Cave Tours
Guided Cave Tours
X-Cave
The name of this cave refers to the configuration of its passages, which seem to cross in the center of the cave to form the letter “X.” Cave highlights include the Great Chandelier, the largest formation of stalactites in the cave; cave coral; and formations with such tell-tale names as the Giant Turkey, the Pipe Organ and Headache Rock. Cave tours: approximately 45minutes, ¼ mile long, 75 stair steps and some narrow passages and stooping. Tours available year-round.
Cascade Cave
The largest cave on the park. Cascade Cave is noted for its large chambers and many beautiful cave formations. A highlight of the tour is a 30-foot high underground waterfall. Special features include the Lake Room’s reflecting pool; the Cathedral in North Cave; and the Dance Hall, where a previous owner held weekly dances. Cave tours: approximately 75 minutes, ¾-mile long, easy terrain with exception of over 250 stairs throughout the cave. Tours available year-round. Day
Saltpetre Cave
Discover a fascinating segment of early Kentucky history in Saltpetre Cave, site of mining activity during the War of 1812. Tours describe how miners scraped dirt from the floors and walls of the cave to extract the major ingredient of gunpowder – saltpeter. Learn about how this cave has become a model Micro-climate project for the endangered Indiana Bat that hibernates in the cave during the winter. Cave tours: approximately 1hour,½-mile, easy terrain, no steep climbing except steps in and out of the cave. Tours available Memorial Day – Labor Day
Bat Cave
During the winter, thousands of endangered Indiana bats (Myotis sodalis) hibernate in this cave when the insects on which they feed are no longer available. These beneficial creatures, protected by law, pose no threat to humans and keep harmful insects in check. This is a WILD cave tour. Prolonged stooping and bending required. Be prepared to get your feet wet and dirty. This tour is considered strenuous in nature and is not recommended for children under 6 years old or folks that are not considered in good health. Cave tours: 2 hours, 2 miles, along muddy, slippery terrain, no electric lights, old clothes & shoes needed. Each person must have a dependable source of light. Tours available Memorial Day – Labor Day
Self-Guided Tours
Horn Hollow Cave
This self-guided wild cave is open for exploration with use of a permit. Horn Hollow Cave will be open year round for self guided tours. This is very unlike the path you may be familiar with on commercial cave tours. This cave does not have lighting system, stairs, handrails or manmade pathways. It is wet and muddy in nature and exploring it is considered a strenuous activity. You must obtain a permit from the Welcome Center to enter this cave. In order to obtain a permit you must meet the following criteria:
•There must be at least two people in your group with one being over the age of 16yrs old.
•Everyone in your group must have a good working flashlight and closed toe shoes
•Permits are not issued if it is 1 ½ hours before the Welcome Center’s closing time.
•Littering or in any way defacing any natural feature will be considered a serious offense
•Permits may not be issued due to bad weather conditions & high water levels.
•REMEMBER CAVE SAFELY & SOFTLY
Laurel Cave
Laurel Cave will be closed to the public starting May 29, 2008 for a Cave Gating Project. The gates are being installed as a conservation effort to protect the Endangered Indiana Bat which hibernates in the cave during the winter. The cave will be closed for approximately 10 days. The cave will reopen after the gating progect is complete and will remain open through Labor Day Weekend. The cave is closed for from Labor Day through the end of April. You must obtain a permit from the Welcome Center to visit Laurel Cave during the months the cave is open.