This post may contain affiliate links. Click here to learn more.
The United States is home to many gorgeous national parks. Since moving back to the States, Woodrow and I have made it our mission to visit as many national parks as possible. One of the first ones we visited was Mammoth Cave National Park.
Mammoth Cave National Park is home to the longest continuous cave system in the entire world! Like I mentioned in our blog post about Lost World Caverns, we love cave exploring, so it was a no-brainer that we had to visit Mammoth Cave.
This national park is great for visitors of all ages. Activities include camping, hiking, kayaking, fishing, stargazing, and exploring the cave! I would definitely like to go back and spend more time here, but even just one day in Mammoth Cave National Park is worth it.
Also Read: Our First PCS Move: Making the Most of Our Time on the Road
How to Get to Mammoth Cave National Park
Mammoth Cave National Park is located in south-central Kentucky. The nearest city to the park is Brownsville, KY.
Flying in: Louisville International Airport (SDF) is the nearest airport to Mammoth Cave National Park. Nashville International Airport (BNA) is also close, at just under two hours away. I recommend checking Google Flights to find the best airfare deals at both airports.
Driving: The park is located near the I-65 highway, which runs north-south. Once you are in the park, shuttles will take you to the start of any tours you book, departing from the visitor center.
Visitor Center Address: 1 Mammoth Cave Parkway, Mammoth Cave, KY 42259
Also Read: New River Gorge National Park: Exploring America’s Newest National Park
Popular Tours and Activities in the Park
Cave Tours
Touring the cave is the main attraction at Mammoth Cave National Park. There are several different tour options varying in length and difficulty, so choose the one that suits you best. In total, there are 16 tours to choose from, ranging from the “easy” accessible tour to the long and “difficult” Grand Avenue tour.
If you’re feeling super adventurous, you can opt for the Introduction to Caving tour, which takes visitors off-trail as you crawl and climb through hard-to-reach parts of the cave for 3.5 hours.
We opted for the Domes & Dripstones Tour, which is more of a middle-of-the-road option. I’d rate it as pretty easy, but there are a lot of stairs going up and down. After each staircase, you will have enough time to stop and take in the sights as your guide tells you about the cave. This tour is about two hours and we had everyone from young kids to elderly folks in our group.
Hiking
The park grounds are just as fascinating as the caves below it! I highly recommend taking the Historic Entrance Trail, which is just 0.2 miles and starts from the visitor center. It’s a short walk and at the end of it, you’ll feel the cool breeze coming through the former main entrance to the cave.
From the historic entrance, you can follow the trail down even further, eventually ending up at the Green River. You’ll be shaded by gorgeous foliage along the way as you get to admire the wildlife, including squirrels, deer, box turtles, and salamanders. If you’re extra lucky, you may stumble upon a bat or wood rat.
Camping
There are three campground areas in Mammoth Cave National Park. The largest campground is Mammoth, which includes more than 100 campsites. You will need a permit to camp at any of the three campgrounds.
The Mammoth Campground is the only one with shower facilities and flush toilets. The Maple Springs Campground is the most expensive of the three, but its campsites are larger, allowing horseback riding groups to camp there as well. The Houchin Ferry Campground is open year-round and is only 20 minutes from the visitor center, but RVs are not allowed.
Also Read: Taygeer Travel Backpack Review: A Lightweight and Practical Choice for Frequent Travelers
Canoeing and Kayaking
One of the most fun activities for visitors to enjoy in the park is canoeing and kayaking along the Green and Nolin Rivers. All entry points can be found on the south side of the Green River. Entrance to the Nolin River can be found in the Tailwater Recreation Area.
Due to the unpredictable currents of the Green River, swimming and wading is not allowed. It is recommended that everyone wear life preservers and required for anyone 12 and under.
Where to Eat in the Park
There are many gorgeous picnic areas throughout the park, but if you aren’t bringing your own food, no worries! There are several dining options available to visitors. I was actually pleasantly surprised about this because our usual go-to meal when we’re out and about all day (especially in national parks) consists of granola bars and water.
There are four main dining options that offer freshly made food and beverages along with to-go items. As you arrive at the Visitor Center, you’ll pass Caver’s Camp Store. It’s great if you need to pick up some essentials, but they also offer counter service.
Other places to eat in Mammoth Cave National Park include Maple Springs Coffee & Gift Shop and The Lantern Café & Ice Cream Parlor. My favorite was Green River Grill, located inside the Mammoth Cave Lodge, right across from the Visitor Center. It’s a casual restaurant, but the food is great. I had a delicious slice of Kentucky bourbon pecan pie that was to die for!
Also Read: Lost World Caverns – A Hidden Gem in West Virginia
Where to Stay Near Mammoth Cave National Park
Mammoth Cave National Park has its very own lodge! The Mammoth Cave Lodge and Cabins features 70 rooms of various sizes. Some rooms are also pet-friendly. This is a fantastic way to maximize your time enjoying the many activities available in the park.
There are also many hotels located in the towns surrounding the park. We stayed at the Courtyard Bowling Green Convention Center in Bowling Green, Kentucky. It’s about an hour away from the park, but the area is absolutely gorgeous. I highly recommend it!
If you’re looking for the nearest hotels to Mammoth Cave National Park, check out Park City and Cave City. Here are a few great options:
- Grand Victorian Inn (Park City, 2.8 miles from the park)
- Hampton Inn Cave City (Cave City, 5 miles from the park)
- Holiday Inn Express – Horse Cave (Horse Cave, 7 miles from the park)
Also Read: A Weekend Adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park
Tips for Visiting Mammoth Cave National Park
- Wear non-slip shoes. This is an absolute must. While the cave floor is well-maintained, it is wet, so it can get slippery. There’s also a ton of hiking to be done around the park, so good shoes are essential.
- Plan your visit ahead of time. If you want to tour the cave (which you absolutely should), be sure to book your tickets in advance. Day-of availability is possible but can be limited, especially during peak season.
- Bring a jacket. The cave remains at a steady 54 degrees year-round. I wasn’t super cold because of all the walking, but I definitely was happy to have my jacket. Several people in our tour group had to buy jackets from the gift shop and almost didn’t make it back to the bus on time. Don’t be those people.
- Get the bourbon pecan pie! Seriously, the pie at Green River Grill was one of the best I’ve ever had. I still think about it to this day!
Also Read: White Sands National Park: Wild & Worth It!
FAQ
What is Mammoth Cave National Park known for?
Mammoth Cave in Kentucky is the longest cave system in the entire world! It was one of the first roadside attractions in the United States and is still a popular place to visit today.
Is there an entrance fee for Mammoth Cave?
There is no fee to enter the park, but there is a fee to enter Mammoth Cave, since you can only enter on a guided tour. The fee will depend on which guided tour you choose.
What is the best time of year to visit Mammoth Cave National Park?
The best time of year to visit Mammoth Cave National Park is late spring to early summer. The weather is warm, which is great for enjoying the outdoors. Avoid visiting in the middle of summer for fewer crowds.
Is swimming allowed in Mammoth Cave National Park?
While the Green River flows through the park, swimming is strictly prohibited due to the unpredictable currents of the river.
One response to “Visiting Mammoth Cave National Park in One Day – What to See & Do”
I’m definitely adding this to my bucket list! Thanks for sharing. 🙂