Mammoth Cave National Park

Located in the State of Kentucky, Mammoth Cave National Park has the world’s largest network of natural caves and underground passages. The park is designated a UNSECO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve to protect its many flora and fauna, including several endangered species. The Mammoth Cave System boasts over 360 miles (560 km) of surveyed passageways.

The cave system was formed when 600 feet of soluble limestone was deposited 325 million years ago from an ancient sea which covered the cental United States. Sandstone and a shale cap were then left by an ancient river. After the ancient sea and river disappeared, the shale cap eroded and the limestone below was exposed with holes and cracks which rainwater worked into. The rainwater eventually formed sinking streams which hollowed out the cave as underground rivers.

Today the Mammoth Cave System is open to the public and the US National Park Service offers several cave tours to visitors. If you go on a cave tour here, be sure to bring a jacket or a sweater (jumper) along with good walking shoes; temperatures in the cave average 54 degrees Fahrenheit (12 Celsius), year-round. It is important to note some tours require special clothing requirements.

If you’re interested in one of the many cave tours, reservations are strongly recommended; see contact details below. Both self-guided and ranger guided tours are available and some tours require steep hill climbs.

In addition to visiting the cave, there are many other activities at Mammoth Cave National Park. Visitors may go hiking or take a horse ride with over 70 miles of trails, go fishing or take a canoe down the Green River, as well as go camping.

Cave City, Kentucky, is the nearest city to Mammoth Cave and has several lodging options including Hotels, Motels, Bed & Breakfasts, Cabin Rentals, and Campgrounds. There are several other places of interest to visit in the area including Barren River State Resort Park and The National Corvette Museum.

Getting To Mammoth Cave National Park

The Mammoth Cave National Park is located in Barren, Edmonson, and Hart Counties in the State of Kentucky. The closest airport with commercial service is Louisville International Airport (SDF) which is located 90 miles to the north of Mammoth Cave on Interstate 65. Alternatively, Nashville International Airport (BNA) in Tennessee is approximately 100 miles to the south.

Driving Directions from Louisville, Kentucky:

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 Centre.

Driving Directions from Nashville, Tennessee:

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 Centre.

Contact Details

Mammoth National Park Tours - Website

Telephone: +1-270-758-2180