smokey (aka Smoky) Valley Lake is a 45-acre lake perfect for fishing and kayaking. However, I saw a number of no-swimming signs, so I don’t think visitors can enjoy a cool dip in the lake. 

We did not get a good view of the lake on this trip because the forest was super thick with all the leaves on the trees. On our last visit, in the fall, the bright autumn colors created stunning overlooks of Smokey Valley Lake!

We understand lake includes largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish. Since we don’t fish, please tell us if these are good to catch? Literally the only fishing advice we can give is to make sure you have a fishing license!

Pro Tip: Fishing gear is available to check out for FREE at the Lewis Caveland Lodge! Also, check with the lodge to rent a Canoe or Kayak.

Unique Wildlife

Carter Caves is home to Indiana Bats, which are protected by the Endangered Species Act. These bats are often found in caves with small openings like those in Horn Hollow Cave and Bat Cave.

As creepy as I think bats are, they are super helpful to help control insects that bug us all! 🤣Dad jokes never get old!

Indiana Bats have been negatively impacted by humans taking their natural environment and diseases like white-nose syndrome. During the winter, roosting season, several of the caves are not open because Indiana Bats are hibernating! 

Did you know Indiana bats return to the same location to hibernate every year? 

Adventure Activities

Carter Caves is one of the most unique state parks because it has so many adventure activities. From hiking, kayaking, and fishing in Smokey Valley Lake to rock climbing and wild cave tours, this park has something for every adventure seeker.

Rock Climbing

Climbing and rappelling are permitted at Carter Caves in designated areas. To participate, you’ll need to get a permit from the welcome center. Climbers must use pre-installed anchors and rigging, and remember to return your permit when you’re done.

We noticed signs for guided rappelling trips, costing $10 per person. Maybe next time, we’ll give it a try!

For more rock climbing adventures, check out Red River Gorge.

Accommodation and Amenities

Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground: A Scenic Getaway

Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground is a fabulous benefit to one of the most beautiful parks in Kentucky. 

With 90 RV camp sites and a primitive camping section for tent sites, there’s plenty of space and it’s close to all the action. We love that you can step out the door and, within just five minutes, hit a hiking trail.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Spacious Sites: Plenty of room for RVs particularly sites 17 to 75.
• Convenient Access: The campground is less than 5 minutes of walking to the Three Bridges Trail, a quick drive to the Lewis Caveland lodge or the Welcome Center!
• Natural Setting: We like the park like setting the tall leafy trees provide.

Cons:

• Crowded Sites: Some sites (1 to 16 and 75 to 89) are very close together.
• Utility Hookups: Most sites only have electricity and water. On some sites, the hookups are so far away that you need an extension cord and longer hoses.
• Narrow Roads: Narrow roads make it tricky to back into campsites. Plus, kids dart all around on bikes and other toys. We’re not “get off the lawn” type of people; we simply don’t want to hurt anyone while backing into our site!
• One Dump Station: There is only one dump station to service nearly 90 campsites, so plan to leave early on Sunday or risk getting stuck waiting to exit the campground!

Our Experience

We stayed at site 48, which had a level, gravel-paved campsite with a large picnic area right next to the bathhouse. Being close to the bathhouse is usually nice, but we learned this site is the “cut-through” to the bathhouse. It made it tough to enjoy a campfire.

Bathhouse Review

The bathhouses show their age and need renovation. They lack good places to hang towels or washcloths and set soap while showering. Despite smelling clean, it was questionable how clean they really were.

Kid-Friendly Fun

If you love campgrounds where kids play outdoors from morning to night—riding bikes, enjoying the swing set, and taking advantage of free ice cream socials at the pavilion—Carter Caves State Resort Campground is perfect for your next adventure!

Other Lodging Options

Carter Caves has 2 backcountry campsite areas. The Johnson Homeplace and Eagles Nest backcountry camp sites require permits, which can be picked up at the Welcome Center!

Cabins and Lewis Caveland Lodge

Twelve cozy cabins are available, allowing larger families or groups of friends to stay together at one of Kentucky’s most beautiful state parks. 

The Lewis Caveland Lodge has 28 fully equipped rooms and an onsite restaurant. 

Dining

As campers, we don’t dine out very often, but there are several options in Olive Hill, KY. A full-service restaurant, Tierney’s Cavern Restaurant, is available at the Lewis Caveland Lodge. 

In nearby Olive Hill, KY, you will find options like pizza (Giovannis or Tyler’s Pizza), pub-grub (Trail Town Bar & Grill), Mexican (Tres Hermanos Nunez), or Old School Diner (Walker’s Restaurant)!

Nearby Attractions

Carter Caves State Resort Park is certainly the main attraction in Carter County. Olive Hill is an official Kentucky Trail Town, providing access to the park’s extensive trail system and nearby water/paddling trails along Tygarts Creek.

Visitors may also be interested in visiting the New River Gorge National Park in nearby West Virginia. This would be an easy day trip from Olive Hill. New River Gorge is located about 2.5 hours east of Olive Hill, so you could easily drive over in the morning, hike, explore, or go white water rafting, stay the night and head back to Carter Caves for more cave exploration!

Where are other Kentucky Trail Towns located?

Trail towns serve as an oasis for long distance hikers, paddlers, mountain bikers, and others who are exploring the thousands of miles of trails throughout Kentucky. Even if you’re not on a long distance quest, these Kentucky Trail Towns serve as excellent starting points for exploring!

Kentucky Trail Towns stretch across the Bluegrass state from Red River Gorge (Slade, KY) to Mammoth Cave to Dawson Springs to Elizabethtown (near Abe Lincoln’s birthplace). There are so many unique places to visit and explore in Kentucky! 

Tips for Visiting

We visited Carter Caves in the fall and the early summer. Both were fabulous times to visit. If I could choose only one time, it would be the fall. In particular, the fall colors around the foothills are stunning.

Since most of the hiking trails are short, we recommend comfortable hiking shoes. We always recommend dressing in layers so you can add or remove a layer and stay comfortable. If visiting a cave, the temperature underground is in the 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit range.

Depending on the season, be sure to pack sunscreen, bug spray, and poison ivy lotion. 

We recommend keeping a water bottle nearby so you can stay hydrated. Water is not available at the trailheads, so pack accordingly. 

Black bears have been spotted at Carter Caves, so remain aware. Taking basic precautions like making some noise while hiking will generally alert the bear you are near, but the bear will likely not be interested in you! 

Timber Rattlers and Copperheads are also found in the park. Be careful when hiking near fallen trees or rocks for snakes. We carry a snakebite kit, just in case!

Finally, remember if you carry it in then carry it out. Leave no trace! Take only pictures and memories!!!

Wrapping Up Our Exploration of Carter Caves State Park

Carter Caves State Resort Park is filled with natural beauty and adventure, from the expansive cave system to the picturesque trails and Smokey Valley Lake.

From exploring its extensive cave systems to hiking scenic trails like the Three Bridges Trail, there’s something for every outdoor enthusiast. The park’s amenities, including camping, horseback riding, fishing, and rock climbing, ensure a fun and memorable experience for all visitors. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, Carter Caves offers the perfect blend of relaxation and excitement. 

Pack your bags, gather your family, and get ready to create lasting memories in one of Kentucky’s most beautiful state parks. Happy exploring!