Everywhere you look there are little bats hanging
on to the walls and ceilings, but there is no need to be afraid. You are in
their habitat.
Carter Caves allows people the chance to see not
only the habitat of many species of bats but also enjoy a peaceful surrounding
in the Appalachian Mountains.
Only 45 minutes from Marshall's main campus,
Carter Caves is a welcome break for students. The park is one of Kentucky's
State Resort parks.
Although caving is one of the biggest draws to the
park, it offers many other recreational activities for students and their
families.
"Carter Caves is the ultimate leisure and
recreational park in the state, if you ask me," Coy Ainlsey, one of the
park's naturalists, said. "Our park excels because it offers people fun
both above and under the ground."
Kevin Pack, freshman psychology major from Kenova
said, "I don't do many outdoor activities because there is not anything
close enough."
However, Carter Caves is just 30 miles west of
Ashland in Olive Hill, Ky., in the mountains and near horse country. The park is
close enough for students to venture to on a short class day, but it is far
enough to be a peaceful escape from the stresses of school.
The park has 26 miles of hiking trails for varying
ability levels. The trails flow all around the park connecting the Caveland
lodge to the picnic and pool area, camp ground, horse stables, golf course, and
Welcome Center.
The Kiser Hollow Trail is a multi-use 10-mile
trail not only for hiking but also for horseback riding and mountain biking. No
ATV's are allowed on any park trails and camping is prohibited.
Some people might require water to help them
relax, and Carter Caves offers that, too. The park's 45-acre Smokey Valley Lake
offers many different recreational activities. The lake is Kentucky's first and
only trophy bass lake. Besides bass, anglers can fish for bluegill and catfish.
Boating is also a great activity the lake is used
for. Although motor boats are not allowed on the lake other types of water craft
are. The lake has a boat launch area near the park's swimming pool.
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