National Parks Journal
Photo: NPS Photo/ Deb Spillman
Mammoth Cave National Park
Rolling hills, deep river valleys, and the world's longest known cave system. Mammoth Cave National Park is home to thousands of years of human history and a rich diversity of plant and animal life, earning it the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Region.
Entrance Fees
No entrance fee. Other fees may apply for tours, camping, or transportation.
Activities
Top Hikes
1 mi · 150 ft gain · loop
Descends 295 stairs into a stunning sinkhole rich with wildflowers in spring and summer.
Starts at: Cedar Sink Trailhead
1.3 mi · 200 ft gain · out & back
Best views of the Green River as it winds through the park with overlook benches.
Starts at: Picnic Area near Visitor Center
1 mi · 100 ft gain · loop
Wheelchair-accessible loop along the Green River featuring natural springs where underground water resurfaces.
Starts at: Green River Ferry
1 mi · 100 ft gain · loop
Winds through forest past numerous sinkholes revealing the karst geology underlying Mammoth Cave.
Starts at: Heritage Trail
Upcoming Events
Many people visiting Mammoth Cave ask, “May we visit the cave without a guided tour?” The answer is yes! This self-guided tour ventures through large, open passageways with points of interest along the route. Participants can explore at their own pace through large open passageways featuring informational waysides and artifacts from the cave's early history. Rangers are stationed along the route to answer questions. This tour is ideal for those who want to move at their own pace or are looking for a cave experience without much time commitment. This tour is the self-guided version of the guided Mammoth Passage Tour.Includes part of the Historic Tour and all of the Mammoth Passage Tour routes.Duration: Approximately 30 minutesDistance: 0.75 mile (1.2 km)Total Stairs: 135Difficulty: EasyAges: All ages. Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: Unlimited
This classic tour visits areas of Mammoth Cave that have been used for nearly 100 years. This tour begins in a sinkhole, passes through huge domes, amazing breakdown, and ends in the dripstone section known as Frozen Niagara. Please note that this tour ascends and descends hundreds of stairs and several steep inclines, which can be difficult for many visitors, as there are no alternative routes. Focusing on the natural formation of the cave, this tour is ideal for people interested in science and wanting to see stalactites and stalagmites.This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.This tour includes the entire Frozen Niagara Tour route and a small portion of the Grand Avenue Tour route.Duration: 2 hoursDistance: 0.75 miles (1.2 km)Total Stairs: 640 , including 280 on the initial staircase descent and an optional 96Difficulty: StrenuousAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 110
This classic tour visits areas of Mammoth Cave that have been used for nearly 100 years. This tour begins in a sinkhole, passes through huge domes, amazing breakdown, and ends in the dripstone section known as Frozen Niagara. Please note that this tour ascends and descends hundreds of stairs and several steep inclines, which can be difficult for many visitors, as there are no alternative routes. Focusing on the natural formation of the cave, this tour is ideal for people interested in science and wanting to see stalactites and stalagmites.This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.This tour includes the entire Frozen Niagara Tour route and a small portion of the Grand Avenue Tour route.Duration: 2 hoursDistance: 0.75 miles (1.2 km)Total Stairs: 640 , including 280 on the initial staircase descent and an optional 96Difficulty: StrenuousAges: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.Restrooms: NoTickets available for each tour time: 110
Best Time to Visit
Best time to visit: November
Pleasant weather with fewer crowds
Weather & Climate
Kentucky has a moderate climate with warm, yet moist conditions. Summers average in the high 80s; winters average in the low 40s. Southern Kentucky, where Mammoth Cave is located, receives the highest average precipitation for the state, about 50 inches per year, mostly in spring. Winter can bring mild to moderate snow and ice. Storms happen year-round, and can include tornadoes and flooding in low-lying areas, but severe weather is infrequent. The temperature deep in the cave is a constant 54°F (12°C).