Mammoth Cave National Park

Mammoth Cave National Park preserves the world's longest known cave system, with over 426 miles (686 km) of surveyed passageways in south-central Kentucky. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve, the park draws nearly two million visitors annually to explore its extraordinary underground labyrinth. The cave is approximately 15 million years old, and humans have visited it for roughly 4,000 years, though it was only discovered by Europeans in 1797.

Above ground, the park encompasses 53,000 acres of hardwood forest along the Green River, offering hiking, boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The park is home to over 1,300 plant species and more than 130 cave-dwelling species. Kentucky's moderate climate means warm, humid summers with highs in the upper 80s to low 90s°F (31-33°C) and cool winters in the 30s-40s°F (0-9°C). Spring is the rainiest season with an average of 46 inches (116 cm) of precipitation annually. The cave interior stays a constant 54°F (12°C). The park is on Central Time.

By Plane

The nearest commercial airports are Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF), about 90 miles north, and Nashville International Airport (BNA), about 95 miles south. Both are approximately 1.5 hours by car.

By Car / Road

Most visitors access the park from two roadways with interchanges on Interstate 65: KY 255 near Park City and KY 70 near Cave City. KY 70 also enters the park from the west near Brownsville. No entrance fee is charged to enter the park. The drive from Louisville is about 90 minutes; from Nashville, about 1.5 hours.

Cave tours depart from the park visitor center, which is the central hub. There is no public transportation in the area, including taxi service. A personal vehicle is necessary to reach the park and navigate within it. The visitor center sits just up the hill from the cave's Historic Entrance.

• Mammoth Cave Visitor Center — The starting point for all cave tours, offering exhibits, ranger talks, and access to the Historic Entrance via a paved trail.

• Cedar Sink — A massive sinkhole accessed by a one-mile trail. A sinking river flows at the bottom, with stairs to descend and explore.

• Sand Cave — A short trail leads to the cave where Floyd Collins became trapped in January 1925, an event that helped inspire the creation of the national park.

• Turnhole Bend — A half-mile loop trail leading to a scenic overlook of the Green River.

• Domes and Dripstones Tour — Offered daily year-round. A 2-hour, 3/4-mile tour through dramatic domes and pits. Approximately 500 steps. $12.

• Frozen Niagara Tour — Offered daily year-round. A 1.25-hour, quarter-mile tour visiting the most highly-decorated area including the massive "Frozen Niagara" formation. $10.

• Historic Tour — Offered daily year-round. A 2-hour, 2-mile tour through the natural entrance covering Fat Man's Misery, old mining areas, and Mammoth Dome. $12.

• Mammoth Cave Railroad Bike & Hike Trail — A 9-mile trail following the former railroad right-of-way from the Mammoth Cave Hotel to Park City.

• Boating and Fishing — The Green River offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing within the park.

The Mammoth Cave Lodge Restaurant is the only public food service within the park, ☎+1 270-758-2225. Outside the park, fast-food restaurants are available in Cave City (McDonald's, Burger King, KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, Dairy Queen) and family-style restaurants. More dining options are in Glasgow (25 miles east) and Bowling Green (40 miles south).

Edmonson County is "dry," though nearby Barren County allows liquor sales county-wide. Cave City, Glasgow, and Bowling Green are the nearest cities where full liquor sales are permitted.

Budget: Mammoth Cave Campground offers 111 sites at $20/night (single), $25 (group), $50 (VIP RV) — open seasonally, reservations available. Houchin Ferry Campground has 12 primitive sites. Mid-range: Mammoth Cave Lodge offers 42 standard rooms starting at $92/night in summer, with cottages from $38. The lodge is across a footbridge from the visitor center. Upscale: National chain motels in Cave City and Park City offer a range of options; cabins and B&Bs are minutes from the park.

A gift shop at the visitor center and a store at the Mammoth Cave Hotel offer gifts, snacks, and basic supplies.

• Cave City (10 min north) — Gateway town with attractions including Diamond Caverns and Dinosaur World.
• Bowling Green (40 min south) — Kentucky's third-largest city with the National Corvette Museum.
• Cumberland Falls State Resort Park (1.5 hrs southeast) — Famous waterfall and moonbow viewing.
• Nashville, Tennessee (1.5 hrs south) — Music City with world-class entertainment and dining.