By Jeremy Patton
I do not give cave locations.
Chutes & Ladders Cave is located in Pulaski County, Kentucky.
Delania and I discovered it a few years ago, but we were tired and running out of daylight. We returned on 6/16/18 with plenty of time to examine it thoroughly. We did not get far, but what we found thrilled us.
The main room boasted a 30-foot waterfall that plummeted through a shaft. The cave no doubt continued because previous cavers had placed boards and ladders to help access the tight chute above. We wanted to explore deeper, but took one look at the slick limestone and rotting lumber and said “nope.” I know my limitations as an adventurer and that is why I am still alive.
The trip was worth it because the main room was beautiful. Outside, the wind billowed from the entrance and felt like an air conditioner on a sweltering day; we lingered there for quite a while. Delania and I agreed that we want to return after a Kentucky monsoon, because the main room would probably be accessible during flooding, and the waterfall would roar.
Chutes & Ladders Cave is rarely visited because we found no trash or vandalism.
Added 6/17/18 – Updated 6/20/18