Mammoth Cave National Park
Overview
With over 400 miles of labyrinthine cave systems to explore, Mammoth Cave National Park lives up to its name. Mammoth Cave's subterranean system is the largest known cave system in the world and one of America's earliest tourist attractions. For more than 2,000 years, humans have been exploring the depths of these marvelous caves, some to satisfy curiosity and others to mine for precious minerals. The complexities of this cave system and its long history have been well preserved, and stepping into the grand caverns and gloomy labyrinths is like to stepping into the past.
To learn more about Mammoth Cave National Park, visit www.nps.gov.
Local Info
While the park is open 24 hours a day year round, the Visitor Center is subject to seasonal closures. Check the park's website for current hours of operation.
Visiting Tips
Fees & Passes:
There is no entry fee for Mammoth Cave National Park. Most of the resources available within the park are offered free of charge. Various cave tours are offered at an additional cost, and it is recommended that you make a reservation before you visit. For more information about tour fees and making reservations, click here.
Camping & Lodging
There are three campgrounds that operate within Mammoth Cave National Park, in addition to more than a dozen primitive backcountry campsites. A permit is required for backcountry camping and can be procured at the Visitor Center. Reservations are recommended at the Mammoth Cave and Maple Springs campgrounds. Campsites at Houchin Ferry are available on a first come, first served basis.
- Mammoth Cave Campground: Group sites are available.
- Houchin Ferry Campground
- Maple Springs Equestrian Campground: Group sites are available.
Lodging:
Lodging is available at the Mammoth Cave Hotel, as well as its affiliate locations. Reservations can be made online or by calling (877) 386-4383.
Food & Drink
The Mammoth Cave Hotel operates three restaurants in season and a Camp Store that provides a limited amount of supplies as well as groceries for campers. More information about dining options at the Mammoth Cave Hotel can be found here.
Other Activities
Maps & Guidebooks
Gems in Mammoth Cave National Park - 3
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Recommended Routes in Mammoth Cave National Park - 5
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![Downed tree and fog made for a great early morning run experience.](https://trailrunproject.com/assets/photos/hike/7018041_smallMed_1554830256.jpg?cache=1725685716)
Mammoth Cave Visitor Center Loop
6.5 mi 10.4 km • 831' Up 253.4 m Up • 831' Down 253.41 m Down
![Photo taken from the observation deck on the Turnhole Bend Trail in May 2016.](https://trailrunproject.com/assets/photos/hike/7018800_smallMed_1554832050.jpg?cache=1725685732)
Turnhole Bend Nature Trail
0.6 mi 0.9 km • 125' Up 38.24 m Up • 125' Down 38.1 m Down
![Great light makes for a beautiful run on the Buffalo Creek Trail.](https://trailrunproject.com/assets/photos/hike/7027958_smallMed_1554917282.jpg?cache=1725685945)
Sal Hollow & Buffalo Creek Loop
10.8 mi 17.4 km • 863' Up 263.15 m Up • 885' Down 269.69 m Down
Mammoth Cave National Park Running
- 76 Miles 122 Kilometers of Trail
- 5 Recommended Routes
- 3 Gems
- 24
Easy Trails
- 33
Intermediate Trails
- 1
Difficult Trail
Areas Within Mammoth Cave National Park
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Trails in Mammoth Cave National Park - 53
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0.6
mi
1.0
km
#1Two Springs Trail
Brownsville, KY
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Brownsville, KY |
7
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1.0
mi
1.6
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#2Cedar Sink Trail
Brownsville, KY
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Brownsville, KY |
13
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0.6
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1.0
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#3Bluffs Campsite Access Trail
Brownsville, KY
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Brownsville, KY |
6
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0.7
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1.1
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#4Echo River Spring Trail
Brownsville, KY
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Brownsville, KY |
2
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1.4
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2.3
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#5Green River Bluffs Trail
Brownsville, KY
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Brownsville, KY |
7
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1.0
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1.7
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#6Sinkhole Trail
Brownsville, KY
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Brownsville, KY |
6
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0.5
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0.8
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#7River Styx Spring Trail
Brownsville, KY
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Brownsville, KY |
9
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8.8
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14.2
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#8Mammoth Cave Railroad Trail
Brownsville, KY
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Brownsville, KY |
2
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2.8
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4.6
km
#9Mill Branch Trail
Brownsville, KY
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Brownsville, KY |
1
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2.5
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4.1
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#10South Loop
Brownsville, KY
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Brownsville, KY |
1
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Photos of Mammoth Cave National Park - 160
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