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National Park

Mammoth Cave National Park

  • South
  • 9 hikes
  • 23 places to see
  • 3 current alerts

Plan a Mammoth Cave trip Where to stay

Current alerts

  • 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

  • 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.

  • Notice

    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.

From the National Park Service, as of November 2, 2026, 5:14 am. Check nps.gov before you go.

Latest news

About Mammoth Cave

Rolling hills, deep river valleys, and the world's longest known cave system. Mammoth Cave National Park is home to thousands of years of human history and a rich diversity of plant and animal life, earning it the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Region.

From the National Park Service.

Region
South
State
Kentucky
Designation
National Park
Entrance fee
None listed
Hikes on this page
9
Places to see
23
Articles
3

Know before you go

Fees, hours, weather and getting to Mammoth Cave.

Entrance fees

The National Park Service lists no entrance fee for this park.

Hours

Park Hours

Open 24 hours a day, every day.

Mammoth Cave National Park is open 24-hours a day, although services such as cave tours and the visitor center are limited after-hours. There is no gate at the park entrance. Please note that camping is only possible either in designated campgrounds or backcountry campsites with a valid reservation or permit.

Weather and when to go

Kentucky has a moderate climate with warm, yet moist conditions. Summers average in the high 80s; winters average in the low 40s. Southern Kentucky, where Mammoth Cave is located, receives the highest average precipitation for the state, about 50 inches per year, mostly in spring. Winter can bring mild to moderate snow and ice. Storms happen year-round, and can include tornadoes and flooding in low-lying areas, but severe weather is infrequent. The temperature deep in the cave is a constant 54°F (12°C).

Getting there

DO NOT FOLLOW YOUR GPS! From the North: 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 Center. From the South: 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 Center.

Gateway towns
Cave City, KY · Park City, KY
Nearest airports
Nashville International Airport (BNA) · Louisville International Airport (SDF)

Directions from the National Park Service

Contact the park

Address
1 Visitor Center Parkway, Mammoth Cave, KY 42259-0007
Official site
nps.gov/maca

From the National Park Service, checked weekly. Fees, hours and road conditions change: confirm with the park before you go.

Trip planner

A day-by-day plan for Mammoth Cave

Tell us your dates and what you are into. We group the stops by where they are, so each day is one part of the park, not a zigzag.

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Where to stay for Mammoth Cave

The gateway towns, closest first. Add your dates in the planner to search for your own nights.

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Things to do in Mammoth Cave

The park service's own list, with how long each takes.

  • Cave Tours

    Guided Tours · about 2.7 hours · Reservation required

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

  • Explore Wildflowers at Cedar Sink

    Front-Country Hiking · about 50 min

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

  • Viewing Park Wildlife

    Wildlife Watching · about 45 min

    Mammoth Cave is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life ranging from rare exotic cave species to more common woodland creatures. While viewing wildlife can be a highlight…

  • Attend a Ranger-led Program

    Guided Tours · about 25 min

    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.

  • Houchin Ferry to Brownsville

    Paddling · about 1.7 hours

    This short trip travels along the Green River from Houchin Ferry inside Mammoth Cave National Park to the former site of Lock and Dam #6 or the Brownsville boat ramp.

  • Nolin River Dam to Houchin Ferry

    Paddling · about 4.7 hours

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

  • Green River Ferry to Houchin Ferry

    Paddling · about 4.7 hours

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

  • Dennison Ferry to Green River Ferry

    Paddling · about 3 hours

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

  • River Safety and Regulations

    Paddling · about 45 min

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

Trails

See every hiking trail in Mammoth Cave

Places to see

Viewpoints

Natural features

History & culture

Visitor centers & lodging

See every place to visit in Mammoth Cave

Campgrounds in Mammoth Cave

Run by the park service. Reservable sites book on Recreation.gov; first-come sites do not.

Reading about Mammoth Cave

All 3 articles

What to pack for Mammoth Cave

Gear & Essentials

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The basics

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