If you’re into exploring or simply viewing caves, there aren’t many states better to do it in than Kentucky.
With over 5,000 known caves in the state, Kentucky ranks fourth in the country in terms of the number of documented caves by US state.
While your options are endless in Kentucky, some caves in the state are far more interesting and worth exploring than others.
In this guide, we’ll show you the nine most interesting caves you can visit in the Bluegrass State.
Cascade Cave
Located in Carter County, Cascade Cave is part of the Carter Caves State Resort Park.
This cave is known for its subterranean waterfall, making it a unique visit.
Touring Cascade Cave offers sights of impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and underground streams.
Visitors can embark on guided tours to explore its vast chambers and learn about the cave’s geological and historical significance.
Hidden River Cave
In the heart of Horse Cave, Hidden River Cave is accessible via the American Cave Museum.
Known for its significant underground river, the cave offers adventurous tours, including zip-lining and rappelling options, making it a thrilling visit.
Its history of exploration, pollution, and subsequent restoration is a testament to conservation efforts.
The museum and guided tours educate visitors on karst landscapes and cave ecosystems.
Resurgence Cave
Resurgence Cave, known for being part of Kentucky’s karst landscapes, is known as the cave where the War Fork Creek resurfaces from underground and flows out.
To reach the cave, you have to hike in on the Resurgence Cave Trail about two miles.
Hiking through the War Fork Gorge is awesome, and you’ll see the War Fork Creek much of the way until you reach Resurgence Cave where it flows out of.
Access to Resurgence Cave is restricted, so admire it from the outside.
Lost River Cave
Located in Bowling Green, Lost River Cave offers boat tours on its underground river, providing a unique cave experience.
The cave’s rich history includes serving as a site for Native American artifacts, a Civil War encampment, and a 1930s nightclub.
The surrounding nature trails and butterfly habitat add to the visit, emphasizing the blend of natural beauty and historical significance.
You can find more info on this cave and the events hosted here at lostrivercave.org.
Crystal Onyx Cave
Situated near Cave City, Crystal Onyx Cave boasts a discovery history dating back to 1960.
It’s celebrated for its stunning array of onyx formations, crystal stalactites, and stalagmites illuminated by carefully placed lighting.
Tours provide insights into the cave’s formation, fossil remains, and archaeological significance.
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the picturesque scenes within its chambers.
Dixon Cave
Dixon Cave lies within the Mammoth Cave National Park but is off-limits to general tourism to protect endangered bat species.
Its entrance and the surrounding area can be viewed from designated park trails.
The cave plays a critical role in the park’s ecosystem and hydrogeology, contributing to the biodiversity and water purification processes.
Educational signs near the cave offer information about its environmental importance.
Mammoth Cave
Mammoth Cave, the centerpiece of the Mammoth Cave National Park, is the world’s longest cave system.
Found in central Kentucky, it offers a variety of tours catering to different interests and fitness levels, from historic routes to challenging cave explorations.
Its vast chambers, intricate labyrinths, and rich biodiversity highlight the cave’s unparalleled geological features and its role in human history and science research.
Outlaw Cave
Not as widely recognized as others, Outlaw Cave in Edmonson County offers a more secluded cave experience.
Local lore suggests it was once a hideout for outlaws like Jesse James, hence the name. The Jesse James Stables are on the same property as the cave.
The cave features small streams and geological formations, with guided tours available upon request.
It’s a smaller, more intimate cave adventure, focusing on the stories and legends of Kentucky’s past.
Find out more about visiting Outlaw Cave and the surrounding Cave City at Cavecity.com.
Diamond Caverns
Located near Park City, Diamond Caverns presents visitors with spectacular calcite formations adorned with jewel-like luster.
Discovered in 1859, the cave has been a tourist attraction for over 150 years.
Guided tours delve into the cavern’s history, geology, and the intricate patterns of its walls, showcasing the cave’s stunning natural artistry and the conservation efforts preserving its beauty.