Mammoth Cave
National Park

The Park was established to preserve the cave system, including Mammoth Cave, the scenic river valleys of the Green and Nolin rivers, and a section of south central Kentucky. This is the longest recorded cave system in the world with more than 336 miles explored and mapped.

VISITATION:
Highest in June, July, and August; lowest in January.
LOCATION:
Edmonson, Hart, and Barren counties, KY
ADDRESS:
Superintendent
Mammoth Cave National Park
P.O. Box 7
Mammoth Cave, KY 42259
TELEPHONE:
(270)758-2328
OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:
Schedule varies by season. Call for current information. Closed December 25
CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:
The temperature in the cave is approximately 54 degrees Fahrenheit. A light jacket or sweatshirt is recommended.
DIRECTIONS:
By car: Mammoth Cave is easily accessible by: Highway I-65, 31W, and 31E from the north; Bluegrass Parkway, Cumberland Parkway, and U.S. 68 from the east; I-65, 31W, and U.S. 68 from the south; and U.S. 231, William H. Natcher Parkway, and Western Kentucky Parkway from the West. All connect with Ky. 70 and Ky. 255 to the park.
TRANSPORTATION:
To Park: Bus: Southeastern Greyhound Bus stops in Cave City. Taxi service is available from the bus station to the park, approximately 11 miles.

Air: Major airlines operate in Nashville, TN, and Louisville, KY. Both cities are approximately 90 miles from the park. Car rental is available at the airport.
In Park: Bicycles are permitted on any paved roadway and there is one short trail especially for bicycles. Visitors may use their own vehicles for sightseeing in the park.
FEES, COSTS RATES:
Park entry is free. Cave tours have varying fees ranging from $3.50 to $35.00. Reservations can be made online at the National Park Reservation Service. For rates at the Mammoth Cave Hotel in the park, call (270)758-2225
FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:
Visitor Center/Exhibits:
Visitor Center; outdoor displays.
Trails, Roadways:
Six miles of trail near the Visitor Center; four short trails and a motor trail on the south side of the Green River; over 60 miles of trail on the north side of the Green River. Most trails on the north side are open to horseback riding.
Rivers:
Over 25 miles of the Green and Nolin Rivers run through the park, offering fishing, canoeing, and cruises aboard the Miss Green River II.
Programs, Activities:
Regularly scheduled ranger-guided tours are available. Environmental Education programs for local area schools are given in spring and fall; reservations required. Elderhostel programs are conducted twice a year in cooperation with Western Kentucky University.
Lodging and Camping Facilities:
Camping and Lodging available. Call the Mammoth Cave Hotel, (270)758-2225. For information on accommodations outside the park, call the Cave City Convention Center, (800)346-8908.
Food, Supplies:
The park concessioner operates a restaurant, a coffee shop, and a fast-food service (seasonally), as well as a camp store.
Other Concessions, NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and Opportunities:
Eastern National Parks & Monuments Association operates a bookstore in the Visitor Center.
The Mammoth Cave Hotel offers souvenirs and handmade crafts.
Double-J Stables and Campground offers hosrback riding in the park: (800)730-HRSE / (270)286-8167
Three licensed concessioners offer canoe livery within the park:
Accessibility:
The Heritage Trail; Sloan's Crossing Pond Trail;Visitor Center programs; Mini-Talks; Evening and Campfire Programs.
RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE:
Touring the cave, hiking the forest trails, canoeing, fishing, horseback riding, camping. Combining a cave tour with a surface hike is the best way to get the full picture of this resource.

For information on archeology, visit SEAC

 

RESERVATIONS/PERMITS:
Reservations are STRONGLY RECOMMENDED for cave tours and for camping. Reservations can be made by calling (800)967-2283, or online through the National Park Reservation Service website. Those wishing to camp overnight in the backcountry must obtain a backcountry use permit (no charge) at the Visitor Center Information Desk. No permit is required for fishing in the park, although Commonwealth of Kentucky creel limits apply.
BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:
The shortest cave tour (in season) is the Discovery Tour, 45 min. Guided tours last 1 1/4 hours to 6 1/2 hours. Three to four days are recommended to make a complete summer visit. CAVE TOUR RESERVATIONS ARE STRONGLY RECOMMENDED.
SPECIAL EVENTS/PROGRAMS:
VISITOR IMPACTS:
Ferries may close during flooding or drought. Other information may be found in our expanded pages.
ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:
Abraham Lincoln Birthplace NHP, Tailwaters Recreation Area, Nolin Lake, Barren River Lake State Resort Park. For information on local attractions, call the Cave City Convention Center at (800)346-8908.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Write: Superintendent, Mammoth Cave National Park, P.O. Box 7, Mammoth Cave, KY, 42259, or call (270)758-2328.
Last Updated:Thursday, 26-Aug-99 12:25:32
http://www.nps.gov/maca/