Barn Hollow Nature Preserve

Carter Caves

We wanted to know more about the caves in the local area.  We had heard there were high numbers of them in the Olive Hill area which is about 30 minutes from the land.  Upon arriving we saw these HUGE entrances into the earth.

The signs stated that all visitors needed permits to enter the caves.  It was my intention to only view the entrance so I didn't bother with the permit at first.

This entrance was about 50 feet wide, 10 feet tall and about 500 feet back before turning to the left.

This was another cave a few hundred yards away that has a stream coming out of it.  We later learned there are about 22 differnent cave systems in the immeadiate area.

Each time we found a new opening we'd yell out and make my father come running to look as well.

We soon went on to the ranger station where we asked about cave tours. It was our expectation that they'd only allow us to enter the cave with guides.  As it turns out they give you a map and set you loose on your own.

It was incredible.  We never imaged there was still a place where visitors are allowed to enter the caves on their own.  The ranger joked that they sweep through the cave system every 3 days looking for lost people.  I don't think he was kidding.

I've never liked bats very much.  I should have gotten pictures of what was going on in here.  There were thousands of them.  They were bundled together in patches about 2 feet in diameter.  Each bunch was 50-100 bats.  They were 6-12 inches from my face at points when moving through the area.  I didn't like how they were flying so fast and so close to my face in the dark.

I would recommend to anyone that they check out these caves.  There is no reason to risk the private local cave systems when such quality public caves are available to explore.