Nestled in the heart of Kentucky, Mammoth Cave National Park is a natural wonder that boasts the world’s longest cave system! With 412 miles mapped so far and more being discovered each day, Mammoth Cave holds the title of the world’s longest known cave system and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spanning about 80 square miles above ground, this national park preserves the cave system, part of the Green River Valley, and some of Kentucky’s rolling hills. While cave tours are the biggest attraction in the park, there is plenty more to see and do in this beautiful wilderness area! In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to Mammoth Cave National Park.
Getting to Mammoth Cave
Located approximately nine miles northwest of I-65, Mammoth Cave National Park is conveniently situated about 85 miles from both Louisville, Kentucky and Nashville, Tennessee. For those flying in, the closest airports are Nashville International Airport (BNA) and Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF). You’ll then need to rent a car to drive the rest of the way to Mammoth Cave National Park, it’s just under 1.5 hours from both airports.
When to Visit Mammoth Cave
The best time to visit Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky depends on your preferences and desired activities. The temperature inside the cave remains consistent year-round, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to low 60s, making it comfortable for exploring the caves year-round.
Above ground, each season offers its own unique charm. Spring, with mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers, is perfect for hiking and enjoying the park’s trails as nature awakens. Summer brings warmer weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as boating, camping, and attending ranger-led programs. However, this season also attracts the most visitors, so be prepared for busier tours. Autumn provides a picturesque backdrop of vibrant foliage colors, perfect for hiking and wildlife spotting. Lastly, winter offers a quieter and more peaceful ambiance, with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures above ground, allowing for a more intimate cave exploration experience.
Where to Stay
The Lodge at Mammoth Cave
Situated right beside the Visitor Center, The Lodge at Mammoth Cave provides the most convenient lodging options within the park. The lodge offers hotel rooms and charming historic cottages tucked away in the woods. The lodge is just a short walk away from cave tours and park trails, making it the perfect home base!
Camping
Mammoth Cave National Park has three front-country campgrounds to choose from. For easy access to the Visitor Center and cave tours, I recommend staying at Mammoth Cave Campground, as it’s just a short walk away. There are also several backcountry camping sites, including paddle-in sites along the Green River. Just remember to obtain a permit for these backcountry locations before setting up camp๐
Nearby Lodging
There are several additional lodging options right outside of the park in the town of Cave City, KY.
What To Do in Mammoth Cave
Paddle the Green River
The Green and Nolin rivers span across nearly 30 miles of Mammoth Cave National Park. Exploring the park by boat provides a unique view of Mammoth Cave as you paddle by lush forests, limestone bluffs, sandy beaches, and even venturing into a small cave (during low water levels). Rent a kayak through one of the several outfitters located in Cave City, that can gear you up for a 3-hour excursion or even an overnight excursion. We chose to rent kayaks through Adventures of Mammoth Cave and loved them so much, that we booked with them again on our second trip to Mammoth Cave National Park!
Cedar Sink Trail
The 1-mile round trip Cedar Sink Trail leads you down a stairwell into the massive sinkhole that is, Cedar Sink. Admire sheer limestone cliff edges and a dense forest of trees before coming to the end of the trail that gets you up close to the sinkhole!
River Styx Spring
River Styx is an underground river that flows through Mammoth Cave before eventually emerging above ground to flow into the Green River. The 1.2 mile hike to River Styx Spring leaves from the visitor center and passes by the historic entrance to Mammoth Cave and past views of the Green River before arriving at River Styx Spring, where you can view the underground river emerging from the darkness of the cave!
Mammoth Cave Tours
When visiting Mammoth Cave National Park, taking a cave tour is an absolute must! After all, this is the largest cave system in the world. The park offers several cave tours that cater to various interests and skill levels, all leaving from the visitor center. To make the most of your visit, I recommend going on at least two different cave tours. You can find all of the available options on Mammoth Cave’s website and book your tour at recreation.gov.
For first-time visitors, the Historic Tour is a crowd favorite and provides an excellent introduction to the cave’s beauty and history. This tour showcases an array of unique features, such as large rooms, narrow winding passages – including Fat Man’s Misery – and fascinating cave formations.
While Mammoth Cave might not be famous for its formations, the Frozen Niagara section is an exception, boasting numerous dramatic dripstones and flowstones. Though Frozen Niagara is not like what is typical of Mammoth Cave, the Frozen Niagara Tour is another very popular tour that allows you to view dramatic stalactites and stalagmites formations and waterfalls frozen in time!
Keep in mind that Mammoth Cave tours tend to fill up quickly, so it’s best to book your tours ahead of time!
Sloan’s Crossing Pond
Sloan’s Crossing Pond is a picturesque sinkhole-formed oasis situated atop the extensive cave system. Take a leisurely 0.4-mile stroll along the well-maintained boardwalk encircling the pond, to enjoy scenic views of the pond and ample opportunities to spot local wildlife in their natural habitat.
Mammoth Cave Hike and Bike Trail
Back in 1886, the Mammoth Cave Railroad emerged, serving as a means of transportation for tourists visiting Mammoth Cave. While it no longer operates as a functional railroad, a section of its former route has been transformed into a 9-mile trail, perfect for biking and hiking enthusiasts within the park. This path takes you past various historic landmarks and scenic overlooks. Begin your journey at the park’s visitor center, where the trail commences, and immerse yourself in a memorable exploration of Mammoth Cave’s rich history and breathtaking surroundings.
