Carter Caves State Resort Park

Carter Caves State Resort Park in Carter County, Kentucky, centers on a cave system along Tygarts Creek and combines resort recreation with protection of a distinctive natural landscape. After nearly 200 years in private hands, a 945-acre tract was donated to the Commonwealth of Kentucky in 1946 by the J.F. Lewis family and other investors, in an effort driven by Governor William Jason Fields. The park’s main attractions include year-round tours of Cascade Cave and X-Cave, seasonal access to other caves, more than 30 miles of trails, seven natural bridges, and Saltpetre Cave, where potassium nitrate was mined during the War of 1812. Nature preserves established in 1981 protect endangered bats and rare plants.

Kentucky · United States