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.
Quick Facts
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
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
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.
Ranger-led Tour inside Mammoth Cave.
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…
A variety of ranger-led programs on the surface of the park are offered throughout the year. These include short talks,…
Houchin Ferry to Brownsville
This short trip travels along the Green River from Houchin Ferry inside Mammoth Cave National Park to the former site…
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.…
Hours: Hours for the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center vary by season, with expanded hours during the peak summer season from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Campgrounds
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…
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…
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