search
search
add New trip
Looking out from a large cave entrance with falling water and green trees shown over the entrance.

Mammoth Cave National Park

warningPark Closure4 warnings calendar_monthApr–May, Sep–Octbest time schedule2 daysplan for child_careYeswith kids confirmation_number~$17entry
Mammoth Cave National ParkYour own route Plan a trip here →
Park Closure Elevator for Accessible Tour Out of Service

Due to mechanical issues with the cave elevator, the Accessible Tour is currently unavailable. Please check back for updates or call the visitor center at (270) 758-2180.

Park Closure Green River Ferry Temporarily Out of Service

The Green River Ferry has temporarily suspended operation due to low water levels. Ferry service will resume once water levels rise and conditions are safe. A river forecast is available at: water.noaa.gov/gauges/03309000

Information Temporary Closure of Select Trails for Rehabilitation Project

The Old Guides Trail, Heritage Trail, Sunset Point Trail and areas of the Sinkhole Trail are currently closed due to a trail rehabilitation project.

Information Tickets are required to enter Mammoth Cave

Reservations are strongly recommended. Reservations are the only way to ensure a spot is available for your party. Please plan accordingly by visiting Recreation.gov to secure your tickets in advance. Availability of walk-up tickets is not guaranteed. Details open_in_new

Straight from the US National Park Service, refreshed several times a day.

Mammoth Cave National Park is renowned for being the longest cave system in the world, with over 400 miles of explored passages. Visitors come to explore its unique geological formations and rich history, which dates back thousands of years. The cave has been a tourist destination since the early 19th century, attracting those interested in natural wonders and outdoor activities.

Read more

The park offers various tours that highlight different sections of the cave, each with its own features. Beyond the cave, the surrounding parkland provides opportunities for hiking, camping, and observing local wildlife, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts.

In pictures

A long staircase travels down a slope into the dark cave opening.
A long staircase travels down a slope into the dark cave opening.

Things to do

Cave Tours
1-6 Hours · Winter/Spring

Join a ranger as you discover the complex history and intricate geology of the worlds longest cave system.

Become a Mammoth Cave Junior Ranger
Winter/Spring

Do you want to explore, learn about, and protect Mammoth Cave? If so, become a Mammoth Cave Junior Ranger! The...

Explore Wildflowers at Cedar Sink
45-60 Minutes · Spring/Summer

Stunning rock faces, cave springs, and geological panoramas, you will experience a wide array of seasonal wild...

Viewing Park Wildlife
Winter/Spring

Mammoth Cave is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life ranging from rare exotic cave species to more...

Attend a Ranger-led Program
10-60 Minutes · Winter/Spring

Attending a ranger-led program in the park is a great way to discover new things and learn more about the Mamm...

Houchin Ferry to Brownsville
90-120 Minutes · Summer

This short trip travels along the Green River from Houchin Ferry inside Mammoth Cave National Park to the form...

Nolin River Dam to Houchin Ferry
4-6 Hours · Summer

This trip starts at the Tailwater Recreation Area below the Nolin River Dam north of the park.

Green River Ferry to Houchin Ferry
4-6 Hours · Summer

This longer section of the Green River is less traveled then the popular Dennison Ferry to Green River Ferry t...

Dennison Ferry to Green River Ferry
150-240 Minutes · Summer

This popular river trip takes paddlers from the Dennison Ferry Day Use Area to the Green River Ferry.

River Safety and Regulations
Summer

Safety is your responsibility. Follow these tips for a safe and enjoyable river trip.

Planning Your River Trip
Summer

Over 30 miles of the Green and Nolin Rivers trace through the Mammoth Cave National Park and offer a wealth of...

Explore the park on Horseback
Winter/Spring

Mammoth Cave National Park is an exceptional destination for anyone who loves to see the world from the back o...

Practical

At a glance

Established
1797
Open
Daily open 24 hours
Accessibility
steep stairs, no lift
Address
1 Visitor Center Parkway, Mammoth Cave, KY 42259-0007
Opening hours
Daily open 24 hours
Phone
2707582180
Price
~$17
Website
www.nps.gov

Things to know

Expect long queues during peak season, especially on weekends.
Tickets can be purchased online or at the visitor center, but advance booking is recommended.
Dress in layers as temperatures inside the cave can be significantly cooler than outside.
Sturdy shoes are advisable due to uneven terrain and potential wet areas.

Photo: NPS Photo / J. Cooper