Lost River Cave Trails

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Cave · Fall Colors · River/Creek

The natural surface trails trace the valley floor and provide a few short climbs and plenty of geology to view.

The trails are on private property, but open daily to the public. Check the LRC website for specific rules.

Beginning at the bridge leading into the valley, I like to start my figure-8 loop by making a left and heading downhill to the mouth of the cave before turning left and following the short riverside trail. Make your way back up the hill slightly, and veer right to take the Valley Trail under the pedestrian bridge.

The next landmark you see is the butterfly house, which marks the midpoint of the trail system. For a short loop, turn left to take the Upper Valley Trail back to the bridge with a small climb. Otherwise, continue on the Valley Floor Trail to the intersection of the Blue Hole Loop trail. Either direction of this loop makes the back end of a figure-8 leading to the natural spring at the rear of the property.

Completing the Blue Hole Loop returns you to the butterfly house and gives you the option to head up the Upper Valley Trail to return to the pedestrian bridge and the trailhead.

To add a few more miles, you can start at the Bark Park on Cave Mill Road and access the LRC trails via the city's GreenWay Trail.