Perhaps two of the most well-known natural places in Kentucky are Mammoth Cave National Park and the Red River Gorge. Mammoth Cave is famous for being the longest cave system known in the world, and the Red River Gorge has hundreds of natural sandstone arches. While both of these places are amazing and definitely worth the hype, they can get quite crowded. If you’re looking to visit someplace that offers the same astonishing geological features and beautiful scenery as Mammoth Cave and the Red River Gorge, but doesn’t have the massive crowds, then check out Carter Caves State Resort Park.
Carter Caves State Resort Park in located in Olive Hill in eastern Kentucky.
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As its name suggests, the park’s most popular attraction is the caves, but it also features seven natural arches.
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Natural Bridge is an impressive natural limestone arch that is unique in that it is the only natural arch in Kentucky that supports a paved highway. It is accessible via the 0.5 mile Natural Bridge Trail.
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For a longer hike that will show you three of the arches, try the Three Bridges Trail, which is 3.5 miles. You will see Smoky Bridge, which is the park’s largest, Raven Bridge, and Fern Bridge.
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The scenery on any hike you choose to do in Carter Caves State Resort Park will take your breath away.
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The hikes range in difficulty from easy to strenuous, and are of varying distances, so there’s a trail that is perfect for everyone.
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While Mammoth Cave is definitely worth visiting, you can still explore the subterranean world with less of a crowd.
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Guided cave tours are offered that will get you up close and personal to interesting cave formations. You can even take a bat cave tour and crawling tours for a more unique adventure. Self-guided cave exploration is available in Laurel Cave and Horn Hollow Cave.
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While camping is also a fun option in Carter Caves State Resort Park, you can also choose to stay in their lodge or one of their cozy cottages. Lewis Caveland Lodge has 28 rooms, each of which has a private balcony or patio that looks out over the surrounding wilderness. The lodge is located at 344 Caveland Drive, Olive Hill, KY 41164.
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Has anyone ever visited Carter Caves State Resort Park before? What did you think?
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Address: 344 Caveland Drive, Olive Hill, KY 41164
