Hike to the Cave at Asbury Trails

The Asbury University trail system is located just south of Wilmore, KY along the lush emerald banks of the Kentucky River. Leisurely looping through the luscious limestone landmasses of the Kentucky bluegrass region, the trails at Asbury offer visitors an opportunity to obtain up-close understanding of the beautiful bluffs and captivating cliffs that combine to create Kentucky's picturesque Palisades. While visitors will undoubtedly discover a deluge of wonderfully unique natural features that may be explored easily once on the trails, one of the most unusual features of the region can be accessed by following the subtle but steady slope of Old Stage Road trail (.75m) down the ravine before before veering slightly to the right for a brief trek along the river to Great Wall trail (.25m). Just after the two trails connect, a small sign indicating the transition from Old Stage Road trail to Great Wall trail also denotes the access trail for the Asbury trail system's natural cave. Visitors seeking to explore the cave should exit Old Stage Road trail to the left and proceed cautiously up the relatively steep slope of the cave access trail and continue on as the trail nears the top of the the incline before emptying into the small natural cave. The access trail is less than .25m in length but the steepness of its slope, limited width, and less than ideal traction may require guests to scamper near the cave entrance.

The cave may offer those who explore it a panoramic view of the Kentucky River and the fauna that grace its banks, a refreshing area to relax, a thoughtful place for reflection, and/or a scenic spot for a packed-in picnic lunch with a friend. Additionally, hikers may opt to continue down Great Wall trail for excellent exposed rock walls and a water feature and/or explore Hillside trail (.5m) and its forest views and flatter, grassier terrain. The experience of procuring a unique perspective of Kentucky's Palisades is sure to prod any explorer's sense of adventure!