Be sure to check out the Southeast Region page for other ideas around the best things to do in Mammoth Cave National Park!
*Last updated March 17, 2024
Best Things to Do in Mammoth Cave National Park
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How Long to Stay at Mammoth Cave National Park
We spent a few hours doing the historic tour, since that was the only tour offered during covid protocol. If you were looking to do multiple tours or some of the above-ground hikes, you could spend a couple of days exploring.
Mammoth Cave National Park
Mammoth Cave National Park is home to the longest known cave system in the world! Located about a 90 minute drive south of Louisville, Kentucky, it would be a great stop if you are in the area. In addition to touring the cave, the is also hiking trails available.
Cave Tours
Our family went in March of 2021, while the park was still under pandemic precautions. Furthermore, this included masking in the cave and all guided tours were canceled. The only option was to do the self-guided tour of the historic entrance. However, there were a few park rangers inside to answer questions.
Currently, the cave is currently back up to normal scheduling. This includes about 8 or so different tours so I am hoping we can get back soon to try a different tour.
Historic Cave Tour and Entrance
The historic tour beings with the historic entrance and a series of stairs that descend into the cave. Additionally, the tour includes the commercial uses of the cave (gunpowder mining) as well as some attempted medical uses (which did not work out well).
However, the historic part of the cave doesn’t really have much in the way of cave features if that is what you want. That means no stalactites, stalagmites, columns, etc.
Hiking Trails
Additionally, there is hiking trails above ground that you might consider in addition to your cave tours.
- Visitor Center Trails
- Green River Bluffs Overlook (1.4 miles)
- Echo River Spring Trail (2.2 miles)
- Cedar Sink Trail (1.5 miles)
Also Consider Nearby
Check out some of the other sights in the Southeast Region. Also, consider visiting Louisville, Cincinnati, Nashville, Great Smoky Mountain NP or visit the Bourbon Trail.