Carter Caves State Resort Park – Kentucky’s Premier Cave & Outdoor Destination
Carter Caves State Resort Park Photo
Carter Caves State Resort Park Photo 2
Location
344 Caveland Drive, Olive Hill, KY 41164
Top Five Things to Do
- Take a guided tour of the scenic Cascade Cave.
- Explore the unique geology on leafless trails.
- Relax by the fire at Caveland Lodge.
- Discover the Horn Hollow Cave System.
- Unplug in a forested retreat.
Seasonal Schedule
Lewis Caveland Lodge – rooms available Thursday‑Saturday nights only.
Cottages – open 7 days a week.
Tierney’s Cavern Restaurant – dinner Thursday, all meals Friday & Saturday, breakfast & lunch Sunday; dine‑in or carry‑out.
Cave Tours – closed Monday & Tuesday; open other days.
Gift Shop – closed Monday & Tuesday; open other days.
Campground – open 7 days; store closed two days a week (TBD). Water shut off except horse campground.
Hiking Trails – open 7 days a week.
From Thursday, Dec 23 at 3 pm to Thursday, Dec 30, the park will be CLOSED for the holiday season; cottages remain available and trails stay open.
Lodging & Camping
The fieldstone lodge offers 28 rooms with private balconies overlooking woodlands. Rooms are available by late afternoon and check‑out at 11 a.m. The park is now pet‑friendly (max 2 pets per room/cottage). High‑speed Wi‑Fi is available. The park also has 12 cottages and a 129‑site campground, including eight equestrian sites.
Backcountry Camping
Eagles Nest – along the 4 C’s Trail on Smoky Lake’s southwestern side. Two sites: Eagle Nest 1 (half‑faced shelter) $15/night, Eagle Nest 2 (tent) $10/night. Reserve by calling 606‑286‑4411.
Johnson Homeplace – along the 4 C’s Trail on the southeastern side. Large tent site $10/night. Reserve by calling 606‑286‑4411.
Campground
Open 7 days. Water, electric, and sewer sites available. Reserve via website or Reserve America at (888) 4KY‑PARK. Equestrian campsites available only by calling 606‑286‑4411 (book at least 10 days prior). Group bunkhouses available.
Meetings & Weddings
With over 20 caverns and a 30‑ft underground waterfall, the resort offers meeting space, a restaurant, and the option for cave weddings or rappelling style ceremonies. Contact 606‑286‑7004 for group or wedding details.
Things to Do
Gem Mining
At the Welcome Center Gift Shop, scoop rough material on the gemstone flume to reveal colorful stones. Available April through the Sunday after Thanksgiving.
Birding
Seasonal birding: winter – sparrows, finches, nuthatches; spring – warblers, waterfowl; summer – hummingbirds, hawks. Prime spots include campgrounds, Box Canyon Trail, and the short trail to Carter Caves Natural Bridge.
Fishing
Smoky Valley Lake is Kentucky’s first trophy bass lake. Anglers target bass, bluegill, catfish, and crappie. Licenses available at the front desk or online at the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. The park offers a free fishing loaner program.
Gift Shop
First stop for information, souvenirs, candles, jellies, and local crafts.
Hiking
Explore 33 miles of wooded trails featuring natural bridges, arches, caves, sinkholes, and cliffs. Trails range from easy to difficult; 15 miles of multi‑use trails support hikers, bikers, and horseback riders.
Miniature Golf
18‑hole course available seasonally. Fees: Adults $5, Children $4.
Paddling
Enjoy Smoky Lake (45 acres) or Tygart Creek (spring). Guided trips available; bring your own boat.
Picnicking & Playgrounds
Picnic tables, grills, playgrounds, and two rental shelters scattered throughout the park.
Rappelling & Rock Climbing
Designated sandstone cliff offers 30–40 ft rappels and climbs. Permits required and available at the lodge front desk. Follow posted regulations.
Tennis
Two courts in the lodge area. Overnight guests may check out rackets.
Rules & Regulations
- Rappelling and climbing permitted only in the designated area.
- Permits required (obtain at lodge front desk).
- Top‑rope climbing allowed; sport routes and traditional climbing prohibited.
- No setting bolts; use existing anchors.
- Tree anchors may only be used for access lines; use rope pads.
- No solo rappelling or climbing.
- Area open daylight hours only.
- Return permits after use.
Cave Tours
Carter County hosts Kentucky’s highest cave concentration. Tours available year‑round for Cascade and X‑Cave (daily, except near Christmas). Seasonal walking tours (Memorial Day–Labor Day) add Saltpeter Cave and flashlight tours. Adventure tours (same period) offer Bat Cave or Saltpeter Cave for a full‑body experience with helmets, headlamps, coveralls, and kneepads. Group tours available—contact the recreation office for details. All information is subject to change.
