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Mammoth Cave National Park

Best Hiking Trails in Mammoth Cave National Park

18 reviews


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Overview

Mammoth Cave National Park lives up to its name as its the longest known cave system in the world with more than 400 miles of explored underground terrain under Kentucky and neighboring states. It's a geological wonderland, and caters to all manner of would-be spelunker. Don't miss a visit through its vast labyrinths and glistening chambers.

Getting Started

Take note of directions carefully, and don't be fooled by your GPS or Google Maps navigating you to the northern entrance to the park, which requires a river-ferry crossing. Save yourself a headache and time and check the driving instructions on the NPS page, here.

Whatever you do, don't come to Mammoth Cave without taking one of the fantastic tours into the caves themselves (and make sure to bring proper footwear). If you're okay with tight squeezes in cold and damp places, we recommend doing the longest tour you can afford. If time, finances, or comfort-level constrain you, don't fret; there's a tour for everyone, including those in wheelchairs or with different needs. According to the park service, tours range from $6 to $60.

Above the surface, check out the easy Cedar Sink Trail and Sunset Point via the Mammoth Cave Parkway.

The National Park Service page has some great camping suggestions within the park. Free backcountry permits are required for the backcountry camping spots.

When to Go

Mammoth Cave is open year-round, weather permitting. As the caves can be a little chilly, bring extra layers any time of year.

Permits

Though you can show up and hope for the best, tours do sell out. Book in advance to make sure you're set.

Dog Info

Above ground, pets must be on a leash at all times. Dogs aren't permitted in any cave except for designated service animals. Fortunately, the hotel manages a nearby kennel.


Resources

  • nps.gov
  • wikipedia

  • Hiking Trails (10)
  • Reviews (18)
  1. 1
    Cedar Sink Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ EASY 1.9 mi
  2. 2
    Sunset Point via Echo River Springs Trail
    ★ ★ ★ EASY 2.0 mi
  3. 3
    Sunset Point Loop via Green River Bluffs Trail and River Styx Spring Trail
    ★ ★ ★ EASY 1.6 mi
  4. 4
    Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor's Center via Sinkhole Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ EASY 3.3 mi
  5. 5
    Sunset Point Loop via Echo River Springs Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ EASY 3.9 mi
  6. 6
    Maple Springs Group Campground via Maple Springs Loop and Green River Ferry Road
    ★ ★ ★ ★ DIFFICULT 10.4 mi
  7. 7
    Mammoth Cave Campground via Echo River Springs Trail
    ★ ★ ★ EASY 2.6 mi
  8. 8
    Sunset Point Loop via River Styx Spring Trail
    ★ ★ EASY 2.4 mi
  9. 9
    Sunset Point Loop via Green River Ferry Road
    ★ ★ DIFFICULT 9.0 mi
  10. 10
    Joppa Ridge Road
    ★ ★ ★ EASY 2.2 mi
    user_profile
    balliv 1 year, 4 months ago
    Track (1/15/21, 11:48:34AM)
    Good hike. Mostly gravel.
    ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    alexnahon 1 year, 9 months ago
    Echo Trail
    We went off trail to avoid the switchbacks. Took the road back. It’s 50% downhill (from the start to the creek) and 50% uphill (either through the switchbacks or taking the road).
    ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    Alex 1 year, 11 months ago
    Green River Ferry Road to Joppa Ridge, Edmonson County, KY, USA
    My 1st ever trail in my 2015 Jeep Cherokee trailhawk and I loved bit of it. It’s very easy for a 1st timer on a trail. Would definitely recommend it to everyone who is looking for a fun great 1st time on a trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    ribeyremd 2 years, 11 months ago
    Nice walk. Good parking, and outhouse at trailhead. Good footing, well maintained. Good variety of scenery from overlook, to pond side, large overhang-stone house in cliff face. Unique disappearing river, rises from under cliff face and then ends in sink a few hundred yards away. Added bonus- the “inverted dome” of the sink structure, makes for some interesting long distance acoustic whispering sites. We were entertained one evening, at close quarters, by a Cinnamon Evening bat performing aero-bat-ics in front of the viewing platform over the pond where the spring disappears into the ground.
    ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    lanhan 1 year, 1 month ago
    Maple Springs Group Campground via Maple Springs Loop and Green River Ferry Road
    ★

    user_profile
    DefunctWarrior 1 year, 2 months ago
    First Creek / Mammoth Cave NP hike
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    brett.pitchford 1 year, 2 months ago
    Track (3/6/21, 13:22:55)
    ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    megan.tartal 1 year, 2 months ago
    Dixon Cave Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    ejs21 1 year, 9 months ago
    Mammoth Cave Hike and Bike Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    nic6930 1 year, 12 months ago
    Diamond Caverns Historical Marker to Diamond Caverns, Barren County, KY, USA
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    Rob 2 years, 1 month ago
    Mammoth cave - Sal Hollow trip
    ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    limbhanga 2 years, 1 month ago
    Mammoth Cave Campground via Echo River Springs Trail
    ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    pduperrieu 2 years, 6 months ago
    Track (10/27/19, 1:36:55PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    jcjtgm 2 years, 7 months ago
    Track (10/5/19, 3:55:47PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    jcjtgm 2 years, 7 months ago
    Mammoth Cave Campground via Echo River Springs Trail
    ★

    user_profile
    mr_troy_bradshaw 2 years, 8 months ago
    Double j
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    n8moryc 2 years, 8 months ago
    Green Ferry to Houchins Ferry Canoe
    ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    rubenz9316 2 years, 9 months ago
    Track (8/3/19, 8:52:03AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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