Cave Trip Descriptions

LEVEL 1: These trips are walking trips that involve stooping and bending over; possibly, some brief hand and knee crawling.

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED: Old clothes, gloves, comfortable (broken in) shoes that cover the ankle, a good flashlight with extra batteries & bulb, and a backup light source. Most level 1 trips require hard hats with chin strap. Read the trip descriptions for details.

For those of you who wasted yourself during the morning, we have a craft activity that will allow you to take something home besides the bumps and bruises. If you can, bring a t-shirt that you can decorate. Meets in Fields Facility of the Lodge.

You will head to Cascade to practice taking basic cave photos. Work on lighting and composition for passage and formation shots. Start learning to ""see"" what your camera can do and how you can add the dimension of photography to your cave trips. This is considered an amateur photography workshop. Additional equipment needed includes camera (digital or film), tripod, additional flash (if you have one), cameral bag, comfortable clothing for a lot of standing around. (No strenuous caving will be involved). Cascade can be fairly cold during the winter. Bright clothes can brighten up a scene Meets at Lodge; Transportation needed.

Accurate mapping is vital for the exploration and study of caves. Understanding the information presented on maps will enhance the pleasure and challenge of visiting a mapped cave for the first time. This is a beginner course in the procedures for surveying and interpretation of cave maps. The survey instruments required and their use will be demonstrated. In-cave aspects of mapping and the data which needs to be collected are emphasized. Data reduction and map drafting will be briefly discussed. The format of the workshop is lecture topics followed by open discussion and demonstrations. Meets in Olive Hill Room of the Lodge; no cave trip involved.

A fun, safe caving trip for kids ages 6-12 years old. Learn about caves, cave formations, bats and how to cave safely. Trip is easy to moderate. A light source is required. HELMETS REQUIRED! Knee pads & gloves strongly recommended (gloves required for thumb suckers). Responsible partner 18 years or older for those who are 6-10 years old. Meets at Lodge; kids need transportation to Cascade cave.

Caving, Let's Do It Right: Bat Cave Visit (Level: 1) - Duration: 2.5 hours - Limit: 30 people

An easy trip into Bat Cave. It will involve some walking, some stoop-walking, and a short optional hands-and-knees crawl The trip will include information on geology, bats, and caving techniques as well as a comparison and demonstration of basic caving equipment. There will be numerous opportunities for questions. Meets briefly in the Grayson Room of the Lodge before going to the cave. Transportation Needed. HELMETS REQUIRED; a flashlight is required. Attending the Caving, Lets Do it Right presentation is recommended.

Caving, Let's Do It Right: Caves, Caving And You (Level: 1) - Duration: 0.5 hours - Limit: 199 people

Open to Anyone. Does not Count Toward your Saturday Trip Limit. This slide presentation and short program will go over what to expect when you explore a wild cave and the equipment you will need. Caving techniques, safety, and conservation will be discussed. This presentation is intended for new cavers and other interested persons. Meets in the Grayson Room of the Lodge; No caving equipment required.

Caving, Let's Do It Right: The Cave Hike (Level: 1) - Duration: 3 hours - Limit: 30 people

The group will hike from the Welcome Center to the back entrance to Horn Hollow Cave. Horn Hollow Cave, Laurel Cave, and other entrances and cave features will be visited during the trip. Caving techniques, equipment, how the caves formed, and associated geologic features will be discussed. A low 100-foot belly crawl in Horn Hollow Cave is optional. On this trip, half the time will be spent above ground; be prepared to dress appropriately for the weather. You will need to sign up separately from the other Caving, Let’s Do It Right Trips. MEETS AT THE WELCOME CENTER, Transportation Needed to get to the Welcome Center. HELMETS REQUIRED; a flashlight is required, and your feet may get wet.

Yet another rendition of the cardboard box cave. Bring a light (NOT carbide!) but you can leave your shoes & helmet behind. Dress lightly, it's strenuous and can get stuffy in the cave. Must be at least 10 years old to participate. Follow signs from the lobby to the basement.

Caves provide homes for many animals including bats, crickets & rats. On this cave trip you will seek out the different types of life and learn what it takes to live in this special environment? HELMETS REQUIRED. Meets at Lodge; Transportation needed.

Pirates Of The Caverean Treasure Hunt! (Level: 1) - Duration: 2 hours - Limit: 16 people

Ahoy Mates! Come and join our Pirate Crew as we retrace the steps of the famous Pirate of the Caverean Black Jack Tierney. Black Jack hid his treasure somewhere in Cascade Cave and left cryptic clues for us to follow. This is no bilge, but a true tale to be sure there is a treasure and we mean to find it and share the booty. Follow us Mates if you dare! HELMETS REQUIRED. Meets at Lodge; Transportation Required.

Squeezebox Competition Preliminary (Level: 1) - Duration: 1 hours - Limit: 15 people

Cascade is the largest commercial cave in Carter County. You will experience large cave passageways, bats, beautiful cave formations and finish with a look at a 30 foot underground waterfall. This is a walking tour with some stooping and bending. MEETS AT THE WELCOME CENTER; Transportation needed.

This is a small cave with a lot to see. It is known for the large formations seen along the way. There may be a chance of seeing woodrats and Big Brown Bats along the route. This is a walking tour with some stooping and bending. MEETS AT THE WELCOME CENTER; Transportation needed.