National Park

Mammoth Cave National Park

Mammoth Cave · Kentucky

Overview

About Mammoth Cave National Park.

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.

AstronomyStargazingBikingBoatingCampingBackcountry CampingCanoe or Kayak CampingCar or Front Country CampingHorse CampingGroup CampingRV CampingCaving

Weather

Kentucky has a moderate climate with warm, yet moist conditions. Summers average in the high 80s; winters average in the low 40s. Southern Kentucky, where Mammoth Cave is located, receives the highest average precipitation for the state, about 50 inches per year, mostly in spring. Winter can bring mild to moderate snow and ice. Storms happen year-round, and can include tornadoes and flooding in low-lying areas, but severe weather is infrequent. The temperature deep in the cave is a constant 54°F (12°C).

Key Facts

TypeNational Park

DesignationNational Park

Official Website

Gallery

Photos of Mammoth Cave National Park.

7 images

Things to do

Discover Mammoth Cave National Park.

A ranger talks to two park visitors near a historic train

Attend a Ranger-led Program

10-60 Minutes

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.

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A plastic junior ranger badge sitting on a ranger hat

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.

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A large cave passage with a paved trail on the right side.

Cave Tours

1-6 Hours

Join a ranger as you discover the complex history and intricate geology of the worlds longest cave system.

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Dennison Ferry to Green River Ferry

150-240 Minutes

This popular river trip takes paddlers from the Dennison Ferry Day Use Area to the Green River Ferry.

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Two people on horseback cross a small stream

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.

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Explore Wildflowers at Cedar Sink

45-60 Minutes

Stunning rock faces, cave springs, and geological panoramas, you will experience a wide array of seasonal wildflowers and biodiversity.

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Two people carrying a red kayak down to the river

Green River Ferry to Houchin Ferry

4-6 Hours

This longer section of the Green River is less traveled then the popular Dennison Ferry to Green River Ferry trip.

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Houchin Ferry to Brownsville

90-120 Minutes

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.

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A young man rides a bike alone on a gravel trail.

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.

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What visitors say