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When you think about East Coast national parks, only a few probably come to mind. Most of the big names are out West. But you might remember the Everglades, Acadia, and Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
But one often forgotten national treasure is in Kentucky: Mammoth Cave National Park. This park welcomed over 663,000 visitors. From 1966 to 2005, more than a million people flocked to this national park each year. Let’s learn more about Mammoth Cave and if it’s worth adding to your road trip itinerary!
Pro Tip: While in Kentucky, make sure you also check out Red River Gorge. Read Red River Gorge Camping: Tips you Should Know for more information!
Where Is Mammoth Cave National Park?
Mammoth Cave National Park is Kentucky’s only national park. It’s northeast of Bowling Green off I-65 in the west-central part of the state. The Tennessee border is about an hour south, and Louisville is about 90 minutes north. The northern boundary of the national park is the Tailwater Recreation Area, while the southern entrance is off Highways 255 and 31W.
When Did Mammoth Cave National Park Become A National Park?
The cave system of was officially protected on July 1, 1941. It was the 26th national park in the U.S. In 1981, Mammoth Cave National Park became a World Heritage Site; in 1990, it was named an International Biosphere Reserve; and in 2021, it was designated an International Dark Sky Park.
What’s So Special About Mammoth Cave National Park?
Mammoth Cave National Park protects over 400 miles of explored passageways, making it the world’s longest-known cave system. Various bat species like the Indiana, gray, little brown, big brown, and tricolored bat live here.
But the park not only preserves this underground world. It also protects the forested landscape and Green and Nolin Rivers. A rich diversity of animal and plant life calls Mammoth Cave National Park home.
3 Most Popular Attractions In Mammoth Cave National Park
Kentucky is home to nine national park units but only one national park. We enjoy Mammoth Cave National Park because of its uniqueness. Most national park sites on the eastern side of the U.S. are historical since this is where early Europeans settled and where the Revolutionary and Civil Wars were fought. But Mammoth Cave offers a totally different experience! Here are our suggestions for what you should do when you visit.
1. Book A Cave Tour
The main attraction is the cave system. However, you’re not free to explore on your own. You need to book a ranger-guided tour before arriving. We highly recommend booking your tour weeks in advance as they sell out. Tour dates and times constantly change, so check the website for the most updated information.
Nineteen tours are available during certain times of the year. Choose from options like the Gothic Avenue Tour, which is ideal for tourists interested in the history of the cave system and the people who visited here long ago, or the Frozen Niagara Tour, which is perfect for people who can’t walk very far and need a shorter tour.
2. Paddle the Park’s Rivers
Mammoth Cave National Park protects 30 miles of the Green and Nolin Rivers. These rivers are part of the Green and Nolin Rivers Blueway, a National Water Trail. Paddlers can put in at Dennison Ferry, Green River Ferry, or Houchin Ferry on the south side of the Green River.
If you don’t have a canoe or kayak, Caveland Kayak and Canoe, Green River Canoeing, and Mammoth Cave Canoe and Kayak are outfitters operating in the national park. For paddlers also interested in camping, you can stay overnight on the islands, in the floodplain, or by the river at the Houchin Ferry Campground.
3. Enjoy the Mammoth Cave Railroad Bike and Hike Trail
Visitors who prefer land to water will enjoy the Mammoth Cave Railroad Bike and Hike Trail. This 9-mile trail consists of a portion of the former Mammoth Cave Railroad that operated from 1886 to 1931. Along the route are historic sites, interpretive waysides, and scenic overlooks. Bikers and hikers can explore the landscape, enjoy nature, and learn more about the park’s history along this trail.
On October 28, 2021, Mammoth Cave National Park was named an International Dark Sky Park. While it’s dark and damp inside the cave system, it’s also dark above ground due to the lack of light pollution in this area of Kentucky. We recommend joining a ranger for a night sky program during your visit.
The park provides telescopes, and visitors can see planets, stars, and the moon. Kids can become a Junior Ranger Night Explorer in addition to earning their standard Junior Ranger badge. These night sky programs are offered at different times during the year, so check the park’s calendar for the latest schedule.
Best Places For Camping Near Mammoth Cave National Park
Several options are available inside the national park. For people wanting to stay as close as possible, these are the best options. Three front country campgrounds are near the visitor center. Mammoth Cave Campground offers 111 primitive campsites. Two VIP sites have full hookups.
Maple Springs Campground offers seven water and electric campsites for group camping. It’s more secluded than Mammoth Cave Campground. The Houchin Ferry Campground is only for tent campers. It’s about 15 miles from the visitor center.
If you prefer a backcountry site, there are 13 designated locations in the park, including riverside camping. All camping in the backcountry and along the rivers requires a $10 permit that can be purchased on Recreation.gov.
Is Visiting Mammoth Cave National Park Worth It?
The visitor center showcases the cave system’s geology and history and highlights the area’s animal and plant life. This is the best place to start your journey at Mammoth Cave National Park. Here, you can also ask park rangers questions, get the latest weather information, and obtain park maps and hiking trail information.
We also love the outdoor recreation at this Kentucky national park. It’s not just about touring the caves, although that’s super interesting and a must-do during your visit. There are also hiking, biking, fishing, paddling, boating, horseback riding, and stargazing opportunities. We believe that Mammoth Cave National Park is for everyone!
Have you visited this Southern treasure yet?
