Set in the heart of Carter County, which boasts the highest concentration of caves in Kentucky, the Carter Caves State Resort Park is a great place to spend an active weekend. The park has many activities on offer to suit all ages, but for most visitors the caves are the main attraction. You can choose from a variety of ranger-led cave tours which vary from easy strolls to strenuous belly-crawling Wild Cave adventures, (which are only suitable for the fit and agile). Energetic kids (six to twelve years old) will especially enjoy the Saltpetre Kids Crawl which involves lots of crawling and getting really dirty.

If you prefer to stay above ground you can have hours of fun enjoying many varied activities such as hiking or mountain biking along 26 miles of wooded hiking trails, bird watching, fishing, horseback riding, swimming or playing tennis. You could also explore the tranquil waterways on a guided canoe excursion.

Children can have fun at the Carter Caves Gem Mine where they can uncover a variety of colorful gemstones, play miniature golf have fun in the playgrounds dotted around the park.

Camping is a great way to experience the resort; you can pitch your tent or park your RV in the serviced campground or “rough it” in one of the two bunkhouses, but if you prefer a little more comfort you can check into the very comfortable lodge.

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