Parks / Mammoth Cave National Park
Mammoth Cave National Park
National Park · KY
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.
Official NPS page →Current Alerts (3)
Elevator for Accessible Tour Out of Service
Due to mechanical issues with the cave elevator, the Accessible Tour is currently unavailable. Please check back for updates or call the visitor center at (270) 758-2180.
Temporary Closure of Select Trails for Rehabilitation Project
The Old Guides Trail, Heritage Trail, Sunset Point Trail and areas of the Sinkhole Trail are currently closed due to a trail rehabilitation project.
Tickets are required to enter Mammoth Cave
Reservations are strongly recommended. Reservations are the only way to ensure a spot is available for your party. Please plan accordingly by visiting Recreation.gov to secure your tickets in advance. Availability of walk-up tickets is not guaranteed.
Entrance Fees
This park is fee-free.
Campgrounds (3)
Houchin Ferry Campground
The Houchin Ferry Campground lies next to the Green River at the former location of the Houchin Ferry. This campground is operated year-round and is located 15 miles from the Visitor Center and two miles east of Brownsville, KY. For campers who like it simple, these 12 tent-only campsites afford a quiet visit with drive-up access.
Mammoth Cave Campground
The Mammoth Cave Campground is ideal for visitors seeking an authentic national park experience while still having easy access to amenities, cave tours, and other park activities. This developed campground is located within ¼ mile from the visitor center and contains 111 primitive campsites with a mixture of tent only sites, group sites, tent or RV sites, and accessible sites. Rangers on duty in the campground kiosk are happy to provide information to make your stay a special adventure.
Maple Springs Group Campground
Maple Springs Group Campground lies on the park's north side, six miles from the visitor center and three miles north of Green River Ferry. This campground offers more secluded sites ideal for larger groups of campers and their horse companions. All sites have electric and water hookups for RVs. This campground is a natural launching-point for forays along the more than 70 miles of backcountry trails in Mammoth Cave National Park.
Things to Do
Attend a Ranger-led Program
Attending a ranger-led program in the park is a great way to discover new things and learn more about the Mammoth Cave National Park.
Become a Mammoth Cave Junior Ranger
Do you want to explore, learn about, and protect Mammoth Cave? If so, become a Mammoth Cave Junior Ranger! The Junior Ranger activity book is appropriate for all ages and is a great way to get more in-depth knowledge about the world’s longest cave and to learn about the natural wonders of the park.
Cave Tours
Join a ranger as you discover the complex history and intricate geology of the worlds longest cave system.
Dennison Ferry to Green River Ferry
This popular river trip takes paddlers from the Dennison Ferry Day Use Area to the Green River Ferry.
Explore the park on Horseback
Mammoth Cave National Park is an exceptional destination for anyone who loves to see the world from the back of a horse.
Explore Wildflowers at Cedar Sink
Stunning rock faces, cave springs, and geological panoramas, you will experience a wide array of seasonal wildflowers and biodiversity.
Green River Ferry to Houchin Ferry
This longer section of the Green River is less traveled then the popular Dennison Ferry to Green River Ferry trip.
Houchin Ferry to Brownsville
This short trip travels along the Green River from Houchin Ferry inside Mammoth Cave National Park to the former site of Lock and Dam #6 or the Brownsville boat ramp.
Mammoth Cave Railroad Bike and Hike Trail
Originally opened in 1886 the Mammoth Cave Railroad brought early tourists to Mammoth Cave and other neighboring caves in the area. Today, a portion of the path of the former Mammoth Cave Railroad has been converted into a 9-mile hike and bike trail.
Nolin River Dam to Houchin Ferry
This trip starts at the Tailwater Recreation Area below the Nolin River Dam north of the park.
Planning Your River Trip
Over 30 miles of the Green and Nolin Rivers trace through the Mammoth Cave National Park and offer a wealth of recreational opportunities.
Ride the Big Hollow Trail
Explore the north side of the park on your mountain bike on the only mountain bike trail in the park.
River Safety and Regulations
Safety is your responsibility. Follow these tips for a safe and enjoyable river trip.
Road Biking
For visitors wishing to travel to Mammoth Cave National Park on two wheels instead of four, the park roadways offer miles of scenic and forested landscape to enjoy on the ride.
See the Stars
Since prehistoric times, humans have looked up at the night sky and pondered the wonders of the universe. People have used the stars and planets to navigate, keep track of time, and to connect with other cultures. Regardless of your reason, Mammoth Cave National Park provides an ideal place for stargazing.
Take a Ridge-top Walk to Sunset Point
Visitors to Mammoth Cave National Park Marvel over the Green River Valley while visiting the popular overlook, Sunset Point.
Viewing Park Wildlife
Mammoth Cave is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life ranging from rare exotic cave species to more common woodland creatures. While viewing wildlife can be a highlight of any park visit, it is important to remember that animals in the park are wild. Precautions must be taken to keep not only you, but the wildlife safe.
Visitor Centers
- Mammoth Cave Visitor Center
Webcams
Source: National Park Service.