Join Lost River Cave in Bowling Green, Kentucky for a one-of-a-kind Species Inventory hike. Use the iNaturalist app to document local wildlife and contribute to ongoing conservation efforts!
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; comfortable walking ability is recommended for moderate trail terrain.
Wildlife
History
Lost River Cave has been a significant natural and cultural site for centuries, with its waterways historically used for milling and transport.
Conservation
The area emphasizes citizen science contributions to preserve native species and maintain water quality throughout the watershed.
Lost River Cave
Join Lost River Cave in Bowling Green, Kentucky for a one-of-a-kind Species Inventory hike. Use the iNaturalist app to document local wildlife and contribute to ongoing conservation efforts!
Lost River Cave in Bowling Green, Kentucky, is a natural destination offering guided tours, hands-on workshops, seasonal events, and educational programs focused on the region’s karst landscape and native ecology. The site operates Kentucky’s only underground boat tour, a 45-minute Cave Boat Tour that combines scenic walking and a guided ride through the cave’s passageways and historical sites. Beyond the boat tour, Lost River Cave hosts a rotating lineup of experiences that include woodworking demonstrations with Wildland Woodworks, tree walks led by certified arborists, hiking focused on karst hydrogeology, and craft workshops such as hiking stick building and pollinator seed bomb making. Educational events extend to meadow BioBlitz plant inventories, composting workshops with Compost Bowling Green, and periodic community fitness and wellness activities like Yoga at the Cave and timed races such as the Snow Flurry Scurry 5K.
Programs are presented in partnership with local experts and community organizations, including Wildland Woodworks, Wild Ones Southern Kentucky Chapter, Compost Bowling Green, and certified arborist Chad Singer, ensuring subject-matter knowledge during guided experiences. Lost River Cave balances recreational access with interpretation of natural and cultural history, offering visitors an opportunity to learn about karst features, groundwater dynamics, native plants, and wildlife while participating in conservation-minded activities.
Visitors can expect scheduled programs that emphasize hands-on participation, natural interpretation, and stewardship. Lost River Cave serves as a regional hub for outdoor education, local partnerships, and experiential learning rooted in the unique geology and ecology of Bowling Green, Kentucky.
Programs accommodate families and individual explorers.
Location
Bowling Green, KY
Central Kentucky natural attraction
Signature Tour
Underground Boat
Kentucky's only underground boat tour
Programs Offered
10
Guided tours and workshops
Tour Length
45 minutes
Cave Boat Tour duration
Check event schedules and register for cave boat tours, hikes, workshops, and seasonal programs in Bowling Green, KY.
Bring a fully charged smartphone
You’ll need your phone to use the iNaturalist app for species documentation throughout the hike.
Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes
The trails can be uneven and include rocky sections near the cave entrances.
Apply insect repellent
Kentucky’s forested areas can have mosquitoes and ticks, especially in warmer months.
Bring water and snacks
Staying hydrated and energized will help you enjoy the hike and maintain focus during species spotting.
Smartphone with iNaturalist app installed
Needed to record and identify species during the hike.
Sturdy hiking shoes
Protects your feet on uneven and rocky trails.
Insect repellent
Keeps mosquitoes and ticks at bay during warmer months.
spring
Water bottle
Helps you stay hydrated throughout the adventure.