Carter Caves State Park Tours

Photo by Brian Steele
Photo by Julie
Photo by Renoda Edmonds


Swap the asphalt jungle for magnificent landscapes at Carter Caves State Park. Whether you're eager to hit the walking tracks or just chill out with a picnic, this is the place to fill up on nature.

When you've finished exploring this protected natural landscape in Olive Hill, there are tons of other sightseeing opportunities in the area. Many visitors venture to Carter Caves State Park Golf Course next. It's easy to reach from Carter Caves State Park.

Plan a trip to see Carter Caves State Park

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
21c Museum Hotel Lexington
Capital Plaza Hotel
The St. Clair

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Carter Caves State Park

Carter Caves State Resort Park

Carter Caves State Resort Park

3 out of 5
344 Caveland Dr, Olive Hill, KY
Carter Caves State Resort Park
Super 8 by Wyndham Grayson

Super 8 by Wyndham Grayson

2.5 out of 5
125 Super Eight Ln, Grayson, KY
Super 8 by Wyndham Grayson
SureStay by Best Western Grayson

SureStay by Best Western Grayson

2.5 out of 5
501 C W Stevens Boulevard, Grayson, KY
SureStay by Best Western Grayson
Days Inn by Wyndham Grayson

Days Inn by Wyndham Grayson

2 out of 5
650 CW Stevens Blvd, Grayson, KY
Days Inn by Wyndham Grayson
Americas Best Value Inn Grayson

Americas Best Value Inn Grayson

3 out of 5
205 State Highway 1947, Grayson, KY
Americas Best Value Inn Grayson
Greenbo Lake State Resort Park

Greenbo Lake State Resort Park

3 out of 5
965 Lodge Rd, Greenup, KY
Greenbo Lake State Resort Park
Secluded cabin located on 500 acres in the beautiful hills of Kentucky.

Secluded cabin located on 500 acres in the beautiful hills of Kentucky.

Garrison
Secluded cabin located on 500 acres in the beautiful hills of Kentucky.
Fairfield Inn & Suites By Marriott Ashland

Fairfield Inn & Suites By Marriott Ashland

2.5 out of 5
10945 Route 60, Ashland, KY
Fairfield Inn & Suites By Marriott Ashland
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ashland by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ashland by IHG

2.5 out of 5
13131 Slone Court, Ashland, KY
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ashland by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Carter Caves State Park

Carter Caves State Park in Olive Hill, Kentucky, offers a range of exciting activities for visitors. Explore the stunning caves through guided tours, hike scenic trails, or enjoy fishing and golfing nearby. The park also features designated picnic areas and canoeing opportunities, making it a perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Don’t forget to check in with park guides for the best tips and recommendations during your visit!

Food and drinks

Explore local flavors at the Driftwood Restaurant, known for its hearty comfort food and seasonal dishes. Don't miss the unique experience of dining near the cave entrances, where you can savor the beauty of nature alongside delicious meals, making it a perfect spot for food lovers.

Recreation

Experience a round of golf at Carter Caves State Park Golf Course, offering beautiful outdoor vibes right at the park. For a change of scenery, head to Hidden Cove Golf Course, only 13 miles away, where you can enjoy lush landscapes and a challenging game in a serene setting.

Find the best attractions near Carter Caves State Park

At Carter Caves State Park in Olive Hill, Kentucky, you can explore stunning landscapes featuring national parks, serene lakes, and historic sites. Popular activities include visiting the captivating Carter Caves, discovering the unique box canyons, exploring the Kentucky Caverns, enjoying views from Eagle's Nest, and touring the enchanting Cardross Castle. This destination offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure, scenic beauty, and cultural experiences for all travelers.

  • Bat Cave and Cascade Caverns: Just 0.5 miles from Carter Caves State Park, this park features stunning limestone formations and a rich ecosystem. Families can enjoy guided tours, exploring the enchanting underground world filled with bats and unique rock formations, all while embracing eco-friendly practices.
  • Kentucky Christian University: Located 10 miles away, this university offers a glimpse into local culture through its beautiful campus and community events. Visitors can experience educational programs and cultural initiatives that highlight the region's heritage and values.
  • Greenbo Lake State Resort Park: A 15-mile drive brings you to this scenic park, perfect for outdoor adventures. Enjoy hiking, fishing, and breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding nature, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.

Best time to go to Carter Caves State Park

Visitor numbers around Carter Caves State Park is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Carter Caves State Park is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January32.9°F (0.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February36.7°F (2.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
March45.3°F (7.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
May64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June72.3°F (22.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
July75.7°F (24.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August74.1°F (23.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September68.4°F (20.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November45.5°F (7.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December38.8°F (3.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Carter Caves State Park

Carter Caves State Park is budget-friendly, with free entry for all visitors. To save on accommodations, consider visiting between November and January, when prices are lower, especially on Mondays. Use Expedia to find affordable hotel options by sorting prices from lowest to highest and utilizing the "Eco-certified" filter for sustainable stays. Bundle your hotel with flights and activities for better deals, and join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and rewards. With these tips, you can enjoy a fulfilling vacation without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Carter Caves State Park are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to May and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Carter Caves State Park is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Carter Caves State Park is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to customize your travel options based on your budget, preferred location, and desired hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase hotels that are sustainable and environmentally friendly. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Carter Caves State Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.