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Trails Illustrated Map 2 - Mammoth Cave NP

Mammoth Cave National Park - Kentucky

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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.

Park Details

Location Information
Operating Hours/Seasons
Reservations/Permits/Fees
Climate, Recommended
Clothing
Facilities and Opportunities
(including trails, camping, concessions)
Recommended Activities
Visitation
Special Events Programs
Adjacent Visitor Attractions
Additional Information



Location Information

Location: Edmonson, Hart, and Barren counties, KY

Address:
Mammoth Cave NP
Mammoth Cave, KY 42259

Telephone: (502)758-2328

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 trail especially for bicycles. Visitors may use their own vehicles for sightseeing in the park.

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Operating Hours/Seasons

Schedule varies by season. Call for current information. Closed December 25

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Reservations/Permits/Fees

Park entry is free. Cave tours have varying fees. For rates at the Mammoth Cave Hotel in the park, call (502)758-2225

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Climate, Recommended Clothing

The temperature in the cave is approximately 54 degrees Fahrenheit. A light jacket or sweatshirt is recommended.

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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.

Lodging and Camping Facilities: Camping and Lodging available. For information on accommodations outside the park, call the Cave City Convention Center, (800)346-8908.

Food, Supplies: The park concessioner operates food service and a camp store.

Other Concessions, NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and Opportunities: Eastern National Parks & Monuments Association operates a bookstore in the Visitor Center.

Accessibility: The Heritage Trail; Visitor Center programs, Mini-Talks, Evening and Campfire Programs.

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Recommended Activities/Park Use

Touring the cave, hiking the forest trails, canoeing, fishing, camping. Combining a cave tour with a surface hike is the best way to get the full picture of this resource.

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Visitation

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.

Visitor Impacts: Ferries may close during flooding or drought.

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Special Events Programs

Karstlands Music Series Monthly, April - October

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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.

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Additional Information

Write Mammoth Cave National Park, Mammoth Cave, KY, 42259, or call (502) 758-2328.

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