Carter Caves State Resort Park
Winter Adventure Weekend
January 27-29, 2012

Special - Field Trip Descriptions

Friday 6:00pm
TRIP #1: Let's Go Caching in the Dark (Level 1) - Duration: 1.5 hours - Limit: 50 people
- Status: Drop In

Have you ever been on a scavenger hunt at night? What about on one using a GPS system? We have placed several geocaches along the golf course for this fun evening activity. Use your flashlight and GPS to locate special reflective markers to lead you to your treasure, careful though if it moves it could be some of the nocturnal nightlife found in the area. The caches will contain small trade items, if you want bring something along to trade. This activity is appropriate for all age levels. Dress for the outdoors and bring a flashlight and GPS. If you don't have a GPS but want to experience the fun, we can team you up with one of our GPS units. A list of coordinates will be given out at the registration table from 6:00pm - 7:30pm in the lobby of the lodge. Meets at lodge. No transportation required.


Friday 8:00pm
TRIP #3: 19th Century Mining - A Living History Program (Level 1) - Duration: 1 hours - Limit: 75 people
- Status: Drop In

If Robert Thomas Tolliver II had a Facebook page, the Activities and Interests section on his profile page would read: Coal Mining, History, Union Start-Ups, Mine Mechanics, 19th Century Life, and Early American Mining. Come on over to Cascade Cave on Friday night to ""friend"" Tommy Tolliver, get his current status updates, and tag yourself in his photos! This program starts inside of Cascade Cave at 8pm. So head for the cave to experience this great adventure as history comes alive! CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO (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 Cascade Cave. Transportation required.


Saturday 9:00am
TRIP #12: Have You Seen Bigfoot? (Level 1) - Duration: 1.25 hours - Limit: 20 people
- Status: 18 Spots Open

The elusive Bigfoot has remained a mystery because he practices Leave No Trace to preserve his environment. Meet Trek and Track, the fun hiking boots that use interactive activities, targeted towards the younger generation (ages 6-10) to introduce you to the principles of Leave No Trace. Each participant will receive a Leave No Trace backpack tag. Meets at Cottage 248 . Transportation required.


Saturday 9:30am
TRIP #16: Winter Survival Workshop (Level 1) - Duration: 3 hours - Limit: 25 people
- Status: full

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. Meets at lodge . Transportation required.


Saturday 9:30am
TRIP #19: Tygart's Creek Regretta (Level 4) - Duration: 5 hours - Limit: 14 people
- Status: 6 Spots Open

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, if not you are required to have a complete change of clothes in a dry bag. 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. This trip can be canceled if the creek is frozen over. 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 lodge . Transportation provided.


Saturday 10:30am
TRIP #29: Geocaching at Carter Caves (Level 1) - Duration: 1.5 hours - Limit: 20 people
- Status: 1 Spots Open

Do you like the outdoors and modern technology? How about gadgets and gizmos? We have the perfect activity to combine both. A great family activity, geocaching uses the internet, GPS units, and a sense of adventure in the outdoors to send you on a scavenger hunt like no other. You can bring your own GPS but don't worry; we'll have extras if you don't have one. We'll provide the instruments and instruction on how to begin participating in this world wide phenomenon! Following a instructional presentation, you will put your new found skills to the test by venturing outdoors to find some specially placed caches. Meets at Welcome Center. Transportation required.


Saturday 10:30am
TRIP #30: BYOK - Paddle Trip (Level 4) - Duration: 5 hours - Limit: 16 people
- Status: 6 Spots Open

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 bring 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. There is 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 Welcome Center then head for the put in point. This trip can be canceled if the creek is frozen over. 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 Welcome Center. Transportation required.


Saturday 10:30am
TRIP #31: Winter Horseback Riding (Level 2) - 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 1:00pm
TRIP #50: Have You Seen Bigfoot? (Level 1) - Duration: 1.25 hours - Limit: 20 people
- Status: 20 Spots Open

The elusive Bigfoot has remained a mystery because he practices Leave No Trace to preserve his environment. Meet Trek and Track, the fun hiking boots that use interactive activities, targeted towards the younger generation (ages 6-10) to introduce you to the principles of Leave No Trace. Each participant will receive a Leave No Trace backpack tag. Meets at Cottage 248 . Transportation required.


Saturday 1:00pm
TRIP #54: Backpacking 101 (Level 2) - 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 1:30pm
TRIP #58: Land Navigation Workshop (Level 1) - Duration: 3 hours - Limit: 20 people
- Status: 1 Spots Open

Land navigation will lead the participants in the fundamentals of using map and compass. We will take a look at map features and the information that can be gathered from them. We will also look at compass use and finding headings, bearings, as well as the difference between true, magnetic and grid north. We will then plot some points on a map of the park and learn how to navigate cross country. You will be outside during this workshop so dress appropriately for the weather elements. Meets at lodge . Transportation required.


Saturday 1:30pm
TRIP #59: Winter Horseback Riding (Level 2) - 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 2:30pm
TRIP #68: Campfire Cookin is Fun (Level 1) - Duration: 2 hours - Limit: 12 people
- Status: full

Have you ever wanted to cook over a campfire? People have been cooking over open fires for centuries. This trip gives you the opportunity to learn how to season cast iron ware, how to tell the temperature inside a Dutch oven, what types of cookware can be used on an open fire, how to cook over an open fire and receive several recipes to take home with you. Each participant will have the opportunity to prepare a hoecake. No equipment or experience is needed. All materials are supplied. Bring your appetite. This trip is indoors and uses a fireplace inside the Welcome Center meeting room. Meets at Welcome Center. Transportation required.


Sunday 9:00am
TRIP #85: Geocaching at Carter Caves (Level 1) - Duration: 1.5 hours - Limit: 20 people
- Status: 4 Spots Open

Do you like the outdoors and modern technology? How about gadgets and gizmos? We have the perfect activity to combine both. A great family activity, geocaching uses the internet, GPS units, and a sense of adventure in the outdoors to send you on a scavenger hunt like no other. You can bring your own GPS but don't worry; we'll have extras if you don't have one. We'll provide the instruments and instruction on how to begin participating in this world wide phenomenon! Following a instructional presentation, you will put your new found skills to the test by venturing outdoors to find some specially placed caches. Meets at Welcome Center. Transportation required.


Sunday 9:30am
TRIP #91: Fire Building Workshop (Level 1) - Duration: 3 hours - Limit: 25 people
- Status: 5 Spots Open

A fire building workshop that will look at the fundamental aspects of building a fire along with several different methods, including matches, prism, flint and steel, and bow drill. All participants will build a small fire with matches, and practice the other methods. You will be outside during this workshop so dress appropriately for the weather elements. Meets at lodge . Transportation required.


Sunday 10:00am
TRIP #99: Campfire Cookin is Fun (Level 1) - Duration: 2 hours - Limit: 12 people
- Status: full

Have you ever wanted to cook over a campfire? People have been cooking over open fires for centuries. This trip gives you the opportunity to learn how to season cast iron ware, how to tell the temperature inside a Dutch oven, what types of cookware can be used on an open fire, how to cook over an open fire and receive several recipes to take home with you. Each participant will have the opportunity to prepare a hoecake. No equipment or experience is needed. All materials are supplied. Bring your appetite. This trip is indoors and uses a fireplace inside the Welcome Center meeting room. Meets at Welcome Center. Transportation required.


Sunday 10:30am
TRIP #106: Winter Horseback Riding (Level 2) - 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.





Carter Caves State Park
2011 Winner of Outstanding Park Of The Year.
Winter Adventure Weekend
2011 Winner Of The Outstanding Special Event Of The Year.

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