Mammoth Cave National Park

Nestled in the Green River Valley, Mammoth Cave National Park preserves the world’s longest known cave system in the world. So far, over 400 miles of passages have been explored and there’s still more to discover. Descend on a tour to a magical labyrinth of rock spires and dripping formations, waterfalls, a subterranean river and more. Nature’s architecture was used by Native Americans for shelter and burial, saltpeter was mined to create explosives in the 1800’s, and it is home to unique animals such as eyeless freshwater cave shrimp, crayfish, beetles and yes — bats, though you are unlikely to meet any on a tour. There are tours offering a range of length and difficulty, from the easy 1/4-mile Frozen Niagara Tour which has only 12 stairs, to the 3/4 mile Domes and Dripstones tour that includes 500 stairs, to the very strenuous 5-mile Wild Cave Tour which travels through undeveloped passageways and requires climbing and crawling. All tours are ranger-guided. Advance reservations are strongly recommended (call (877) 444-6777) and they cannot be made the same day of a tour. Check the park website for tour options, schedule, and pricing. With over 52,000 acres, Mammoth Cave National Park offers many other recreational activities. There are 84-miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. The Green River and Nolin River meander through the park, perfect for a canoe or kayak excursion, or fishing for bluegill, bass, and perch. Mammoth Cave Campground offers sites for tent, trailers and RVs which can be reserved. At Houchin Ferry Campground you’ll find 12 primitive sites, not suitable for large trailers or RVs, and Maple Springs Campground for equestrian groups. The park is free to enter, but there are charges for cave tours.

1 Mammoth Cave Parkway
Mammoth Cave, KY
(877) 444-6777
nps.gov