Mammoth CaveNational Park

Ranger-led programs and cave tour route availability and times change depending on the season. Before arriving at the park or trying to reserve tickets for a tour, please review the tour schedule posted on our Cave Tours webpage to search for the dates of your trip. The park may not publish the complete schedule or variety of tours until 1 to 3 months prior to tour date.

NPS information imported 2026-10-17. Confirm current details at NPS

Ready. Set. Tour!

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

A journey into Mammoth Cave on a guided cave tour is an essential part of a visit to the park. Whether it is your first time to the park or your tenth, there are several things to consider when planning your trip.

To go into the cave, you must purchase a tour ticket.

Reservations for cave tour tickets are strongly recommended as they can sell out weeks in advance.

Cave tour options range from a fully wheelchair accessible tour to off-trail crawling tours. Be sure to fully read the tour descriptions before purchasing your tour tickets.

We are in the Central Time Zone.

Open Transcript

Welcome to Mammoth Cave National Park, home to the world's longest known cave system. Before you embark on your underground adventure, here are some helpful things to know before your cave tour. We highly recommend reserving your tour in advance @recreation.gov. There you can choose from a variety of tours based on distance, time, and difficulty. Be prepared for stairs. Many of our tours require climbing and descending several sets of stairs. Make sure to know what to expect on your tour. Some cave trails can be uneven. Wear sturdy shoes and watch your step on the rugged pathways. Some areas of the cave are tight and have low ceiling. You may need to duck or walk single file on your tour. It's all part of the underground experience. Cave temperatures are cool, averaging around 54°F. It's a good idea to bring a light jacket. Lighting in the cave is dim. Be aware if you have difficulty seeing in low light. Some tours require a short bus ride to different cave entrances. Make sure you're ready to board with your guide when your tour is ready to leave. All tours except the self-guided discovery Tour are led by a knowledgeable park ranger.

Make sure to follow your guide and stay with your group. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your tour to pick up your tickets and prepare for your tour at the visitor center. Only service animals are allowed on cave tours. You cannot bring weapons, flash photography back child carriers or large backpacks. We are excited to see you on your next mammoth cave adventure! For tours, schedules, and descriptions, visit nps.gov Smack aka see you in the cave.

Ready to discover the hidden wonders beneath the surface at Mammoth Cave National Park? Check out these helpful planning hints to make the most of your visit to world's longest cave system!

Plan Your Underground Adventure

Tour route availability and times change depending on the season. Before arriving at the park or trying to reserve tickets for a tour, please review the tour schedule for the dates of your trip. The park may not publish the complete schedule or variety of tours until 1 to 3 months prior to tour date. Read more about tour descriptions at the bottom of this page.

August 23 – October 3, 2026

Discovery Tour [Self-guided]

10:00 – 2:00 Friday – Sunday

Domes and Dripstones Tour

11:00, 12:45, 2:15, 2:45 Daily 10:00 Saturday

Extended Historic Tour

8:45, 4:00 Daily

Frozen Niagara Tour

9:00, 4:15 Daily 11:30 Saturday – Sunday

Gothic Avenue Tour

Grand Avenue Tour

Great Onyx Lantern Tour

10:00, 12:15 Daily 12:45, 3:15 Saturday

Mammoth Passage Tour

11:00, 1:15, 3:00 Monday – Thursday

River Styx Tour

Violet City Lantern Tour

2:00 Saturday – Sunday

October 4 – October 31, 2026

10:00 – 3:00 Friday – Sunday

11:00, 12:45, 2:15, 2:45 Daily 1:15, 4:00 Monday – Thursday 10:00 Saturday – Sunday

8:45, 4:15 Daily 11:30 Saturday – Sunday

1:45, 3:45 Daily

11:15, 3:30 Daily

10:00, 12:15 Daily 10:30 Monday – Thursday 12:45, 3:15 Saturday – Sunday

November 1 – November 14, 2026

10:00 – 2:00 Saturday

8:45, 9:45, 11:15, 12:00, 12:30, 2:30 Daily 3:00 Sunday

2:30 Daily 8:30 Friday – Sunday

9:15 Daily 11:45 Friday – Sunday 2:45 Saturday – Sunday

9:15, 2:15 Daily

9:30 Saturday – Sunday

10:00, 10:45, 11:45, 1:00, 3:00 Daily 1:30 Friday – Sunday

9:00, 3:15 Daily 11:00, 1:15 Sunday

November 15 – November 28, 2026

10:15, 11:15, 12:45 Daily 2:00 Saturday – Sunday

10:00, 1:00, 2:15 Daily 10:45 Saturday – Sunday

10:00, 12:45, 2:30 Daily

1:45 Thursday – Sunday

9:00 Daily 9:45, 11:45 Thursday – Sunday

November 29 – December 26, 2026

2:15 Daily 10:30 Saturday – Sunday

December 27, 2026 – February 28, 2027

Tour Reservations

Cave tours often sell out and reservations are strongly recommended. Reservations are the only way to ensure a spot on a tour is available for your party. Please plan accordingly by visiting Recreation.gov or calling 877-444-6777 to secure your tickets in advance. Availability of walk-up tickets for tours is not guaranteed.

Visit Recreation.gov To

Contact Recreation.gov

By Phone: (877) 444-6777 TDD (hearing impaired): (877) 833-6777 Online: www.recreation.gov Call Center Hours: 9:00 am - 9:00 pm Central Time

Cave Tour Cancellation Policy

Refunds will be processed if you cancel before your tour time and date. There will be $1 per ticket charge regardless the reason for the cancellation. Customers who cancel any tour after the reservation time and date or no-shows will forfeit the tour fee. For Wild Cave, Introduction to Caving, and Trog tours:

Cancellations made 10 or more days prior to the Tour Date will be no charge.

Cancellation made 10 days or less prior to the Tour Date will be charged the following amount per ticket: Wild Cave Tour: $12.00 Introduction to Caving Tour: $6.00 Trog Tour: $4.00

Wild Cave Tour: $12.00

Introduction to Caving Tour: $6.00

Trog Tour: $4.00

Know Before You Go

Things To Leave Behind

To ensure the safety of all visitors and the continued protection of Mammoth Cave the following items are not permitted on cave tours:

Flash photography (photography is allowed if the flash is turned off)

Child backpack carriers (front packs are permitted)

Strollers,Tripods/Monopods, Walking sticks (except canes used to assist visitors who would otherwise have difficulty walking)

Metal framed backpacks and backpacks that are higher than the shoulder or that are of a length that extends below the hips (i.e. large trekking backpacks)

Firearms or other weapons

Pets (Day use kennels at the Lodge at Mammoth Cave are available for rent. Proof of vaccination must be provided upon entering the kennel. Learn more about pets in the park .)

Mammoth Cave is for Everyone

During the spring and fall seasons the park is a very popular destination for school trips and other parties. As a result, your tour may include other group(s) of various ages.

Dress Appropriately

You may wish to bring a light jacket during your tour. Cave temperatures can vary widely near entrances (especially in winter), deep cave temperature is 54ºF (12ºC) while surface temperatures in the summer can exceed 90ºF (32ºC).

Cave Tour Accessibility

Visitors with limited mobility may find some cave tours too strenuous. Please review cave tour descriptions and consider your limitations when choosing a tour. For members of the deaf and hard of hearing community, assisted listening devices and sign language interpreter services are available with advanced arrangements. The park is committed to providing accessible options for all visitors. Learn more about accessibility in the park .

When traveling to the park for a cave tour, plan for adequate travel time to the visitor center to arrive around 30 minutes before the start of your scheduled tour. This will allow for time to find parking, pick up your physical paper tour tickets and time to use the restroom. Do not rely on your mobile GPS or web based mapping applications. These services often lead visitors off track onto routes requiring river crossings via ferry or onto narrow winding roads not suitable for large vehicles. More information about travel directions to the park are available.

White-nose Syndrome Alert

White-nose Syndrome has been confirmed in Mammoth Cave. All participants on cave tours must walk on bio-security mats immediately following the conclusion of their tour. No exceptions. Your assistance is required to slow the spread of this fungal disease affecting bats.

Explore All Tours

Mammoth Cave offers numerous cave tours throughout the year. The selection of tours changes seasonally and with staffing availability. You can read descriptions and learn more about these other cave tours before planning your trip to the park. Check back with our cave tour schedule or park calendar to see future offerings of these other cave tours.

Tour Route Photo Galleries

2 hours | 2 miles (3.2 km) | 540 stairs

2.25 hours | 2 miles (3.2 km) | 540 stairs

2.5 hours | 2.5 miles (4 km) | 600 stairs

2 hours | 1 miles (1.6 km) | 160 stairs

1.25 hours | 0.75 miles (1.2 km) | 135 stairs

0.5 hours | 0.75 miles (1.2 km) | 130 stairs

1.25 hours | 0.25 miles (0.4 km) | 64 stairs, optional 98 stairs

Domes & Dripstones Tour

2 hours | 0.75 miles (1.2 km) | 638 stairs

Wondering Woods

NPS information imported 2026-10-17. Confirm current details at NPS

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. The park offers a variety of ranger-led programs such as cave tours and programs on the surface like talks, walks, and junior ranger activities. All surface programs are offered free of charge, however, there is a fee for cave tours. Be sure to check the current program and event schedule for the dates of your visit to the park to see what programs are available.

Program Availability

Ranger-led programs on the park's surface are subject to change or cancelation due to inclement weather conditions or staff availability. Please check at the visitor center when you arrive at the park for the most up-to-date program schedule.

Program Schedule

Daily until Oct. 31

12 p.m. – Echo River Spring Walk

Sunday Only, Sept. 6 – Oct. 25

8:30 a.m. – Let's Go Birding

Surface Area Walks and Talks

Visitor Center Area Programs

Join a park ranger at the back porch of the visitor center for a 10-minute presentation on a variety of topics inspired by Mammoth Cave. Program topics may include plants, animals, history, scientific research and more.

Meets at the back porch of the visitor center. Difficulty: Easy Duration: 10 minutes Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Join one of our park rangers inside the visitor center exhibit area and learn about the unique cultural and natural history of Mammoth Cave National Park! Rangers will be scheduled to present a variety of talks. Topics may be plants, animals, exploration, geology, early community life, and many more! Meets in the visitor center exhibit area. Difficulty: Easy Duration: 30 minutes Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Start your day at Mammoth Cave by chatting with a ranger! Join one of Mammoth Cave's park rangers as they are available to answer any questions you may have, provide area information, or just discuss the various opportunities to enjoy your experience in the park. Meets in the visitor center exhibit area. Difficulty: Easy Duration: 30+ minutes Accessibility: Wheelchair Accessible

Heritage Trail Walk

Discover stories of the people and activities that shaped the early history of Mammoth Cave. Enjoy this accessible loop trail that takes you past the site of the original Mammoth Cave Hotel, Sunset Point, and the Old Guide's Cemetery. Meets at the back porch of the visitor center. Difficulty : Easy Distance : 0.5 miles (0.8 km) Duration : 1 hour Accessibility : Wheelchair accessible

Transportation Talk

Join a park ranger to view a restored 19th century stagecoach and learn about early transportation methods used in the Mammoth Cave region.

Meets in the lobby of the Lodge at Mammoth Cave. Difficulty: Easy Duration: 15 minutes Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Let's Go Birding

Join a knowledgeable volunteer for an exciting bird-watching adventure. This bird walk is a wonderful opportunity to see and hear a variety of bird species, from our resident birds to the beautiful spring migrants that pass through. We will have few binoculars to check out for the hike.

Meets at the back porch of the visitor center. Difficulty: Moderate Distance: 1 to 1.5 mi | 1.6 to 2.41 km Duration: 2 hours

Wildflower Hike

Join a knowledgeable volunteer to discover spring wildflowers, ferns, and critters while hiking the trails at Mammoth Cave National Park. Destination to be determined by the size of the group and weather conditions. Please wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes.

Meets at the back porch of the visitor center. Difficulty: Easy Duration: Up to 2 hours

Programs Throughout Park

Cedar Sink Hike

Join an experienced volunteer on a hike through some of the most scenic areas filled with beautiful seasonal wildflowers. Discover how to identify common wildflowers, learn about their peak seasons, find the best spots in the park, and explore traditional uses of different species.

Meets at the Cedar Sink trailhead. Difficulty: Moderate Duration: 2 hours Distance : 1 mi | 1.6 km

Echo River Spring Walk

Join a ranger on this accessible surface walk and learn about the karst landscape. See where the Echo River exits the dark passages of Mammoth Cave and enters into the sunlit world above. Discover the close connection between the surface and subsurface and how we relate to world around us. Meets at the Echo River Spring Trailhead. Difficulty: Easy Duration: 45 minutes Distance : 0.6 miles (1 km) Accessibility : Wheelchair accessible

Evening Program

Spend an evening beneath the stars and join a park ranger to learn about a variety of topics inspired by Mammoth Cave National Park. Program topics are ranger's choice and could include local stories, history, plants, animals, geology, and more! Meets at the park amphitheater near the Mammoth Cave Campground. Difficulty : Easy Duration : 30 minutes Accessibility : Wheelchair accessible

Sand Cave Almanac

A progressive walking and driving tour telling the saga of Floyd Collins, trapped in Sand Cave in 1925. See the Collins' family home place and end your journey at the Mammoth Cave Baptist Church at the gravesite of Floyd Collins. This activity is conducted in a caravan in which visitors drive their own vehicles. The caravan traces a 5.2 mile distance from Sand Cave Trailhead to Mammoth Cave Baptist Church. Meets at the Sand Cave Trailhead on Cave City Road. Difficulty: Easy Duration: 2 hours Distance : 5.2 miles (driving) Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Junior Ranger Activities

Junior Ranger Oath

Meet with a park ranger to take your Junior Ranger Oath and receive your Junior Ranger Badge. Be sure to have your Junior Ranger Book with you. A self-paced junior ranger activity book is available at the visitor center for those wishing to earn their Mammoth Cave junior ranger badge. Meets in the visitor center. Difficulty: Easy Duration: 10 minutes Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Nature Tracks for Kids

An activity designed for children to learn and explore more about Mammoth Cave National Park. Join park rangers in a variety of activities that enable children to discover more about the park's plants, animals, cave forming processes, and the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Meets at the visitor center. Difficulty: Easy Duration: 30 minutes

Cave tours are offered thorough the year and follow a variety of tour routes inside Mammoth Cave and other caves in the park. For more information about cave tours, ticket reservations and tour schedules visit our cave tour page .

Plan your Mammoth Cave experience

Cave Tour & Ranger-led Program Schedule

See our scheduled programs and events

Accessible Activities

Description of Accessible Cave Tours, Ranger Walks & Talks, and Self-Guided Adventures

NPS information imported 2026-10-17. Confirm current details at NPS

NPS Photo/ Nathaniel Leies

Off-road Bike Trails

Several unpaved trails and service roads are available in the park for cyclists with mountain bikes. Trails not listed below are closed to bicycle use. Remember that when on trails shared by hikers and horses, cyclists are required to yield to the other trail users.

Mammoth Cave Railroad Bike and Hike Trail

9 miles (14.4 km)

Originally opened in 1886 the Mammoth Cave Railroad brought early tourists to Mammoth Cave and other neighboring caves in the area. The train line continued its service for 45 years and made its final run on August 1, 1931. Today, a portion of the path of the former Mammoth Cave Railroad has been converted into a 9-mile hike and bike trail. This trail can be accessed from Park City, KY, several points along Mammoth Cave Parkway, and the park’s visitor center area. Along the trail, cyclists and hikers can stop at historic sites, interpretive waysides, and scenic overlooks. While on the Trail:

Dismount and walk your bicycle at all road crossings.

Be aware of hills and steep grades. Walk your bicycle when signs instruct you to do so.

Keep your children near at all times.

Observe warning signs.

Bicycle helmets are recommended for all riders.

Remain on the trail and always practice Leave No Trace.

Big Hollow Trail

9.1 miles (14.6 km) North Loop: 5.3 miles (8.5 km) South Loop: 3.7 miles (5.9 km)

Connector Trail from the Big Hollow Trailhead to the Maple Springs Trailhead

1 mile (1.6 km)

The Big Hollow Trail Loop Trails and Connector Trail offer over 10 miles of single track mountain bike trail that winds through dense woodlands and rocky outcroppings. The trail can be accessed from the trailhead within Maple Springs Campground.

For visitors wishing to travel to Mammoth Cave National Park on two wheels instead of four, the park roadways offer miles of scenic and forested landscape to enjoy on the ride. While on the Road:

Cyclists must respect and obey all rules that apply to automobile traffic, including speed limits and stop signs.

Bicycle helmets are highly recommended for all riders.

No bike lanes exist on park roads. Bicycles must be ridden single file and well to the right-hand side of the road, except when passing or turning left.

Cyclists should use extreme caution, particularly along narrow areas and blind curves. Wear bright, highly-visible clothing to help drivers see you.

Part of the U.S. Bicycle Route System

Mammoth Cave National Park is included in two U.S. Bicycle Routes (USBRS) that connect urban and rural communities across the United States via signed roads and trails.

TransAmerica Bicycle Route, USBR 76

The TransAmerica Bicycle Trail was designated in 1982 and spans the nation from coast to coast. On its 4,228-mile (6804.3 km) journey, the trail passes through the states of Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, and Virginia. Along the way riders can take several spur routs to scenic destinations like Mammoth Cave National Park.

Cave Country Bicycle Route, USBR 23

Designated in 2019, the Cave Country Bike Route connects USBR 76 to the Tennessee border, through Kentucky’s Cave Region. The 109-mile (175.4 km) route takes riders through Mammoth Cave National Park and connects to small towns and historic sites.

What is an e-bike? The term “e-bike” means a two or three-wheeled cycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 HP). Where can I ride my e-bike in the park? E-bikes are allowed in the park where traditional bicycles are allowed. Can I ride my e-bike by using only the electric motor? Using the electric motor to move an e-bike without pedaling is prohibited on bike trails and service roads. The sole use of the electric motor is allowed only where motor vehicle use by the public is allowed, i.e. paved roadways. Learn more about e-bikes in national parks .

Whether riding on one of the parks scenic roadways or on an off-road trail, your safety is your responsibility. Make your visit more enjoyable by learning about safety while in the park.

NPS information imported 2026-10-17. Confirm current details at NPS

Explore Mammoth Cave National Park’s hiking trails. Check out some of our favorite hikes below!

See a spring, hike through the forest, or take in the views along the river.

Explore over 60 miles of trails on the north side of the park.

NPS information imported 2026-10-17. Confirm current details at NPS

NPS Photo/ Tracie Irvin Young

Always Wear a Life Jacket

Children ages 12 and under are required to wear a personal flotation device (PFD or life jacket) at all times while onboard a watercraft in Mammoth Cave National Park. It is important that PFDs are properly fitted and US Coast Guard approved.

Over 30 miles of the Green and Nolin Rivers trace through the Mammoth Cave National Park and offer a wealth of recreational opportunities. Angle for muskellunge, bluegill, catfish, bass, perch, crappie, and other game fish. Canoe or kayak the rivers looking for wildlife, springs and river bluffs. Camp on islands, in the floodplain, or by the river at the Houchin Ferry Campground . These rivers offer something for everyone.

About the Rivers

Kentucky's First National Water Trail

The rivers inside of the park are part of the Green and Nolin Rivers Blueway , a National Water Trail encompassing 36 miles of navigable waterway and 7 public access sites. This designation actively supports public access for safe river recreational use, promotes stewardship, and connects communities and visitors to enjoyment and appreciation of the overall health of the river system and surrounding lands.

Planning Your River Trip

Always wear a life jacket. Personal flotation devices (PFDs/life jacket) are encouraged for all river users and required to be worn by children ages 12 and under at all times while on rivers inside of Mammoth Cave National Parks. It is important that your PFD is properly fitted, and US Coast Guard approved. Federal and state law requires a Type I, II, or III PFD for each person onboard a watercraft.

Let someone know your plan. You should always leave a float plan with family/friends and inform them of your departure and return. Do not forget to inform them when you return so an unnecessary search is not started.

Leave alcohol at home. Alcohol is prohibited on the rivers inside the park.

Know the water level and weather forecast. River use is prohibited when river levels are at or exceed 20 feet on the park's water level gauges.

More information on boating and watersports throughout the national park system is available for you to review, including safety and trip planning tips.

River Access Points

Within the park there are three river access points accessible by car: Dennison Ferry, Green River Ferry, and Houchin Ferry. All of these sites are located on the south side of the Green River. Outside of the park on the Nolin River is the Tailwater Recreation Area.

Dennison Ferry consists of a wooden canoe and kayak ramp with a series of concrete stairs to the water.

Green River Ferry consists of a wooden canoe and kayak ramp with a concrete staircase to the water and an auto ferry ramp that doubles as a launch site for motorboats.

Houchin Ferry consist of a temporary canoe and kayak launch ramp. This launch site is often very muddy, please use caution.

Tailwater Recreation Area consists of a paved boat ramp to access the Nolin River.

Dennison Ferry to Green River Ferry

Green River Ferry to Houchin Ferry

Nolin River Dam to Houchin Ferry

Houchin Ferry to Brownsville

More Trip Ideas

Paddling in the area is not limited to the rivers in the park. Visit Cave Country Trails for more information on paddling options in the greater Mammoth Cave area.

Learn your responsibilities when recreating on the river.

Rent a boat for a day on the river.

Fishing regulations and more.

Learn more about backcountry camping in the park.

Camp along the Green River in a campground.

Current and Forecasted Water Levels on the Green River

In cooperation with the US Geological Survey, the park maintains a water level monitoring station on the Green River inside the park boundary. The National Weather Service in Louisville, in coordination with the Ohio River Forecast Center, maintains a Daily Forecast for the Green River at Mammoth Cave National Park . Flood Warnings will be issued on the National Weather Service site when water levels are expected to reach or exceed the Minor Flood Stage level of 32 feet. The following flood stages have been established at Mammoth Cave, KY:

Moderate: 52 ft.

Lock and Dam 6 Rapids

Class 2 rapids have developed on the Green River at the former site of Lock and Dam 6 at Mile Marker 182. The rapids area starts just past the park's western boundary and before you reach the Brownsville Boat Ramp. Please adjust your plans accordingly.

Swimming in park waters is not recommended. At normal stage, the Green River flows at a relatively brisk 4.3 knots, about 5 miles per hour, which is too strong to swim against. There is no designated swimming area in the park and no lifeguards on duty. Wading in shallow water can also pull you off of your feet. Stay far enough back from moving water so that an accidental trip or slip on wet rocks will not cause you to fall into the current and be swept away.

Swimming, wading, or bathing within 200 feet (61 m) of the Green River Ferry crossing is prohibited.

The use of tubes, inflatable pool toys, or pool rafts to float the rivers is prohibited.

NPS information imported 2026-10-17. Confirm current details at NPS

NPS Photo/ Nathaniel Leies

What comes to mind when you think about fishing? Patience, relaxation, challenge, and memories? You may find all that and a sense of stewardship, conservation, and preservation. Take some time to explore our fishing information and learn what the park has to offer as well as your responsibilities before casting a line or flicking a fly into the water.

No fishing license or permit is required within the boundary of Mammoth Cave National Park.

Fishing Regulations

In addition to the rules outlined in 36 CFR 2.3 , 36 CFR 7.36 , and the Superintendent’s Compendium , the following fishing regulations apply within the boundaries of Mammoth Cave National Park.

Prohibited Fishing Methods

Do Not Collect Mussels

To learn more about fishing regulations the National Park Service, visit the Fish & Fishing website.

Fish Consumption Advisories in National Park Waters

The Environmental Protection Agency, states, territories, and tribes provide advice on fish and shellfish caught in the waters in their jurisdiction to help people make informed decisions about eating fish. Advisories are recommendations to limit your consumption of, or avoid eating entirely, certain species of fish or shellfish from specific bodies of water due to chemical or biological contamination. Fish is part of a healthy balanced diet, but eating wild fish and shellfish caught in park waters is not risk free. Parks are “islands”, but the much larger “ocean” that surrounds them affects the natural resources inside a park. Other aquatic toxins are the result of natural biological processes. Also, chemical contaminants that originate outside of park boundaries can come into parks. Mercury is an example of a toxin originating outside a park that can find its way into a park. Mercury exists naturally in some rocks, including coal. When power plants burn coal, mercury can travel in the air long distances before falling to the ground, usually in low concentrations. Once on the ground, microorganisms can change this elemental mercury to methyl mercury. This type of mercury can build up in animal tissues, and it can increase in concentration to harmful levels. This high concentration can occur in large predatory fish - those often pursued and eaten by anglers. Studies have shown that fish in some National Park System waters have mercury levels that may be a concern to people who regularly eat a lot of fish.

Mammoth Cave National Park Fish Consumption Advisories

All Kentucky waters are under a consumption advisory for mercury. More information about fish consumption advisories throughout Kentucky are available from the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources . To learn more about this topic, the National Park Service maintains information about Fish Consumption Advisories and Mercury and Toxins in Nature .

Aquatic Invasive Species

Imagine your favorite fishing spot and the wonderful memories. Things may look fine but underneath the surface there is a serious threat. Everything you remembered is now cemented together in a sharp, smelly mess. Invaders have wiped out the fish species you used to catch. Aquatic invasive species are not native to an ecosystem. Their introduction can cause harm to the economy, the environment, or to human health. Aquatic invasive species are a growing risk to parks and their values. In the United States alone, there are more than 250 non-native aquatic species. For many centuries, humans have contributed to spreading non-native species around the globe. You can make a difference. To learn more about Aquatic Invasive Species in the National Park Service, visit their Fish & Fishing website.

How You Can Help – Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers

You can help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species in park waters and other waterways by following the simple guidelines outlined by the campaign to Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!

Fishing Throughout the National Park Service

We invite you to visit the Fish and Fishing website for more information about fish and fishing in the National Park Service. You will learn about conservation, different fish species, and parks that offer fishing.

Current River Level and Forecast for the Green River

Moderate: 52 ft.

NPS information imported 2026-10-17. Confirm current details at NPS

NPS Photo/Sarah Davis

Mammoth Cave National Park is an exceptional destination for anyone who loves to see the world from the back of a horse. Riders will find miles of wooded backcountry trails suitable for many skills and ages. The trails range from wide, smooth dirt paths that two riders can travel together, to daring, single file, ridgeline trails.

Bringing your horse to the park

60 miles of backcountry trails north of the Green River are open for horseback riding.

Trailer Parking

Day-use horseback riders can park trailers at the following trailheads on the north side of the park:

First Creek Trailhead

Lincoln Trailhead

Maple Springs Trailhead

Maple Springs Campground, across the road from bulletin board

Temple Hill Trailhead

Vehicle size limit on the Green River Ferry

The Green River Ferry is the most direct route from the visitor center to the park’s north side backcountry trials and the Maple Springs Campground. The ferry has a 8-ton load limit. However, some vehicles (i.e. long horse trailers) cannot be ferried solely because of the length or ground clearance. The ferry is open daily from 6:00 AM - 9:55 PM (except when closed for repairs or during hazardous river conditions). Alternate routes via state and county roads are available and may be more practical for trailers.

Guided Horseback Riding

Commercially guided horseback riding is a great way to explore the park without needing to bring your own horse. Suitable for new riders and beginners, it may even nurture a life-long passion! Guided outings in the park are only available through authorized operators with a commercial use authorization from the National Park Service.

Double J Riding Stables and Campground

Camping With Your Horse

Maple Spring Campground

Backcountry Camping

Trail Rules and Stewardship

Horseback riders can provide an excellent example to all visitors by following the Seven Leave No Trace Principles as well as these park rules:

Horseback riding is prohibited on all park roads.

When hikers and horses meet, horses must be slowed to a walk and hikers should remain quiet.

Stay on marked trails only. Do not shortcut trails or follow social trails - this erodes and damages trails.

Trails can become muddy in some locations after rain. To preserve the trail surface avoid riding after recent rainstorms or when trails are excessively wet.

Always hitch horses more than 100 feet away from designated campsites, trails or water sources.

Never tie horses to trees. Always cross-tie horses between trees.

Leave no litter in the backcountry. Remember: Take only memories; leave only footprints.

Backcountry Safety

Make sure your ride in the park is a happy one. Learn more about park safety and how to ride and hike smart before your trip in the park.

Group campsites, horseback group campsites, and RV campsites just a 10 minute drive from the visitor center.

Rugged undeveloped tent sites, horseback sites, and paddle-in riverside sites.

Explore over 60 miles of trails on the north side of the park.

Upcoming forecasts and what to expect of the weather to help plan ahead for your camping, kayaking, and hiking adventures.

Take time to learn how you can protect Mammoth Cave's campsites while staying in the park.

NPS information imported 2026-10-17. Confirm current details at NPS

Left image The Lodge at Mammoth Cave welcomes thousands of guests each year. Credit: NPS Photo/ Thomas DiGiovannangelo

Right image Beneath their feet, sits the Rotunda, one of the largest rooms inside Mammoth Cave. Credit: NPS Photo/ Thomas DiGiovannangelo

The Beneath Your Feet program is designed to help you appreciate the mysteries and geological wonders of Mammoth Cave while exploring the park’s above-ground walking trails. Wayside signs are located at 14 locations along trails and walking paths throughout the park’s visitor center and campground area. They include images and information about the natural history of the cave passages that are found beneath your feet, as well as, smartphone ready QR Code links to scan and watch videos of park rangers teaching you about the location below you.

NPS Photo/ Tegan Sorensen

How to Get Started

While in the Park

Start by downloading the official NPS mobile app on your smartphone and navigate to the Mammoth Cave National Park page. Using the NPS app, you can follow along to the various Beneath Your Feet locations as you walk around the visitor center area. Your smartphone camera application can also be used to scan the QR Code on the Beneath Your Feet wayside signs to open the web link to watch videos and learn more about the cave passage below.

The virtual tour information along with video recordings are available on the links below, so you can explore Mammoth Cave from the comfort of your home.

The free, official NPS app includes an interactive Beneath Your Feet, under Self-Guided Tours.

“How did you discover the above-ground locations…?”

Park scientists use radio telemetry to map out where important parts of the cave are in relation to the locations directly above ground. Also known as a “cave radio,” it is one of many fascinating ways that scientists create surveys and maps of caves . A surveyor inside the cave creates a magnetic signal while surveyors on the surface use a receiver to pick up the frequency. This allows the above-ground team to find the location directly above the cave passage. This information helps draw us closer to the below ground world and lets us know what is truly beneath our feet.

Explore What's Beneath Your Feet

NPS information imported 2026-10-17. Confirm current details at NPS

NPS Photo/ David Spence

Since prehistoric times, humans have looked up at the night sky and pondered the wonders of the universe. People have used the stars and planets to navigate, keep track of time, and to connect with other cultures. Regardless of your reason, Mammoth Cave National Park provides an ideal place for stargazing. After a day of hiking, kayaking and exploring the cave, the fun doesn’t have to stop there, because half the park is after dark!

Tips for Stargazing in the Park

A red light works best. Flashlights with red lights will allow you to navigate walkways in the dark without disturbing your night vision.

Find a wide-open area. The grass fields and parking lots near the visitor center can make a great spot to have a wide view of the sky. Tall trees and hills may block your view.

Avoid areas with artificial light sources. You’ll want to find a place that you can step away from car headlights and lights from buildings, to get the best experience.

You don’t need a telescope. While a telescope can be a great tool to see smaller night sky objects, they aren’t always necessary. Many planets and constellations can be seen with the naked eye. For an extra boost, try using a pair of binoculars.

Stargaze with a Ranger

Ranger-led stargazing programs are offered throughout the year to provide an opportunity to experience unfettered views of the starry night and evoke a new appreciation for the park’s dark sky environment. Attendees get to view planets and other night sky delights through telescopes provided by the park. Check our park calendar to find available programs on the dates of your visit.

Junior Ranger Night Explorer

Explore the starry side of your national parks and become a Junior Ranger Night Explorer .

Can you Spot the Station?

The International Space Station can often be seen passing overhead by the watchful stargazer. To the naked eye the station usually looks like a bright white dot moving very quickly as it passes without changing direction. It is often the brightest object in the night sky second only to the moon.

Preserving Dark Skies

The National Park Service is working to help protect our night skies and reconnect the world to the stars above. An overabundance of artificial light at night can impact not only people but wildlife too. You can help protect our night skies by turning off lights when they are not needed, and by learning more about the dark skies in the park.

NPS information imported 2026-10-17. Confirm current details at NPS