About Mammoth Cave
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.
Things to do: Astronomy · Stargazing · Biking · Boating · Camping · Backcountry Camping · Canoe or Kayak Camping · Car or Front Country Camping · Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use) · Group Camping · RV Camping · Caving · Fishing · Freshwater Fishing
Trails
Mammoth Cave has roughly 85 named trails. Log the one you hiked in the app — or just the park if you're not sure.
Camping
Approximately 111 campsites across the park's campgrounds. Reservations are strongly recommended in peak season (April – October).
Best time to visit
Peak season: April – October. The park is open year-round, though some roads and facilities close or run reduced hours in winter.
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).
Getting there
Nearest city: Bowling Green, KY. Park center: 37.190°, -86.100°.
DO NOT FOLLOW YOUR GPS! From the North: Take Interstate 65 to Exit 53 (Cave City Exit). Turn right onto KY-70. Follow 70/255 as it becomes the Mammoth Cave Parkway in the park. Follow the Mammoth Cave Parkway to the Visitor Center. From the South: Take Interstate 65 to Exit 48 (Park City Exit). Turn left onto KY-255 and follow 255 as it becomes the Park City Road into the park.
Follow Park City Road until it joins the Mammoth Cave Parkway; turn left. Follow the Mammoth Cave Parkway to the Visitor Center.
Common questions
How much does it cost to visit Mammoth Cave National Park?
Entry is Free. An America the Beautiful annual pass covers entrance fees at every national park.
When is the best time to visit Mammoth Cave?
Peak season is April – October. The park is open year-round, with some roads and facilities on reduced winter schedules. 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.
Can you camp in Mammoth Cave National Park?
Yes — about 111 campsites across the park's campgrounds. Reserve ahead in peak season.
What is the closest city to Mammoth Cave National Park?
Bowling Green, KY is the nearest major city. DO NOT FOLLOW YOUR GPS! From the North: Take Interstate 65 to Exit 53 (Cave City Exit). Turn right onto KY-70. Follow 70/255 as it becomes the Mammoth Cave Parkway in the park. Follow the Mammoth Cave Parkway to the Visitor Center. From the South: Take Interstate 65 to Exit 48 (Park City Exit). Turn left onto KY-255 and follow 255 as it becomes the Park City Road into the park.
Plan your trip
The practical bits, so more of the weekend goes to the trail.