Cave Trip Descriptions

LEVEL 4: These trips involve SPECIAL SKILLS which you will need to know before hand. Each trip listed as Level 4 will give specific information in the description. 15 year old minimum, and must pass a 12 inch squeeze test.

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED: Non-Insulated Coveralls or layers of clothing that can be adjusted according to climate conditions you'll encounter both above and below ground. Boots that cover the ankles, kneepads, gloves, a hard hat with chin strap, 3 light sources with one mounted on hard hat, small pack to carry bottled water, snacks, extra batteries ect. Elbow pads are required for level 4 cave trips.

Bridges Of Carter County - On Rappel!!! (Level: 4) - Duration: 7 hours - Limit: 15 people

Join us in dropping the three largest natural bridges at Carter Caves.We will drop Smokey (25'), Natural (50') and Fern (80') Bridges. Each has something unique to offer. This is not an instructional trip, you should be well versed in caving SRT (i.e., no 'Aussie' rappels). Equipment required: Helmet with chin strap, harness, rappel rack or figure eight (no other rappel devices will be acceptable), quick attach safety (handled ascender on a sling), an extra 2' - 3' sling with carabiners on each end, sufficient carabineers for your system, rappel gloves, appropriate clothing for outdoor rappelling in January, including a heavy coat such as a down parka for wearing while waiting your turn at each drop, and potentially rain gear if precipitation is forecast. To save time, please have your harness on when you show up for the trip. EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS WILL BE RUTHLESSLY ENFORCED. You must be 18 yrs or older to participate. Anyone who does not exhibit safe practices at all times will be removed from the trip. Meets at Lodge. Transportation needed.

This is a strenuous hiking & caving trip through the rough terrain found around Carter Caves State Park. A good portion of your day will be spent above ground hiking on and off trails as well as hopping across creeks in order to get to the different caves. The hiking alone can make this a strenuous trip. But as a reward you will get to push 10+ small caves. This trip requires good comfortable boots, foul weather gear, Level 4 equipment, a pack lunch, a backpack for all your stuff, a good attitude, willingness to push small dark holes, and a sense of smell (for caves that is). Be prepared for any type of January weather. These caves can only be visited during Crawlathon Weekend only! Meets at the lodge.

This trip will be only for those vertically-competent cavers with considerable experience (no beginners!). Two pits in the area will be rigged, but you must have your own vertical gear including a mechanical safety. The trip begins with a gear inspection and orientation by the field leaders (if you don’t have an acceptable climbing system with three points of contact, you will not go). These caves can only be visited during Crawlathon Weekend only! Meets at Lodge. Transportation needed.

This is a 6-mile canoe trip that involves a brief stop to explore Skyscraper Cave. This is one of the smaller caves in the area, but also reputed to be one of the most beautiful. After some tight vertical squeezes, a cold shower, and a short crawl that puts the Squeeze Box to shame, you are rewarded to one the most spectacular flowstone formations you will ever see. Canoeing experience is required! If you don't have the experience, then you'll know why we call this a Regretta. You will navigate Tygart's Creek Gorge. Kentucky's most scenic limestone gorge. You will be on the creek for at least 4 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. Canoes, paddles, and vests will be provided. You should bring waterproof containers for caving gear, polypro and/or wool clothes, change of clothes (wet suit, a recommended option), drink, and lunch or snack. The cave is on private property and we have permission to visit the cave during Crawlathon Weekend only! Meets at Lodge; Transportation provided.

This clinic will be geared toward cavers who already have vertical experience. But not too advanced for a beginner to join in. We will spend a short amount of time in the class room going over knots and basic rigging. After the classroom session we will go cliff-side to learn new or hone existing skills. During the course you will learn lock off—tie off, change overs, pick offs, prusik out of a jam and how to negotiate an edge. We will provide the ropes and rigging gear. Required personal climbing gear includes climbing helmet, harness, rappel device, ascending gear, ect. There may be a small amount of loaner gear if you do not own everything listed. There is a chance some more on rope time might take place Sunday Morning. Meets at in the Grayson room of the Lodge.