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Best trails in Mammoth Cave National Park

Best trails in Mammoth Cave National Park

4.2(14,582 reviews)

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United States
#39 of 60 national parks

Mammoth Cave National Park in west-central Kentucky is famous for its namesake cave. Mammoth Cave is the longest cave system in the world. It has more than %{400_miles} of interlinking passageways, and that only includes what's been mapped! The cave is home to unusual formations and several unique species. If you've toured the cave before, there's still more to explore! The park's wooded surface trails are worth a visit in their own right, and we've picked some of our favorites.

While most visitors come to tour the cave, there's a lot to do above ground! Mammoth Cave has %{18_miles} of frontcountry trails and more than %{60_miles} of backcountry trails. The trails are a great way to learn about the area's history, explore geological features like sinkholes, and enjoy the beautiful forests of Kentucky. The park has short, family-friendly trails, longer day hikes, and mountain biking trails. Plus, dogs are allowed on all surface trails, so you can bring your furry friend with you!

Mammoth Cave National Park is open 24 hours a day, year-round. The park is great to visit in any season, with summer and early fall being the most popular. Although some services may be limited in the winter, the season brings some quiet and solitude, which makes for pleasant hiking.

There is no fee to enter the park or to hike the surface trails. However, there are fees to tour the cave, camp in the park, or reserve a picnic shelter. If you want to visit the cave, a reservation is required. We recommend booking your cave tour in advance, especially during the summer and early fall.

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Visitor info

Hours & contact
Open 24 hours
Passes & fees
No fee required
Accessibility
General park hours
Every day • Open 24 hours
Phone
(270) 758-2180
Entrance fee

There is no fee to enter Mammoth Cave National Park. However, there are fees associated with cave tours, camping, and shelter rentals. For detailed information related to the fees for these activities, please visit our Fees and Passes webpage.

Entrance pass

The park accepts the America the Beautiful Interagency Senior LIfetime and Senior Annual Passes, as well as, the Access Pass. These passes will provide a 50% discount on cave tour tickets for the cardholder only. The passes will also provide a 50% discount for camping provided the reservation is in the cardholder's name. No discounts are provided for shelters.

Annual pass
All U.S. national parks

Join millions of people who enjoy our National Parks with the "America the Beautiful" National Park & Federal Recreational Lands Pass, otherwise known as the Interagency Annual Pass. The pass is valid for a year's worth of visits from the month of purchase at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country.

$80
Purchase pass
Overview

Mammoth Cave National Park does not charge an entrance fee, but the Interagency Access Pass allows pass holders to receive a 50% discount on other park amenities, such as camping.

The Visitor Center and Caver's Camp Store are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and have wheelchair accessible restrooms. Orientation films include closed captioning.

Assistive listening devices, audio descriptions, tactile exhibits, and Braille and text materials are available. Some ranger-led programs are wheelchair accessible, and assistive listening devices and ASL interpreters are available by reservation. Please call (270) 758-2417 at least 2 weeks in advance to make a reservation for interpretation services.

Additional information about accessibility at Mammoth Cave National Park can be found on their website: https://www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.

Facilities

The Visitor Center and Caver's Camp Store are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and have wheelchair accessible restrooms. Orientation films include closed captioning.

The Lodge at Mammoth Cave has wheelchair accessible rooms.

The Mammoth Cave, Echo River Springs Trailhead, and Sloan’s Pond Crossing Trailhead Picnic Areas are wheelchair accessible with packed, level paths and surfaces.

Camping

Mammoth Cave Campground has 2 individual wheelchair accessible camping sites (#37 and #38).

Service animals

Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park.

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Mammoth Cave National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Mammoth Cave National Park is Green River Bluff, Echo River Springs, Sinkhole and Heritage Trail, which has a 4.5 star rating from 2,828 reviews. This trail is 4.4 mi long with an elevation gain of 557 ft.

What is the longest trail in Mammoth Cave National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Mammoth Cave National Park is First Creek, McCoy Hollow, and Wet Prong Loop. This trail is estimated to be 16.4 mi long.

How many trails are in Mammoth Cave National Park?

There are 40 trails in Mammoth Cave National Park.These trails have an average 4.2-star ratingfrom NaN AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Mammoth Cave National Park?

First Creek, McCoy Hollow, and Wet Prong Loop has the most elevation gain with 1,879 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Mammoth Creek First Creek Trail, which has 1,656 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Mammoth Cave National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 11 camping trails in Mammoth Cave National Park and the most popular is Green River Bluff, Echo River Springs, Sinkhole and Heritage Trail with an average 4.5 star rating from 2,828 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Mammoth Cave National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 22 running trails in Mammoth Cave National Park and the most popular is Green River Bluff, Echo River Springs, Sinkhole and Heritage Trail with an average 4.5 star rating from 2,828 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in Mammoth Cave National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 5 biking trails in Mammoth Cave National Park and the most popular is Mammoth Cave Rail Trail with an average 4.5 star rating from 508 community reviews.

What are the best summer hikes in Mammoth Cave National Park?

What are the best winter hikes in Mammoth Cave National Park?

What are the best spring hikes in Mammoth Cave National Park?

Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Mammoth Cave National Park?

Yes, there is one trail with a scenic mountain peak view in Mammoth Cave National Park: Nolin and Green Rivers Paddle.

Are there any trails with cliffs in Mammoth Cave National Park?

Yes, there is one trail with a cliff in Mammoth Cave National Park: Cedar Sink Trail.

Are there any trails with rivers in Mammoth Cave National Park?

Yes, there are 10 trails with rivers in Mammoth Cave National Park, including Collie Ridge Loop, Maple Springs, Raymer Hollow Trail, and Mill Branch Trail Loop, Wet Prong Trail, Blair Spring Trail, and Raymer Hollow Trail.

Are there any trails with caves in Mammoth Cave National Park?

Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Mammoth Cave National Park?

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