Going in

Carter Caves State Resort Park - Fall 2014 - Natural Bridge Trail

Lewis Caveland Lodge - Rooms

Reflections on the stream water at Natural Bridge

Scenic water at Natural Bridge

If one is to practice forest bathing then being in the natural world is required.  Carter Caves State Resort Park is located on the Western edge of the Cumberland Plateau in Carter County Kentucky. This location provides the conditions necessary for the possible presence of woods of the mixed mesophytic type.  Eastern hemlock, Tsuga canadensis, is seen growing in the park.  Umbrella magnolia tree grows along the paths winding through the woods.

The park area was used for commercial purposes until the 1940s when it  was acquired in steps to create the 2000 acre state park of the present day.  The area was timbered until about the 1930s.  With the area being completely logged why visit?

The park is wonderland of natural beauty.  There are some large trees that likely escaped the cutting of the forest.  And the diversity of the forest now in the area and the boulders and steep cliffs make for a place of great appeal. 

Carter Caves State Resort Park - Palette of Fall Colors