Mammoth Cave National Park
National Park · Kentucky

Mammoth Cave National Park

Photo: John Manard · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Mammoth Cave protects more than 400 miles of mapped passages, plus forests and rivers above ground. You explore the cave on ranger-led tours, from easy walks to lantern tours and crawling Wild Cave trips, and above ground there are trails and canoeing on the Green River. Book cave tours ahead, as popular ones sell out weeks in advance.

Good to know

Tickets
There is no entry fee. Cave tours are ticketed and sold on Recreation.gov. Check nps.gov for current prices.
Time needed
1 day for one or two cave tours; 2 days to add hiking or paddling.
Best time
Any time of year, since the cave stays cool. Spring and fall are quieter than summer.
Getting there
Mammoth Cave is about 30 minutes from Cave City off I-65. Nashville International Airport is about 1.5 hours away by car; Louisville is similar.

Where to stay nearby

Gateway towns with hotels and food, close to the park entrances:
Mammoth Cave, Kentucky
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Mammoth Cave National Park questions

Do I need to book Mammoth Cave tours in advance?

Yes, booking is strongly advised. Tickets go on sale up to 6 months ahead on Recreation.gov and summer tours often sell out.

Which Mammoth Cave tour is best?

The Historic Tour and Domes and Dripstones are the classics. Choose the Frozen Niagara tour for an easy, short option.

Where should I stay near Mammoth Cave?

The Lodge at Mammoth Cave is inside the park. Cave City and Bowling Green have more hotels nearby.

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