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Mammoth Cave, KY

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Mammoth Cave National Park

4.4 (497 reviews)
Closed • 8:30 am - 6:30 pm
Updated over 3 months ago

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Our wild cave group - we are all geared up for adventure!
Vivian H.

Completely utterly speechless with this experience! Its been a lifelong dream of mine to see the longest cave in the world (425 miles long) and today I got to experience it and it was unbelievable! I've been to many many national parks and this one is probably now my favorite! I signed up awhile back for their wild cave tour which is their most strenuous, difficult tour. This tour when I showed up this morning was sold out so I am glad I booked it in advance. This tour also only runs 3 days/week. Our NPS rangers Alex and Lizette were awesome! They were great trip leaders and I would come back anytime just to do the wild cave tour with them again. I was skeptical this would be a strenuous tour as NPS tends to grade their events harder than they really are but this was a pretty accurate depiction of this tour. If you aren't physically fit, or able to fit into tight spaces, this tour isnt going to work for you. Its also basically 5 hours of hardcore horizontal caving, so keep that in mind. I kind of lucked out with my group as most were younger and fairly fit. I might have been the oldest person on this tour. We did a lot of crawling, climbing, scrambling and fancy footwork. I probably sweated out a couple of liters for sure. Everything I was wearing was soaked in sweat. Everyone in our group kept up and the rangers even told us after that our group was really awesome and invited us to come back anytime to this wild cave tour with them! Cool! The visitor center is pretty big and they offer so many cave tours, which is quite overwhelming. They have tons of gift shops so take your choice in where you want to shop. What's also great is that the Park Store is here too! This was a phenomenal experience and its just an above and beyond experience. Definitely come check it out!

Cheri R.

We had to cancel Mammoth Cave twice, but so glad we were able to come. We enjoyed the two our tour and a break from the heat in a 54 degree cave. There is over 640 steps and areas to squeeze through/dunk/sideways around. We had several wow moments. The pictures don't do it justice. I would definitely return and do the longer tour.

Kayle V.

I highly recommend this park. While I didn't do the cave tour, the park itself is very accessible for visitors with strollers or wheelchairs. There are plenty of beautiful birds and an abundance of butterflies. The employees in the gift shop were very nice, and there were plenty of great spots for photo opportunities.

John M.

This was our objective coming from Texas and it was pretty cool....Super friendly....great visitor center with lots of knick knacks....I bought the tickets on line and did have to screen shot them as there is Zero service outside the center....Cave was vast with lots of great info on our tour....personally not as challenging as they warn but you still break a sweat...I do have to say it was a bit underwhelming to other caves we have visited...not many "structures/formations" underground as we hoped....Now we only did the Historical tour so Im not sure about the other tours...The low hang zig zag section was cool...still a very enjoyable visit for us and were glad we made the drive from Texas.

Photos don't do it justice.
Marc S.

Sometimes, restaurants, bars, and other attractions don't want too much hype on social media because they don't want to become overrun with tourists. The National Park Service will tell you that "A world of regret awaits you at Mammoth Cave!" Just sayin.

Walking to one of the tours... neat area
K J.

Worth every minute of the drive. Great guides. Great tour. Really neat to see everything. Even went a 2nd time and would go again if it came up.

08.29.25 let's check it out...
May A.

Longest cave system in the world [Mammoth Cave KY] There are over 400 miles of explored caverns and passages offering both guided as well as self-guided tours. They range from 30 minutes to five hours. We grabbed a map at the Visitors Center with names of the different tours listed on the back of the page. Touring the cave is the main attraction so take your pick from 15 different tours. It was a bit overwhelming trying to choose from such a long list. The tours are seasonal and not necessarily offered year-round. Since we were on a tight schedule we chose to do the Discovery Self-Guided Tour. This is a 30-min tour with a total stairs of 160 steps and is offered during the busy summer months for visitors who just want a quick visit to Mammoth Cave. It advisable to dress in layers. While it was a sunny 79° at the park, inside the caves is a constant 54°F year-round. Brrr! Bats dwell inside of the cave but a disease called White-Nose Syndrome has drastically reduced their numbers. At the end of the tour, we had to walk across medicated mats to help avoid the spread of this disease (this disease does not affect humans). Review #3918

Our guide telling us about the days where you could scribe your name on the walls of caves. Nice fella!
Dean S.

Who doesn't love a national park cave!? It's crazy as you wander thru here and they state they have mapped out 400+ miles of pathways. I thought it was closer to freeway but you soon realize it's a bit of a trek. Plenty of parking. You can purchase the tour tickets on site or online. Facilities are nice but a good majority(if not all of them?) of the interactive museum features were 'not functioning' so just wander and read all the details and stories posted along the walls. It's crazy that the place was a tourist attraction way back in the day. You'd have to plan for being on the roads for probably days to get here. Tour was cool. Very pretty. Out ranger was super personable and seemed to love his job so that's nice. Glad we decided to drop by and check it out on our way back from Chattanooga.

Tim T.

What an amazing experience. The Domes and Dripstones tour was 2 hours long and explained how the caves were formed, along with history of the area and the geology around it. Dave was funny and informative and took time to answer all questions. It ends with an area full of stalactites and stalagmites. The other cool part, is that they allow you to take pictures!

You'd have to be pretty fat for this stretch to be genuinely miserable
Geoff P.

Huge cave, very impressive. The "historic tour" is a fun and easy way to face your claustrophobia and other spelunking-related fears.

Entrance to Lodge
Eloy Y.

For many, the mighty Bluegrass State conjures ribbons of pastureland speckled with herds of grazing thoroughbreds and savoring a proper mint julep with Derby hats (optional). However, Kentucky is also home to such an incredible collection of caves thanks to its particular karst topography--rich in porous limestone. Located about a 30-minute drive from Bowling Green, Mammoth Cave boasts over 412 miles of mapped caverns to date, making it the world's longest known cave system, and the park estimates another 600 miles may still be waiting to be discovered. My partner, his family, and I were lucky enough to descend into the earth via the Historic Entrance and discover the rare beauty and mystery of the cave for a self-guided tour with rangers stationed at key points. The reservation was easily made by connecting with the website. All tours begin and end at the new Visitor Center. Oh yes, and be sure to pack a jacket if one plans to tour underground! The cave maintains the average yearly temperature of the area, so it stays around 55°. This natural wonder is a World Heritage Site and should be on everyone's list of must-have experiences among Kentucky's most popular attractions, which we could recommend this place.

Kent S.

I had never been to Mammoth Caves after driving past on previous road trips so we made plans specifically around a trip to Mammoth Caves. We were not disappointed. First of all, admittedly I am more at peace in a big city but found the scenery in the national park amazing. I spent more time on national park grounds this trip than all previous park trips and I would do it again. The plan was to visit the park on 2 seperate days. The first day, we arrived in the afternoon for our Domes and Dripstones tour. After the initial climb down 300 steps, the caves opened up to well groomed trails. Our specific guide was warm and welcoming and kept the large group of ~100 people engaged throughout. The next day, we spent a lot of time in and around the park. Hiking, picnicking, and enjoying nature paved the way for our second tour, Violet City. This 3 hour, lantern led tour has visitors hiking in this section of the cave without electricity. This tour transports you back to a time of early cave visitors when torches were used to navigate through it. Highlights of this tour were the 2 water falls that were cleverly lit with only flashlights providing visitors a truly awe inspiring experience. This is a very rigorous tour so be prepared. The tour namesake is only seen for the last few seconds of the tour so a rename could be considered. The visitor center and surrounding complex are well kept with both cave exhibits, restaurants, restrooms and gift shops for all your trip swag.

Natalie R.

I've visited here a few times and I think Mammoth Cave National Park is one of my favorite national parks! We've done everything from camping, hiking, picnicking, multiple cave tours and of course browsing the gift shops. This particular trip we went on the domes & dripstones tour and the violet city tour. Both were amazing tours with the best & knowledgeable ranger tour guides. Both tours were slightly challenging at times navigating through steep hills and tight spaces in the caves. The lanterns added an element of charm but I also loved viewing the caves in all its grandeur with the lights on. It's great how the NPS can provide multiple tours and still have so much history/ information without any overlap. We all loved our cave experiences! There are also multiple hiking trails within and all very well maintained. There are some somewhat challenging hills but the trails we did would be considered achievable by any skill level. Mammoth Caves is one I'd highly recommend if you get the chance, if even just for a few hours. The experience is truly epic and one you'll never forget!

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Reviews are largely positive. Visitors highlight the engaging ranger-led tours, impressive cave system, and the well-maintained park and facilities.

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Ask the Community - Mammoth Cave National Park

Can a 7 month pregnant woman deal with all the stairs and distance?

Negotiating the walk and minimal steps should not be a problem. However, there are a lot of tripping hazards in a dark environment that could cause problems.

Is the historic tour too long for a 6 year old?

It all depends on the 6 yr old mobility. The historic tour is 2 hrs in length. I'd recommend self guided tour that you can take at your own pace. It's not the terrain that would be difficult it would be the length since it's approximately 2 miles in… 

Is there still a cafe along the Grand Avenue Tour? Years ago when I went there, we had lunch in the cave, but haven't seen the cafe mentioned in recent posts.

It wasn't open when we went the week of Memorial Day.

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Review Highlights - Mammoth Cave National Park

“This is the largest cave system in the world (still being mapped), and there is a lot of interesting history.”

Mentioned in 42 reviews

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Tioga Falls Trail - Bottom of falls

Tioga Falls Trail

4.5(27 reviews)
54.6 mi

Tioga Falls, what can you expect? Let's go see!…read more Only in Kentucky! This great state of ours! While Fort Knox, is a hop away! This is where they actually train and have opened this little piece to the public. Come and join me in some hiking . They have ample parking but can fill up. A lot of individuals bring their dogs, make sure and take care. After a rain storm, and snow storms this area is muddy. While we hiked the trails the mud was all over. But we live in Kentucky. Mud and snow; eventually will not stop us. Just prepare yourself ahead of time. The views of the waterfall are beautiful. On one of the trials it was washed out. But you can make your way around. Nature is the ultimate gift and enjoy it . Make sure and leave nature the way you found it.

This little hike was recommended to me after a snowstorm--which I definitely would not suggest…read more It's mostly uphill, and the wind turned everything into ice, making it really challenging to traverse. Outside of that particular experience (and once I was on the return down-hill), I realized this trail is short, simple, charming , and easy, with a few spots offering really pretty overlook views along the way. About halfway in, a babbling creek starts to follow you, hinting that you're nearing the final destination. Then you can hear the waterfalls before rounding a bend to reveal them. The falls are fantastic with multiple levels and a very peaceful melody. Just a heads-up: the trail begins with a walk down a service road since the original trail is now on private property, roped off as part of a very interesting-looking old house/building. At the end of the service road, there's a short but steep uphill path path to rejoin the trail. After that--smooth sailing.

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Tioga Falls Trail
Tioga Falls Trail
Tioga Falls Trail - Multi-level waterfalls!

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Multi-level waterfalls!

Fairmount Falls

Fairmount Falls

4.8(4 reviews)
68.8 mi

Fairmount falls is a hidden and very well kept Louisville treasure. This is a walking trail located…read morein the fern creek/zoneton areas of Louisville. For whatever reason it is owned by Jefferson memorial Forrest which is in Fairdale a good 20 min away. The park area is blocked off by rope and a lock. To get the lock combo you have to call 502-368-5404 and hit "0" for the operator. At that time either someone will pick up and you tell them you want to reserve a spot for Fairmount falls and the date you need it. Or you can leave a voicemail and they will call you back ASAP. If available (only 3 cars a day) they will get your vehicle make and color and license plate number and give you the code. They will tell you to enter the home address of 9601 thixton lane but the entrance is actually across the street. How hidden and unknown is this place? I live literally a mile from here for the last 3 years. I had no idea it even existed. I've probably drove by the hidden entrance 20 good times with no idea. The woods and creek that it attaches is literally the same woods and creek in my actual back yard. If I was grizzly adams I could probably find a way to navigate or kayak my way there. But I'm not about that life. It's the 21st century and I have no problem calling a phone number, reserving a day and driving myself here. As alluded to the entrance is very small and tight (large vehicles may have to adjust a few times) and hard to miss. When you take the rope off you have a tiny parking area and a nice picnic table area. From there you start the trail. The trail is 1.1 miles round trip and it is a loop. First part of the trail has a variety of beautiful mossy rocks and fallen trees in a well beaten out and carved out nature trail. You will come up to a normal road and have to cross it to continue the trail. At that point is where you approach the breathtaking and beautiful Fairmount falls. They have a few side trails to get closer looks and photos. However you will be cross over the falls shortly while staying on the trail. When on top of the falls your feet will get a little wet. There is no barricades so you have to be careful of you dare get closer to the edge for a look see. It's pretty much straight rock in what I'd say is well over a 50 foot drop. So there is not walking it off if you slip. So proceed off trail with extreme caution. The trail continues through more beautiful natural Forrest areas. Including some nice random spots that had yellow water Lilly's that popped up. That second half also has a couple bench areas to sit and relax in the woods. The second half of this trail once you cross the waterfall has some very muddy spots. It is flat Ground and you can trek around them in the woods. Which you can tell has been done before as a second path is starting to emerge. Eventually you loop back around to the waterfall and head back to the beginning. Fairmount falls is Breathtaking, peaceful and quiet. You feel like your in on a top secret place when going there because you will likely be the only ones there and upon arrival you have to take a lock off the rope then lock it behind you and do the same when leaving. Being a mile away from my house I'll reserve this a bunch moving forward. It's an easy well shaded walking trail and relaxing. My family and I have done majority of Louisville walking trails. There isn't another waterfall like this nearby. So it is unique too. Overall extremely glad to have found this hidden gem. I would highly recommend for any nature lover!

We went hiking here last week my daughter and I with my buddy and his kids. And my friend called…read moreGod is the code to get into the Fairmont Falls cause only allow three vehicles at a time I believe that not here by far is that rules though because we saw Alyssa good for five when we were there but we were legit we had correct place in line and we put our names in I don't know if they did or not and I don't know I guess you can just use the same code every time I'm not sure. But besides the point we got there had a lot of cool photo ops had a lot of cool little waterfall things going on and just saw lotta good things good big hiking loop going across the whole thing is like a mile long and easily marked And easily accessible for all of us and we had a really good time I will definitely be back to this place and I bet he's already giving back the same day with the rest of his family so he really enjoyed it so I will definitely be back it's a fun little hiking trail if you like woods and you like hiking you'll like this place

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Fairmount Falls
Fairmount Falls
Fairmount Falls - Daughter had her friends here for her 14th birthday party

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Daughter had her friends here for her 14th birthday party

Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park - 08.29.25 Memorial Building

Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park

4.3(74 reviews)
31.1 mi

We attended an event here during an early Saturday evening to commemorate the 250th USA…read moresesquicentennial. Special performance by Sean of the South focusing on Abraham Lincoln. He sang and shared anecdotal stories sprinkled with humor, as well as playing banjo, guitar, flute, harp, and violin/fiddle. The setting in front of the memorial was beautiful and we were fortunate to have perfect weather. Plenty of parking. Park facilities and grounds are very well maintained. Park rangers and volunteers were all welcoming and helpful with directing visitors. Park ranger cadets were helpful with assisting attendees who needed help with toting coolers or camp chairs. Highly recommend visiting.

On our way up from Knoxville TN to Louisville KY, we made sure to swing by here to see Abraham…read moreLincoln's birthplace! It was thunder storming and lightning abound when we arrived but cleared up during our stroll through the memorial and the visitor center. There is a longer path to the side of the visitor center where it's all covered by trees so we didn't get rained on. Inside the memorial is the replica of the log cabin where he was born. That closes at 4:30pm, whereas the visitor center closes at 5:00pm. I made sure to stop at the sinking springs next to the memorial for the watering hole where Abe took his first drink of water. It felt very cold in that area compared to the humid weather surrounding it. Very cool. So glad we made a stop here on our roadtrip!

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Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park - 08.29.25 Memorial Building

08.29.25 Memorial Building

Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park - Inside the visitor center where

Inside the visitor center where

Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park - Sean of the South special performance at the park - September 2026

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Sean of the South special performance at the park - September 2026

Dunbar Cave State Park

Dunbar Cave State Park

4.3(74 reviews)
79.8 mi

To start, this is one of the prettiest and most unique areas to hike in Clarksville. I say that…read morebecause of the history, Swan Lake, the cave itself and the surrounding woods. If you want a good workout in nature that isn't too daunting, this is the place to come. When I was a little girl, there were no formal, well-kept trails at this park and the cave, 8 miles in length and #280 on the list of the world's largest cave systems, was closed. So, imagine my delight when I discovered the cave is now open for tours. The guided tours are an hour and change and worth the $18/person. You only go into the cave about 1/4 mile and there are two guides with you along the way. The day I took the tour, we had Marley as our lead guide. She was incredibly knowledgeable about the history of the cave drawings and very entertaining in her presentation delivery. The 20-person group I was with were all listening intently and laughing along to some of her light-hearted jokes. The tour is great for children over 4 and not dangerous, but you do need good shoes and a strong flashlight. As for the trails in the park, they can be challenging depending on the direction you go, the shape you're in and whether you're hiking or trail running. At one section, the trail leads you out into a beautiful field that is especially green and luscious during the summer. It can get super toasty in the sun, so bring water and sunscreen. I highly recommend you visit this park and if you're into caves and history, do consider the tour. You won't be disappointed.

This park has a very unique set of rock formations, sinkholes, and of course, caves and caverns…read more Unfortunately the cave was closed when we visited due to recent flooding. There is a small loop trail that will take you to the cave as well as the sink hole. Admission is required when the cave is open. Parking is available in front of the visitors center.

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Dunbar Cave State Park - Cave entrance

Cave entrance

Dunbar Cave State Park - Hidden trail!

Hidden trail!

Dunbar Cave State Park - Cave entrance

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Cave entrance

Big Rock Park

Big Rock Park

4.3(17 reviews)
75.8 mi•Cherokee Seneca

Big Rico park is a very cool and beautiful park located in the Cherokee park system that's created…read moreby Olmsted the same person who made New York's Central Park. Located in the highlands/Cherokee portion of the city of Louisville. I stopped by this park the other day with my wife and 4th horn daughter who is 18 months old. We had planned to play on there small playground but she fell asleep so we Chelsea out the scenery instead. They have lots of water that's ankle high and lots of rock that allows you to walk out in and get in the water. It also a few small trails that surround the park that lets you see yeh park from several angles. The park includes seven benches on the banks of the water for viewing pleasure. They also have a giant pavilion that can be rented out. Which looks like at one point was very impressive. Now it's not upkept and filled with graffiti. It's honestly the only eye sore here. Hopefully they clean it up. Overall cool place that looks like it has 3 different parking lots for different entry points. Although the water is low enough and there is a bough rocks to easily walk this small park and get to any entrance. We had a nice visit here and I look for art to coming back with my other kids and enjoying the exploring and playground.

While trying to find a playground for my kids on a recent beautiful day, I got lost in Cherokee…read morePark, as one is wont to do. But it's because of this that we ended up in the Big Rock Park section of Cherokee for the first time. What a great find! My kids had a blast playing on the small playground, which included a "big rock" to climb on. Parking is easily accessible, but what I appreciated the most was the fact that the creek is right there, with ample green space to run around and enjoy. The pavilion looks like it's seen better days, but signage showed it will be getting a renovation soon. I want to come back here for a picnic and to explore the creek some more!

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Big Rock Park
Big Rock Park
Big Rock Park

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Mammoth Cave National Park - parks - Updated October 2026

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