About the park
Over 400 miles of this cave have been explored, largely throughout the 1800s and 1900s. These explorations alongside extensive mapping has revealed Mammoth Cave to be the longest cave network in the world! This 426 mile long network is thought to be home to 14 different bat species, along with cave fish and salamanders. Multiple different types of fossils have also been revealed by the rock over time, including more than a dozen species of shark!
The cave acts as the epicentre of the park, but above the surface are trails with viewpoints, rivers to canoe, and tracks to mountain bike on. The National Park Service offers tours of the cave, with both short and long tours being available, as well as lantern tours and crawling tours for those more adventurous!
To the south of the park lies a sinkhole, Cedar Sink, and a small river, which highlight the complex geological composition of the park. Much of the rock below the surface is Mississippian limestone which is thought to be around 350 million years old. Visitors to the park are asked not to touch the rock where possible in order to prevent it from eroding. The majority of people arrive at the visitor centre and explore the area around the Historic Entrance. But for those looking to spend more time in the park and experience a little more isolation, more trails exist towards the north side of the park.
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Can't miss
NPS Cave Tours
A must for any visitor to Mammoth Cave, the national park service offers various tours that allow you to explore beneath the surface of Kentucky. Even then it's hard to comprehend the amazing size of this cave network! Tickets are required to enter the cave, and it's recommended to book in advance. Don't forget to bring a jacket!
Green River
A tributary of the Ohio River, the Green River winds through the national park, providing a great opportunity for those looking to kayak or canoe. Trips are also offered through the late spring and summer months which is a great way to explore more of the beautiful scenery!
Mammoth Cave Railroad Route
This gravel biking and hiking trail is set up along the remains of a railway line that became disused in 1931. Nine miles long and located in the south of the park, it extends up to the main hub of the park where the No. 4 engine that used to operate on the line can be seen. Some of the trail can be steep but there are scenic overlooks to stop with your e-bike!
Explore the park
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Anytime! Tours of the cave run all year around!
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