About Mammoth Cave National Park
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.
Plan a Visit
Core visitor information on this page is sourced from the National Park Service. NPD proximity sections use NPS reference coordinates and straight-line distance. Local source bundle updated Sep 27, 2026. View the official NPS page.
Weather & Conditions
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…
NPS Reference Location
Park state / territory membership: Kentucky. This map uses the National Park Service reference coordinate. It may represent an administrative or reference point rather than a park entrance, trailhead, visitor center, or the nearest access point. Use the official NPS directions below when planning travel.
Operating Hours
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.
Activities
Current Alerts
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
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.
The Old Guides Trail, Heritage Trail, Sunset Point Trail and areas of the Sinkhole Trail are currently closed due to a trail rehabilitation project.
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.
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.
View Official DirectionsContact & Address
The NPS-listed address may be an administrative office, visitor center, mailing/contact location, or other park facility rather than a park entrance.
Topics & Themes
Things To Do
Cave Tours
Join a ranger as you discover the complex history and intricate geology of the worlds longest cave system.
Become a Mammoth Cave Junior Ranger
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
Stunning rock faces, cave springs, and geological panoramas, you will experience a wide array of seasonal wildflowers and biodiversity.
Viewing Park Wildlife
Mammoth Cave is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life ranging from rare exotic cave species to…
Attend a Ranger-led Program
Attending a ranger-led program in the park is a great way to discover new things and learn more about the…
Houchin Ferry to Brownsville
This short trip travels along the Green River from Houchin Ferry inside Mammoth Cave National Park to the former site…
More Things to Do
Additional activities and experiences from the National Park Service.
Nolin River Dam to Houchin Ferry
This trip starts at the Tailwater Recreation Area below the Nolin River Dam north of the park.
Green River Ferry to Houchin Ferry
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
This popular river trip takes paddlers from the Dennison Ferry Day Use Area to the Green River Ferry.
River Safety and Regulations
Safety is your responsibility. Follow these tips for a safe and enjoyable river trip.
Planning Your River Trip
Over 30 miles of the Green and Nolin Rivers trace through the Mammoth Cave National Park and offer a wealth of recreational…
Explore the park on Horseback
Mammoth Cave National Park is an exceptional destination for anyone who loves to see the world from the back of a horse.
See the Stars
Since prehistoric times, humans have looked up at the night sky and pondered the wonders of the universe. People have used the…
Ride the Big Hollow Trail
Explore the north side of the park on your mountain bike on the only mountain bike trail in the park.
Mammoth Cave Railroad Bike and Hike Trail
Originally opened in 1886 the Mammoth Cave Railroad brought early tourists to Mammoth Cave and other neighboring caves in the area. Today,…
Road Biking
For visitors wishing to travel to Mammoth Cave National Park on two wheels instead of four, the park roadways offer miles of…
Take a Ridge-top Walk to Sunset Point
Visitors to Mammoth Cave National Park Marvel over the Green River Valley while visiting the popular overlook, Sunset Point.
Visitor Centers
Mammoth Cave Visitor Center
The park visitor center is the central point for visitors to orient themselves to what lies both above and below the surface at Mammoth Cave.…
Campgrounds
Mammoth Cave Campground
The Mammoth Cave Campground is ideal for visitors seeking an authentic national park experience while still having easy access to amenities, cave tours, and other…
Maple Springs Group Campground
Maple Springs Group Campground lies on the park's north side, six miles from the visitor center and three miles north of Green River Ferry. This…
Houchin Ferry Campground
The Houchin Ferry Campground lies next to the Green River at the former location of the Houchin Ferry. This campground is operated year-round and is…
Nearby National Park Service Sites
These sites are ordered by straight-line distance between NPS reference coordinates. This is useful for comparison, but it is not road mileage. Trails, parkways, rivers, and distributed units may extend far from their reference point.
Nearby Cities for Trip Planning
These cities are ordered by straight-line distance from the NPS reference coordinate. They are comparison starting points, not official park gateways or road-distance estimates. Trails and other distributed units may extend far beyond this reference point.
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