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Your Weekend Road Trip to The Great Saltpetre Cave in Mt. Vernon KY Only Happens Once a Year!

Get out a pen and paper and I’ll tell you why you need to take a road trip this weekend and how cleaning the mud off your shoes afterwards will equal a wonderful weekend in Kentucky exploring history and nature like I did this time last year with friends and my Mom! Note: This weekend is your only weekend to see this cool place in 2024!

I hiked and explored a wonderful cave that is only open one weekend a year! Always the weekend after Mother's Day! Yes, it's The Great Saltpetre Cave,  the pride of Mt. Vernon, Kentucky. Just 45 minutes from Lexington, you are a hop & skip away from this interesting site. It’s partially privately owned, listed on the National Registry and maintained by some great folks like the Rockcastle conservatory and the Bluegrass and Cincinnati grottos. It’s an old saltpeter mine used to produce gun power during the War of 1812 when England stopped shipping Gun Power to the United States since we were in war with England. This little cave at one point produced more gun power than Kentucky’s giant Mammoth Cave. Isn't that wild?! In the 1970s, the space was used as a dance hall and hosted private events, open for tours and weddings. But over the years the guests became so destructive by carving their names and breaking off the rock formations for souvenirs, it was shut off to the public. Today the Rockcastle Karst Conservancy a local volunteer group that works to protect our unique karst environment in Kentucky owns and manages this location as well as others in Kentucky. They sure do a good job and so thankful they open this great gem to the public every year.  The Great Saltpetre Cave is a cool gem not far off the beaten path.

Ok got that pen ready? Mark your calendar for THIS weekend,  May 18 & 19, 2024. This is the only time this year this cave will be open! They offer free tours both days from 10 am to 3:30 p.m.  And afterwards purchase some snacks from the Livingston KY fire department who will be grilling burgers and dogs.  In years past, they have even had free soup beans and cornbread if that is your thing. How nice, how amazing, how Kentucky!!

The Great Saltpetre Cave  is popular and has a cult following so be sure and go early. You may have to wait a while to get in but the lines do move pretty quick and everyone is so friendly. It is a bit hard to find, so I will include a picture below of the directions I used and you can find tons of details on their official Facebook page -  https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x8843266080b96c01:0x1d8ff48c504b727b?source=g.page.default

I'm Kim Soper and I'm covering the cool things in my home state of Kentucky! Welcome and let me know if I help you in any way!

About the Author: Kim Soper is a lifelong Lexington KY resident and Realtor at United Real Estate Bluegrass. She has over 20 years experience selling real estate all over Lexington KY and the Central KY areas.  Kim is the manager/Realtor of ExploreLexingtonKY.com - Home to Your Best Source for Lexington KY Real Estate !

Kim Soper, REALTOR® Lifelong Kentuckian / Realtor® since 2004 Lexington, KY and Surrounding Central Kentucky Areas Residential, Historic, New Construction & Kentucky Horse Farms Lifetime Multi-Million Dollar Producer / CARTUS Relocation United Real Estate Bluegrass (859) 509-8008 cell [email protected] [email protected] www.ExploreLexingtonKY.com As seen in U.S. News & World Report, Consumer Reports, Associated Press, Inman News & Yahoo! For more cool videos neighborhood insights, real estate finds and tips, subscribe to my YouTube Channel!

https://www.youtube.com/kimsopertv Where I hang out online...... https://www.ExploreLexingtonKY.com https://www.Facebook.com/LexingtonKY/ https://www.instagram.com/kimsoperrealtor https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimsoper/

#explorekentucky #exploreky #kiminkentucky #caves #cavesinky #mtvernon #realestate #kyrealestate #kyrealtor #saltpeter

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Clear Falls

Luxury cabins in Hocking Hills, Ohio

Saltpetre Cave: Four secluded, permit-only caves in Hocking Hills

What | Where | Hiking Trails | History | FAQs | Places to Stay | Bottom Line

Saltpetre Cave. The name means potassium nitrate, which is, among other things, the chemical compound used to make explosives that could level a building.

Fortunately for you, and for everyone really, the saltpetre in Saltpetre Cave is a totally safe, white decoration on the dark roofs on what’s one of the most beautiful and underrated caves in the Hocking Hills region of Ohio.

Truth be told, there’s more than just one cave at Saltpetre Cave: There are four, each small recess caves at which you’re more than likely to be the only person exploring. If you want to learn how to get to this slice of quiet magic near Hocking Hills, read on.

What is Saltpetre Cave State Nature Preserve?

Saltpetre Cave is the name for a small (14-acre), permit-only area just a few minutes to the north of Hocking Hills. There are four caves within the 14-acre region, which means that if anyone’s counting, it’s the densest cave-per-acre ratio in all of Hocking Hills.

And hardly anyone knows about it. Proof? Well, there are only 6 Google Reviews for Saltpetre Cave, and there are over 13,000 for Hocking Hills State Park. If you like having the caves and the forest to yourself, you’re in luck.

You’ll need to apply for a permit at least two weeks before your visit to Saltpetre Cave. You can do so on the Ohio DNR website here. Odds are, if you’re visiting Saltpetre, it’s because you’re making a trip out to Hocking Hills. So if you’ve planned far enough in advance, it’s worth grabbing a permit before you make the trip out—you’ll get to see caves that almost nobody else visiting Hocking Hills has ever seen.

Where is Saltpetre Cave, and how do I get there?

Saltpetre Cave sits just 5 to 10 minutes north, by car, of Hocking Hills State Park. It’s close to 21 Horse Cave and Conkle’s Hollow, both of which are worth visiting if you’re making the visit to Saltpetre Cave.

Here’s an address to put in your map: 25994 Big Pine Rd, Rockbridge, OH 43149

Specific directions for parking and getting to the trailhead: This isn’t a big, well-marked state nature preserve, so it’s easy to miss. Park on the side of the road at the address above, then cross the road and walk down the gravel drive. You’ll cross a bridge. Immediately after crossing the bridge, you’ll see a small trailhead sign, along with a trail curving away from the road, into the forest. Follow it, and you’ll be headed to the caves. 

Saltpetre Cave hiking and trail information

At just 14 acres, hiking through Saltpetre Cave State Nature Preserve is enjoyable, brief, and easy for most people. Almost anyone can hike the trails in the preserve, and they’re generally well-marked and outfitted with wooden staircases for more accessible hiking up and down hills. All in all, it shouldn’t take more than an hour or two to explore all the caves in the area.

Once you start on the trailhead, you’ll pass a small kiosk with information about the preserve. Shortly after, you’ll come across the first cave, a small recess cave with a ceiling about 8-feet high. Past this cave, you’ll come across the second, which looks fairly similar. 

From here, the easiest way to reach the final two caves is to backtrack the way you came, take the forking trail up to the ridge, and follow it from there to reach the final caves. You won’t hike more than a mile or two total, depending on how much you explore.

The history behind Saltpetre Cave

How do you get four recess caves in such a small area? Well. You first put a warm, shallow sea on top of Ohio, a few million years ago. Then you let that sea compress sediments into Black Hand sandstone, a type of sandstone which, in its middle section, is particularly susceptible to erosion. Then you evaporate the shallow sea, throw wind and rain at the sandstone, and watch it erode into the recess caves that are so plentiful in Hocking Hills.

That ancient geological history is why you’ll find so many unique gorges and recess caves concentrated in the Hocking Hills region of Ohio—the reason you’re probably thinking about planning a trip to visit.

FAQs about Saltpetre Cave State Nature Preserve

Can I bring my dog to Saltpetre Cave?

No pets are allowed in the nature preserve. In Ohio, if you see the name “nature preserve” attached to a place you want to go, it’s a good bet that pets aren’t allowed. The rules are fairly strict.

Can I hike at Saltpetre Cave? 

Yes, you can, but it’s a short hike. It’s better to think of Saltpetre Cave as a “short walk to some beautiful, secluded caves” than a full-day trek. You can see all the caves in an hour or two, at the maximum.

Where should I visit nearby Saltpetre Cave?

Conkle’s Hollow, 21 Horse Cave, and Airplane Rock are all within two or three minutes’ driving of Saltpetre Cave. They’re excellent spots to visit. Of course, it goes without saying that the central part of Hocking Hills State Park is well worth your time, too.

Places to stay in Hocking Hills

Wondering where to stay when you visit Hocking Hills? Clear Falls has luxury cabins situated on a private, 500-acre wildlife preserve. It’s paradise in the wilderness—and just a few minutes’ walk from most of Hocking Hills’ most beautiful attractions. Find your cabin below.

Browse cabins by style:

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The Bottom Line

Hardly anyone visiting Hocking Hills knows about the Saltpetre Cave area—even though the caves themselves boast the same sort of beauty you’ll see at Hocking Hills’ most famous spots. If you want to make a stop by Saltpetre Cave during your visit, make sure to grab a permit at least two weeks in advance. It’s more than worth it.

The Great Saltpetre Cave Open House

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May 21, 2023 @ 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Join us for: Free guided tours of the cave Free soup beans and cornbread A food concession stand operated by the Livingston Vol. Fire & Rescue A souvenir concession stand Friendly conversation under the shelter

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The Great Saltpetre Cave; Cardome; a Native American Potter

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Luthiers - Frank Neat, Bryan England, Neil Kendrick; Warren May - S21 E20

Premiered On: 09/24/2016

In this episode dedicated to Kentucky's stringed-instrument makers, Frank Neat of Russell Springs makes custom banjos for the likes of JD Crowe and "Call of the Wildman" personality Neal James; luthier Bryan England of Caneyville shows off his mandolin-making skills and custom inlay work; Menifee County luthier Neil Kendrick crafts beautiful guitars, including one for Rhonda Vincent & the Rage; and host Doug Flynn visits with Berea-icon Warren May for a dulcimer sing-along. A 2016 KET Production.

• Wednesday October 2, 2024 4:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Wednesday October 2, 2024 3:00 pm CT on KETKY
• Wednesday October 2, 2024 8:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Wednesday October 2, 2024 7:00 pm CT on KETKY

Speed Museum; Kentucky Gateway Museum Center; Lake Cumberland; Kenny's Farmhouse Cheese - S22 E1

Premiered On: 10/01/2016

Kentucky Life begins its new season! Doug Flynn explores all the additions and changes to the Speed Museum in Louisville, the Kentucky Gateway Museum Center in Maysville showcases its citizens' pride in their community, Lake Cumberland is a popular tourist destination and an engineering marvel, and Kenny's Farmhouse Cheese in Barren County is a model for the Kentucky Proud crowd. A 2016 KET Production.

• Thursday October 3, 2024 4:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Thursday October 3, 2024 3:00 pm CT on KETKY
• Thursday October 3, 2024 8:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Thursday October 3, 2024 7:00 pm CT on KETKY

Silver Run Ceramics; Maysville; Walt's Hitching Post; Columbus Belmont State Park - S22 E2

Premiered On: 10/08/2016

Silver Run Ceramics in Boyd County combines the functional with the beautiful in their pottery, Doug Flynn basks in the scenic beauty and rich culture of Maysville, Walt's Hitching Post is an iconic Fort Wright restaurant, and Columbus Belmont State Park memorializes the site of a Civil War battle that marked the rise of Ulysses S. Grant. A 2016 KET Production.

• Friday October 4, 2024 4:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Friday October 4, 2024 3:00 pm CT on KETKY
• Friday October 4, 2024 8:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Friday October 4, 2024 7:00 pm CT on KETKY

Taking Flight, A Century of State Parks, Musical Kentucky - S30 E1

Host Chip Polston visits Eastern Kentucky University's Aviation program and learns how students prepare to become pilots; the Kentucky State Park system celebrates its 100th anniversary; from Bill Monroe to Nappy Roots, 120 examples of Kentucky's musical excellence. A 2024 KET production.

• Saturday October 5, 2024 8:00 pm ET on KET
• Saturday October 5, 2024 7:00 pm CT on KET
• Sunday October 6, 2024 7:00 am ET on KETKY
• Sunday October 6, 2024 6:00 am CT on KETKY
• Tuesday October 8, 2024 2:00 am ET on KETKY
• Tuesday October 8, 2024 1:00 am CT on KETKY
• Tuesday October 8, 2024 5:00 am ET on KETKY
• Tuesday October 8, 2024 4:00 am CT on KETKY
• Tuesday October 8, 2024 5:30 am ET on KET
• Tuesday October 8, 2024 4:30 am CT on KET
• Wednesday October 9, 2024 10:00 am ET on KET2
• Wednesday October 9, 2024 9:00 am CT on KET2
• Wednesday October 9, 2024 2:30 pm ET on KET2
• Wednesday October 9, 2024 1:30 pm CT on KET2
• Thursday October 10, 2024 2:30 am ET on KETKY
• Thursday October 10, 2024 1:30 am CT on KETKY
• Friday October 11, 2024 10:00 am ET on KETKY
• Friday October 11, 2024 9:00 am CT on KETKY
• Saturday October 12, 2024 3:30 pm ET on KETKY
• Saturday October 12, 2024 2:30 pm CT on KETKY

New Theme Song - Kentucky Bound; Glema Mahr Center for the Arts; Fort Ancient Native Americans - S22 E3

Premiered On: 10/15/2016

Go into the recording studio with Doug Flynn and songwriter Greg Austin as "Kentucky Life" debuts its new theme song "Kentucky Bound", the Glema Mahr Center for the Arts in Madisonville showcases regionally and nationally known performers, and learn more about Native American life in northern Kentucky prior to Columbus. A 2016 KET Production.

• Monday October 7, 2024 4:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Monday October 7, 2024 3:00 pm CT on KETKY
• Monday October 7, 2024 8:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Monday October 7, 2024 7:00 pm CT on KETKY

Josephine Sculpture Park; Red Bird Mission; The Hilltoppers - S22 E4

Premiered On: 10/22/2016

Art meets the earth at Josephine Sculpture Park in Frankfort, Red Bird Mission has been a force for good in southeastern Kentucky since 1921, and fans of the musical group The Hilltoppers will enjoy this sneak peek from "Kentucky Muse", debuting in October 2016. A 2016 KET Production.

• Tuesday October 8, 2024 4:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Tuesday October 8, 2024 3:00 pm CT on KETKY
• Tuesday October 8, 2024 8:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Tuesday October 8, 2024 7:00 pm CT on KETKY

Flag Retirement; Willa Brown Chappell; Saddlemaker Pete Harry; EKU Veterans - S22 E5

Premiered On: 11/05/2016

This Veterans Day program looks at U.S. flags respectfully laid to rest by the Jeffersontown American Legion in one of the nation's largest flag retirement ceremonies; Willa Brown Chappell of Glasgow broke barriers as an African-American female pilot who trained Tuskegee Airmen; a veteran of Vietnam demonstrates his saddle-making skills in Christian County; and Doug visits Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond to discover why this university is one of the top destinations for veterans. A 2016 KET Production.

• Wednesday October 9, 2024 4:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Wednesday October 9, 2024 3:00 pm CT on KETKY
• Wednesday October 9, 2024 8:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Wednesday October 9, 2024 7:00 pm CT on KETKY

Missionaries of Charity; Grace Cafe; KSNPC Volunteers; Misfit Island - S22 E6

Premiered On: 11/12/2016

This program looks at those who do good work. As Mother Teresa becomes Saint Teresa, "Kentucky Life" visits her Missionaries of Charity chapter in Jenkins; Danville's Grace Cafe is a pay-what-you-can community restaurant committed to providing locally-sourced, nutritious food to residents; volunteers keep Kentucky's State Nature Preserves in fine form; and Misfit Island Wildlife Rescue Center cares for hundreds of animals in Henderson. A 2016 KET Production.

• Thursday October 10, 2024 4:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Thursday October 10, 2024 3:00 pm CT on KETKY
• Thursday October 10, 2024 8:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Thursday October 10, 2024 7:00 pm CT on KETKY

Baker-Bird Winery; Botherum House; Minnie Adkins - S22 E7

Premiered On: 11/19/2016

Baker-Bird Winery in Augusta lays claim to the glory days of a historic Northern Kentucky winery, garden designer Jon Carloftis and Dale Fisher share the history and beauty of their restored 19th century home in downtown Lexington, and "Kentucky Life" revisits with famed folk artist Minnie Adkins. A 2016 KET Production.

• Friday October 11, 2024 4:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Friday October 11, 2024 3:00 pm CT on KETKY
• Friday October 11, 2024 8:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Friday October 11, 2024 7:00 pm CT on KETKY

Kentucky Total Solar Eclipse 2024 - S30 E2

Host Chip Polston and the Kentucky Life crew traveled to Paducah, Kentucky in April 2024 to capture the Total Solar Eclipse. A 2024 KET production.

• Saturday October 12, 2024 8:00 pm ET on KET
• Saturday October 12, 2024 7:00 pm CT on KET
• Sunday October 13, 2024 7:00 am ET on KETKY
• Sunday October 13, 2024 6:00 am CT on KETKY
• Sunday October 13, 2024 4:00 pm ET on KET
• Sunday October 13, 2024 3:00 pm CT on KET
• Monday October 14, 2024 2:00 am ET on KET
• Monday October 14, 2024 1:00 am CT on KET
• Tuesday October 15, 2024 2:00 am ET on KETKY
• Tuesday October 15, 2024 1:00 am CT on KETKY
• Tuesday October 15, 2024 5:00 am ET on KETKY
• Tuesday October 15, 2024 4:00 am CT on KETKY
• Wednesday October 16, 2024 10:00 am ET on KET2
• Wednesday October 16, 2024 9:00 am CT on KET2
• Wednesday October 16, 2024 2:30 pm ET on KET2
• Wednesday October 16, 2024 1:30 pm CT on KET2

Eagle Bend Alpacas; Torrent Falls Climbing Adventure; Kentucky By Design - S22 E8

Premiered On: 02/04/2017

Eagle Bend Alpacas is home to 150 alpacas in Boone County, Torrent Falls Climbing Adventure in Campton brings European climbing techniques to the Red River Gorge, and Kentucky By Design explores our state's arts and craft contributions to The Index of American Design. A 2017 KET Production.

• Monday October 14, 2024 4:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Monday October 14, 2024 3:00 pm CT on KETKY
• Monday October 14, 2024 8:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Monday October 14, 2024 7:00 pm CT on KETKY

Louisville Zoo - Part 1; Col. Charles Young; Rosine - S22 E9

Premiered On: 02/11/2017

In the first of a three-part series, Doug visits the Louisville Zoo; a profile of accomplished African-American Col. Charles Young; and Rosine, Kentucky is the home of bluegrass legend Bill Monroe and the Rosine Barn Jamboree. A 2017 KET Production.

• Tuesday October 15, 2024 4:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Tuesday October 15, 2024 3:00 pm CT on KETKY
• Tuesday October 15, 2024 8:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Tuesday October 15, 2024 7:00 pm CT on KETKY

George Washington Land; Carter G. Woodson Center; Louisville Zoo - Part 2; Hickman Riverport and Ferry - S22 E10

Premiered On: 02/18/2017

George Washington once owned land in what became Grayson County, Doug Flynn talks with Dr. Alicestyne Turley of Berea College about the Carter G. Woodson Center for Interracial Education, the second installment in Kentucky Life's profile of the Louisville Zoo, and a trip to Hickman to explore their riverport and ferry are featured. A 2017 KET Production.

• Wednesday October 16, 2024 4:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Wednesday October 16, 2024 3:00 pm CT on KETKY

Wildcat Service Dogs; Corvette Production; Steamboat Travel - S21 E7

• Friday September 13, 2024 8:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Friday September 13, 2024 7:00 pm CT on KETKY
• Friday September 13, 2024 4:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Friday September 13, 2024 3:00 pm CT on KETKY

Sparta Speedway; The Blue Raven Restaurant & Pub; Life Adventure Center; 'Wild Bill' Gordon - S21 E6

• Thursday September 12, 2024 8:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Thursday September 12, 2024 7:00 pm CT on KETKY
• Thursday September 12, 2024 4:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Thursday September 12, 2024 3:00 pm CT on KETKY

Haunted Louisville - Part 2; Doe-Anderson; Merle Travis; Justin Roberts - Walk the Willow - S21 E5

• Wednesday September 11, 2024 8:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Wednesday September 11, 2024 7:00 pm CT on KETKY
• Wednesday September 11, 2024 4:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Wednesday September 11, 2024 3:00 pm CT on KETKY

Martin's Fork; Dragon Boat Races; Tewes Poultry Farm - S21 E4

• Tuesday September 10, 2024 8:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Tuesday September 10, 2024 7:00 pm CT on KETKY
• Tuesday September 10, 2024 4:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Tuesday September 10, 2024 3:00 pm CT on KETKY

The War of 1812 - S21 E3

• Monday September 9, 2024 8:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Monday September 9, 2024 7:00 pm CT on KETKY
• Monday September 9, 2024 4:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Monday September 9, 2024 3:00 pm CT on KETKY

Wade Houston; Flavors from Home; First Vineyard Winery; Honoring Jonesville - S28 E11

• Monday September 9, 2024 2:00 am ET on KET
• Monday September 9, 2024 1:00 am CT on KET
• Saturday September 7, 2024 3:30 pm ET on KETKY
• Saturday September 7, 2024 2:30 pm CT on KETKY
• Friday September 6, 2024 9:30 am ET on KETKY
• Friday September 6, 2024 8:30 am CT on KETKY
• Thursday September 5, 2024 11:00 am ET on KETKY
• Thursday September 5, 2024 10:00 am CT on KETKY
• Thursday September 5, 2024 2:30 am ET on KETKY
• Thursday September 5, 2024 1:30 am CT on KETKY
• Tuesday September 3, 2024 10:30 am ET on KETKY
• Tuesday September 3, 2024 9:30 am CT on KETKY
• Tuesday September 3, 2024 5:00 am ET on KETKY
• Tuesday September 3, 2024 4:00 am CT on KETKY
• Tuesday September 3, 2024 2:00 am ET on KETKY
• Tuesday September 3, 2024 1:00 am CT on KETKY
• Sunday September 1, 2024 7:00 am ET on KETKY
• Sunday September 1, 2024 6:00 am CT on KETKY

Author bell hooks; Lexington Writer's Room; WKDZ and the History of Radio; A Pollinator's Paradise - S28 E16

• Saturday September 14, 2024 3:30 pm ET on KETKY
• Saturday September 14, 2024 2:30 pm CT on KETKY
• Friday September 13, 2024 9:30 am ET on KETKY
• Friday September 13, 2024 8:30 am CT on KETKY
• Thursday September 12, 2024 11:07 am ET on KETKY
• Thursday September 12, 2024 10:07 am CT on KETKY
• Thursday September 12, 2024 2:30 am ET on KETKY
• Thursday September 12, 2024 1:30 am CT on KETKY
• Wednesday September 11, 2024 2:30 pm ET on KET2
• Wednesday September 11, 2024 1:30 pm CT on KET2
• Wednesday September 11, 2024 10:00 am ET on KET2
• Wednesday September 11, 2024 9:00 am CT on KET2
• Tuesday September 10, 2024 10:30 am ET on KETKY
• Tuesday September 10, 2024 9:30 am CT on KETKY
• Tuesday September 10, 2024 5:00 am ET on KETKY
• Tuesday September 10, 2024 4:00 am CT on KETKY
• Tuesday September 10, 2024 2:00 am ET on KETKY
• Tuesday September 10, 2024 1:00 am CT on KETKY
• Sunday September 8, 2024 7:00 am ET on KETKY
• Sunday September 8, 2024 6:00 am CT on KETKY

Covington Bicentennial; Daviess Co. Anniversary; Marty Brown; Suplex Tacos - S21 E2

• Friday September 6, 2024 8:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Friday September 6, 2024 7:00 pm CT on KETKY
• Friday September 6, 2024 4:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Friday September 6, 2024 3:00 pm CT on KETKY

Kentucky River Boating; Kentucky Vietnam Veterans; Haunted Louisville (Part 1) - S21 E1

• Thursday September 5, 2024 8:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Thursday September 5, 2024 7:00 pm CT on KETKY
• Thursday September 5, 2024 4:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Thursday September 5, 2024 3:00 pm CT on KETKY

Today's Special - Dixie Chili and Diner; Coal Camps; Our Town - Columbia; Josh Samples - S20 E19

• Wednesday September 4, 2024 8:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Wednesday September 4, 2024 7:00 pm CT on KETKY
• Wednesday September 4, 2024 4:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Wednesday September 4, 2024 3:00 pm CT on KETKY

Princess Alice Gurielli & Dimitrie Berea; Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Intl. Airport; Todd Co. Marker; Lighthouse Landing - S20 E18

• Tuesday September 3, 2024 8:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Tuesday September 3, 2024 7:00 pm CT on KETKY
• Tuesday September 3, 2024 4:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Tuesday September 3, 2024 3:00 pm CT on KETKY

Mother's Day Program - S20 E17

• Monday September 2, 2024 8:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Monday September 2, 2024 7:00 pm CT on KETKY
• Monday September 2, 2024 4:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Monday September 2, 2024 3:00 pm CT on KETKY

The Great Kentucky Hoard - S29 E15

• Friday September 6, 2024 7:00 pm ET on KET2
• Friday September 6, 2024 6:00 pm CT on KET2
• Wednesday September 4, 2024 2:30 pm ET on KET2
• Wednesday September 4, 2024 1:30 pm CT on KET2
• Wednesday September 4, 2024 10:00 am ET on KET2
• Wednesday September 4, 2024 9:00 am CT on KET2
• Tuesday September 3, 2024 11:30 pm ET on KET2
• Tuesday September 3, 2024 10:30 pm CT on KET2
• Tuesday September 3, 2024 10:30 pm ET on KET
• Tuesday September 3, 2024 9:30 pm CT on KET
• Monday September 2, 2024 6:30 am ET on KET
• Monday September 2, 2024 5:30 am CT on KET
• Sunday September 1, 2024 4:00 pm ET on KET
• Sunday September 1, 2024 3:00 pm CT on KET
• Saturday August 31, 2024 7:30 pm ET on KET
• Saturday August 31, 2024 6:30 pm CT on KET

Derby-Themed Program - S20 E16

• Friday August 30, 2024 8:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Friday August 30, 2024 7:00 pm CT on KETKY
• Friday August 30, 2024 4:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Friday August 30, 2024 3:00 pm CT on KETKY

Outdoors-Themed Program - S20 E15

• Thursday August 29, 2024 8:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Thursday August 29, 2024 7:00 pm CT on KETKY
• Thursday August 29, 2024 4:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Thursday August 29, 2024 3:00 pm CT on KETKY

Kentucky Mainstreet; Our Town-Booneville; Conrad-Caldwell House Museum; Historical Marker; Maysville's Gateway Museum Center - S20 E14

• Wednesday August 28, 2024 8:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Wednesday August 28, 2024 7:00 pm CT on KETKY
• Wednesday August 28, 2024 4:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Wednesday August 28, 2024 3:00 pm CT on KETKY

Downtown Paducah; Today's Special - Peak Bros. Bar-B-Que; Aaron Kizer; Warren Co. Marker; The Historic Railpark and Trail Museum - S20 E13

• Tuesday August 27, 2024 8:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Tuesday August 27, 2024 7:00 pm CT on KETKY
• Tuesday August 27, 2024 4:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Tuesday August 27, 2024 3:00 pm CT on KETKY

Eastern Kentucky PRIDE - S20 E12

• Monday August 26, 2024 8:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Monday August 26, 2024 7:00 pm CT on KETKY
• Monday August 26, 2024 4:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Monday August 26, 2024 3:00 pm CT on KETKY

Bluegrass Barons Vintage Baseball; Casey Jones Distillery; Highland Renaissance Festival; Lemonjuice McGee's Comic Cavalcade - S28 E4

• Saturday August 31, 2024 3:30 pm ET on KETKY
• Saturday August 31, 2024 2:30 pm CT on KETKY
• Friday August 30, 2024 9:30 am ET on KETKY
• Friday August 30, 2024 8:30 am CT on KETKY
• Thursday August 29, 2024 11:00 am ET on KETKY
• Thursday August 29, 2024 10:00 am CT on KETKY
• Thursday August 29, 2024 2:30 am ET on KETKY
• Thursday August 29, 2024 1:30 am CT on KETKY
• Wednesday August 28, 2024 2:30 pm ET on KET2
• Wednesday August 28, 2024 1:30 pm CT on KET2
• Wednesday August 28, 2024 10:00 am ET on KET2
• Wednesday August 28, 2024 9:00 am CT on KET2
• Tuesday August 27, 2024 10:30 am ET on KETKY
• Tuesday August 27, 2024 9:30 am CT on KETKY
• Tuesday August 27, 2024 5:00 am ET on KETKY
• Tuesday August 27, 2024 4:00 am CT on KETKY
• Tuesday August 27, 2024 2:00 am ET on KETKY
• Tuesday August 27, 2024 1:00 am CT on KETKY
• Monday August 26, 2024 2:00 am ET on KET
• Monday August 26, 2024 1:00 am CT on KET
• Sunday August 25, 2024 4:00 pm ET on KET
• Sunday August 25, 2024 3:00 pm CT on KET
• Sunday August 25, 2024 7:00 am ET on KETKY
• Sunday August 25, 2024 6:00 am CT on KETKY
• Saturday August 24, 2024 8:00 pm ET on KET
• Saturday August 24, 2024 7:00 pm CT on KET

Our Town-Bellevue; Chandler's-Today's Special; Susan & George Miller; St. Claire Medical Center; Sister Jeanne Francis Cleves - S20 E11

• Friday August 23, 2024 8:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Friday August 23, 2024 7:00 pm CT on KETKY
• Friday August 23, 2024 4:06 pm ET on KETKY
• Friday August 23, 2024 3:06 pm CT on KETKY

Hotel Metropolitan; Cabin Creek Covered Bridge Marker; Emerald Ash Borer; Our Town - Hazard - S20 E10

• Thursday August 22, 2024 8:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Thursday August 22, 2024 7:00 pm CT on KETKY
• Thursday August 22, 2024 4:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Thursday August 22, 2024 3:00 pm CT on KETKY

Old Airdrie; Himlerville; Sherman Cahal; Louisville Historic House - S20 E9

• Wednesday August 21, 2024 8:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Wednesday August 21, 2024 7:00 pm CT on KETKY
• Wednesday August 21, 2024 4:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Wednesday August 21, 2024 3:00 pm CT on KETKY

"Sultana" Disaster; General Lloyd Tilghman Marker; Louisville's Mega Cavern; Kentucky Ingrained LLC - S20 E8

• Tuesday August 20, 2024 8:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Tuesday August 20, 2024 7:00 pm CT on KETKY
• Tuesday August 20, 2024 4:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Tuesday August 20, 2024 3:00 pm CT on KETKY

Jerry Bransford; Dr. Thomas Walker Markers; Eugene McMahan & Sons Furniture; Harper's Country Hams - S20 E7

• Monday August 19, 2024 8:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Monday August 19, 2024 7:00 pm CT on KETKY
• Monday August 19, 2024 4:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Monday August 19, 2024 3:00 pm CT on KETKY

Hillbilly Days; Stitching the S.E.L.F.; Kentucky's Stonehenge; Friends of Eastern Cemetery - S28 E3

• Saturday August 24, 2024 3:30 pm ET on KETKY
• Saturday August 24, 2024 2:30 pm CT on KETKY
• Friday August 23, 2024 9:30 am ET on KETKY
• Friday August 23, 2024 8:30 am CT on KETKY
• Thursday August 22, 2024 11:00 am ET on KETKY
• Thursday August 22, 2024 10:00 am CT on KETKY
• Thursday August 22, 2024 2:30 am ET on KETKY
• Thursday August 22, 2024 1:30 am CT on KETKY
• Wednesday August 21, 2024 2:30 pm ET on KET2
• Wednesday August 21, 2024 1:30 pm CT on KET2
• Wednesday August 21, 2024 10:00 am ET on KET2
• Wednesday August 21, 2024 9:00 am CT on KET2
• Tuesday August 20, 2024 10:30 am ET on KETKY
• Tuesday August 20, 2024 9:30 am CT on KETKY
• Tuesday August 20, 2024 5:00 am ET on KETKY
• Tuesday August 20, 2024 4:00 am CT on KETKY
• Tuesday August 20, 2024 2:00 am ET on KETKY
• Tuesday August 20, 2024 1:00 am CT on KETKY
• Monday August 19, 2024 2:00 am ET on KET
• Monday August 19, 2024 1:00 am CT on KET
• Sunday August 18, 2024 7:00 am ET on KETKY
• Sunday August 18, 2024 6:00 am CT on KETKY
• Saturday August 17, 2024 8:00 pm ET on KET
• Saturday August 17, 2024 7:00 pm CT on KET

Painter Steve White; Downtown Paris; The Potter's Inn Bed and Breakfast; 5th U.S. Colored Cavalry - S20 E6

• Friday August 16, 2024 8:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Friday August 16, 2024 7:00 pm CT on KETKY
• Friday August 16, 2024 4:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Friday August 16, 2024 3:00 pm CT on KETKY

Veterans Day Program - S20 E5

• Thursday August 15, 2024 8:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Thursday August 15, 2024 7:00 pm CT on KETKY
• Thursday August 15, 2024 4:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Thursday August 15, 2024 3:00 pm CT on KETKY

Packhorse Library; Fall Traditions in Nancy; Robert Beatty; Beaver Dam Amphitheater - S28 E2

• Saturday August 17, 2024 3:30 pm ET on KETKY
• Saturday August 17, 2024 2:30 pm CT on KETKY
• Friday August 16, 2024 9:30 am ET on KETKY
• Friday August 16, 2024 8:30 am CT on KETKY
• Thursday August 15, 2024 2:31 am ET on KETKY
• Thursday August 15, 2024 1:31 am CT on KETKY
• Wednesday August 14, 2024 2:30 pm ET on KET2
• Wednesday August 14, 2024 1:30 pm CT on KET2
• Wednesday August 14, 2024 10:00 am ET on KET2
• Wednesday August 14, 2024 9:00 am CT on KET2

Hitcents Park Plaza; The Kentucky Tragedy; Morehead State University; White Nose Syndrome - S20 E4

• Wednesday August 14, 2024 8:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Wednesday August 14, 2024 7:00 pm CT on KETKY
• Wednesday August 14, 2024 4:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Wednesday August 14, 2024 3:00 pm CT on KETKY

Red Bird; Carrollton - Our Town; Trigg Enterprise; Tillandsias - S20 E3

• Tuesday August 13, 2024 8:00 pm ET on KETKY
• Tuesday August 13, 2024 7:00 pm CT on KETKY

Buried Treasure

“The Coins Kept Coming”

In 2023, a Kentucky farmer discovered a cache of more than 800 gold and silver Civil War-era coins buried in a cornfield — a rare find one coin expert said was “hard to comprehend.” The discovery triggered an avalanche of media interest from around the globe, with stories appearing in The New York Times, The Guardian, Smithsonian Magazine and USA Today, among others.

On this brand-new special episode of Kentucky Life , for the first time, we hear from the farmer, as well as antique coin expert Jeff Garrett with Mid-America Rare Coin Galleries, offering their thoughts about that fateful day and the discovery now known as The Great Kentucky Hoard . We also hear from UK historian Amy Murell-Taylor on what was happening in Kentucky during the Civil War that may have led to these coins being put in the ground, and we go exploring with three guys who call themselves The Dirt Nerds as they search for buried treasure in the Bluegrass.

Fearing an onslaught of fortune seekers on his property, the Kentucky farmer went to great lengths to remain anonymous and silent — until now.

“I initially found the 1856 Seated Liberty Half Dollar probably 20 to 30 feet from where the hoard was located,” the farmer told Kentucky Life . “I would have never believed what came next. Things that only happen in dreams. When I continued walking and saw the glint of gold – a thick reeded edge. When I pulled the coin from the ground, I was astonished when I realized I was holding a $20 Double Eagle from the 1860s. After I flipped the first clump of dirt over the next 45 minutes to an hour, the coins kept coming. I knew it was hundreds.”

Chip Talks with the Farmer

Had you ever made any discoveries like this before, and was this the type of thing you were looking for? Never in a million years did I think I would ever come across anything even close to this. Normally, when I’m not working, I wander the fields searching for native American artifacts and anything that may have been lost hundreds of years ago.

Talk me through the day leading up to the discovery – in general, what had you been doing? I was in the fields as any other normal day, when I had gotten off work, I started walking a portion of the property I had seen broken pieces of pottery and brick strewn in a fairly confined area when I came across the first coin. Something that has happened a decent amount of times. I found my first “old coin” when I was maybe 9 walking the fields around my hometown looking for arrowheads, and boom, there it was a pristine 1937D Mercury dime, sitting there basking in the sun. This time it was a little more exciting beings it was a beautiful 1856O Seated Liberty half dollar which was almost perfect minus a few marks from where it had been struck by farm equipment. Little did I know what that would lead to next.

When you first looked down in the dirt and saw the coins, what was going through your mind? Did you realize the enormity of what you had just found and that this was a life-changing event? I initially found the 1856 Seated Liberty Half Dollar probably 20-30’ from where the hoard was located. I would have never believed what came next. Things that only happen in dreams. When I continued walking and saw the glint of gold….a thick reeded edge… when I pulled the coin from the ground I was astonished when I realized I was holding a 20$ DOUBLE EAGLE from the 1860s. After I flipped the first clump of dirt over the next 45 minutes to an hour the coins kept coming. I knew it was hundreds. I guessed initially around three to maybe 400 coins. To my surprise when I got home and started counting the total was over 800 coins. 770 of which were gold.

The very first thing I would have done would have been to clean off the coins – Jeff said you were smart enough to not do this as it greatly enhanced their value. How in the world did you know not to do this? I have been in the hobby of walking fields and admiring coins from the age of we’ll say ten or younger. My dad had gotten me into coins after he had collected all the way back since the late 1970s. He had always warned me against cleaning anything silver. Knowing that gold is far softer than silver it was a no-brainer for me to leave them be. They had quite a bit of rust on the surfaces, I assumed either they were in an old iron box or something that corroded over the years and left a lot of the coins encrusted.

Walk me through the days after the discovery – what were you thinking? I knew right away that I had made an enormous discovery. I hadn’t heard of such a find in the US in ages. I spent hours researching each coin and the different years and varieties to check for rarities and key dates. I knew that anything with a D mint mark from the time would be very rare and valuable. Out of 700+ gold coins, I believe only ONE was minted in Dahlonega Georgia. I found a few other gold dollars with mint marks some rarer than others…but after researching the key dates for the Liberty Head 20$ I realized I had not one…but EIGHTEEN of one of the rare dates, the 1863 20s. This is when my head began to spin and I knew I needed help.

Jeff literally wrote the book on coins like this – how did you find him, and how much reassurance did it bring you that you’d connected with such an expert? I had actually posted on a social media group I am a part of, and one of the members mentioned that I should reach out to a Jeff Garrett. They said he was the expert on US minted Gold Coins. I began to research his name and read of his incredible and very extensive background in the coin world. I was skeptical at first, something of this magnitude is HUGE and people can be extremely greedy in times of other’s fortunate events. I sent him a very vague, very short email with a picture of one single 1863 Double Eagle, stating only that I had a coin I knew was potentially valuable. We agreed to meet in his office in Lexington, where I brought six of the Double Eagles and a few other coins from the find. By the end of our meeting, I revealed to him that was a very very small portion of what I had discovered, and that I had 12 more 1863 Double Eagles at home along with several hundred more gold coins of the same timeframe. Everything else from there came down to personally transporting the coins to Sarasota to NGC where we met with Mr. Mark Salzberg and Dave Camire for the next steps in cleaning, grading and preserving this incredible discovery.

Any advice you’d offer to treasure hunters or anyone else out there captivated by this story? Keep your eyes out and never stop looking. I never even imagined I would find one gold coin in my entire life. Let alone something so significant it has its own hoard name. There are hundreds of stories of lost treasure, hidden staches from bandits and just the superstitious wealthy old guy who didn’t trust the banks…

Has this changed the way you walk around and look at things? Surprisingly, not much, as I said I have spent many years wandering the fields and river banks looking for anything that catches the eye. My Father did it before me, my great-grandmother had one of the most incredible museum-worthy collections of arrowheads all found walking cultivated land and the banks of the rivers. I guess maybe it’s in my bones, I have always been extremely fascinated with discovering items from the past.

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