The Ultimate Travel Guide To Mammoth Cave National Park

On my road trip back home I stopped to explore the longest known cave system in the world: Mammoth Cave National Park! Located in southeastern Kentucky, this natural wonder has over 400 miles of explored area. It became a National Park on July 1st, 1941, a World Heritage Site in 1981 + an International Biosphere Reserve in 1990. Mammoth Cave was discovered nearly 4,000 years ago by Native Americans who used the cave for the next 2,000 years. In the 1790s settlers “rediscovered” the cave + in 1816 tours began.

After descending hundreds of stairs into the deep dark underground abyss, I realized how amazing it is that so many different types of species thrive there. The vastness of the cave + the history of those who ventured there sparked my curiosity of what is yet to be explored. How many other species + findings are still hidden amongst this subterranean labyrinth? It’s an interesting place for sure + I highly advise a visit!

EXPLORE THE CAVE

There’s no entrance fee to the park, but in order to explore the cave you must go on a tour! Mammoth Cave offers over 10 tours covering a variety of different experiences. I’ve featured 5 of the most popular tours below:

Frozen Niagara Tour

Duration: 1 1/4 hours

Distance: 1/4 mile

Stairs: 12 (+ an optional 98)

Difficulty: Easy

Compared to other tours the Frozen Niagara is shorter in time + distance. You walk through a gorgeous section of the cave that has dripstone formations; it showcases the beauty of Mammoth Cave perfectly!

Historic Tour

Duration: 2 hours

Distance: 2 miles

Total Stairs: 440

Difficulty: Moderate

This tour is for all the history lovers! It features significant spots in Mammoth Cave where historical figures of the 1800s + early 1900s have visited. What an experience it is, to be in the very place where these historical encounters took place!

Domes + Dripstones Tour

Duration: 2 hours

Distance: 3/4 mile

Total Stairs: 500

Difficulty: Moderate

I went on this tour when I visited + had so much fun! It contains domes + pits, large truck passageways, + dripstone formations. This tour also covers the area seen in the Frozen Niagara Tour. I had such a lovely time listening to our guide’s stories, both personal + about the cave. She was very passionate about her work + conservation!

Violet City Lantern Tour

Duration: 3 hours

Distance: 3 miles

Total Stairs: 160 ( + multiple hills)

Difficulty: Strenuous

If you ever wanted to experience how some of the early explorers journeyed through the cave, this tour is for you! Guided only by the light of your lantern, walk through the cave while your tour guide tells stories from the past!

*Note: only visitors age 16 or older may carry lanterns

Grand Avenue Tour

Age Limit: 6 and over

Duration: 4 hours

Distance: 4 miles

Total Stairs: 700

Difficulty: Very Strenuous

If you go to Mammoth Cave for an action-packed adventure, the Grand Avenue tour is the perfect fit! 4 hours of splendid spelunking will help you understand even further just how great + mysterious this cave can be! Your guide will teach you about the cultural + natural history as you meander through gypsum lined passages, tight canyons, + hills. This also covers areas found in the Domes + Dripstones Tour!

Interested in other available tours? Check them out here.

SPEND TIME OUTSIDE

In addition to the awesome cave tours, there’s also many outdoor recreation activities. On the Green River + Nolin River you can go boating, canoeing, kayaking, swimming + more! There’s also approximately 84 miles of hiking trails, several campgrounds to choose from, + opportunities to go horseback riding!

TIPS TO KNOW

To play it safe, book your tour before you go. Tours can fill up quickly + many people book months in advance!
Bring water, hiking shoes, bug spray, + sunscreen for happy hiking!
Flash photography, strollers, tripods, large backpacks, or child backpack carriers are not permitted in Mammoth Cave

CONSERVATION

White Nose Syndrome is a disease that is killing millions of bats in the United States. To prevent the spread of this disease in Mammoth Cave, all adventurers must walk on biosecurity mats after the tour is completed.

Mammoth Cave is special not only because it of its expansive cave system, but also because of the delicate ecological community. There are 130 animal species that call the cave home. 70 species are considered either endangered, threatened, or state listed. Mammoth Cave National Park protects these incredible diverse cave dwellers!

Lastly + as always please leave no trace to keep Mammoth Cave beautiful! Have fun spelunking!