Hike Through A Hidden Cave, Then Dine At A Cave-Themed Restaurant All At This Underrated Kentucky State Park
By Sarah McCosham|Published September 21, 2022
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
Here in Kentucky, we know a thing or two about caves. Not only is the Bluegrass home to the largest underground cavern system in the world, but we also have the epic Louisville Mega Cavern (a superlative star in its own right), as well as amazing places like Horse Cave, a Kentucky locale with a massive cavern in its town square! Simply put, there’s no shortage of subterranean adventures here in the Bluegrass, and if you’re looking for a fun cave-themed day trip in Kentucky, we’ve put together a pretty rockin’ itinerary for you!
A perennial Bluegrass favorite, Carter Caves State Resort Park really does have it all. From amazing outdoor recreation -- including its eponymous caves -- to scenic trails, incredible camping, and an amazing on-site resort *and* restaurant, Carter Caves is the total Kentucky State Parks package.
This 2,000-acre expanse is a place of immense beauty and natural splendor; it's everything that makes Kentucky so unique and special -- all in one place.
Here you'll find 33 miles of trails, winding through lush forests, pristine pools, and fascinating geological formations both above and below ground -- and on the Three Bridges Trail, you'll get to experience it all.
Of course, for those looking to take their adventures below ground, Carter Caves offers guide-led tours all year round. If you're willing to brave the cave elements (cool temperatures, dripping waters, and narrow passageways), the tours of Saltpeter Cave and flashlight tours of Cascade Cave and X-Cave are bucket-list worthy!
All of these adventures are bound to work up a hearty appetite, and happily, Carter Caves State Park has its own chef-led restaurant with a robust menu sourcing local, Kentucky Proud ingredients!
Carter Caves State Resort Park is one of the most unique places in Kentucky. It's a beautiful natural area, an outdoor enthusiast's paradise, a magnificent subterranean adventure, a world-class resort, and fine-dining experience... all rolled into one amazing Kentucky State Park.
