A brief history
Mammoth Cave National Park is a national treasure, and a true geologic marvel. Located in south central Kentucky, its cave system stretches for over 400 miles, and is by far the longest cave system on Earth. To put the sheer enormity of the cave’s size in perspective, the world’s second and third longest caves put together would come up over 100 miles short of Mammoth Cave’s length. Now that is quite mammoth indeed.
Main attraction
Open year-round, Mammoth Cave National Park has a variety of activities available for the enjoyment of visitors. Camping, bicycle trails, horseback riding, and activities on the rivers are all featured at the park.
Guests can begin their adventure by setting up camp at one of the three developed campgrounds, in more than a dozen rustic sites that lie along the Green and Nolin Rivers. Mammoth Cave has 105 sites, with four group sites (rates: $17/day- single site; $20/day- group site). Houchin Ferry has 12 sites ($12/day). And Maple Springs has four equestrian and three group sites ($22/day- equestrian; $30/day- group sites). And to really get away from it all, there are 13 backcountry campsites, located more than half a mile from developed campsites or ferry crossings, and only accessible by boat.
Bicyclists can get out and explore more than 20 miles of trails through the park. There are four designated trails (Big Hollow Trail, The Mammoth Cave Railroad Bike and Hike Trail, Maple Springs Trail, and White Oak Trail) that will provide excitement for riders of any age or skill.
For horseback riders, there are 60 miles of trails that wind through woodlands north of the Green River. And for those adventurers looking to get out on the water, there is plenty to do here as well. The Green and Nolin Rivers, flowing 30 miles through the park, offers visitors great opportunities to fish, kayak, canoe, or camp on an island in the floodplains.
When to go
Mammoth Cave has a tendency to be packed throughout the summer so we recommend visiting in winter (off-season) or early spring. These two seasons tend to see less foot traffic and have temperatures better suited for the warmth of the cave system.
Here’s a little of what you can expect on your visit to Mammoth Cave National Park!
