A national park in Kentucky, Mammoth Cave National Park has the world’s longest known cave system, Mammoth Cave. This cave system has been officially referred to as the Mammoth–Flint Ridge Cave System since its 1972 merger with Mammoth Cave to the north. As a National Park in 1941, it was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1981, a Biosphere Reserve in 1990, and an International Dark Sky Park in 2021.
Most of the park’s 52,830 acres are in Edmonson County, with a few sliver patches stretching east into Hart and Barren. The Green River flows through the park, with a branch known as the Nolin River emptying into the Green immediately within the boundaries of the park itself. More than 420 miles of documented corridors make Mammoth Cave the world’s largest known cave system, about twice as long as the second-biggest cave system in Mexico, Sac Actun underwater.
Entrances to the Mammoth Cave National Park
The park spans approximately 53,000 acres, making it a great area to spend some time. Fortunately, with a little forethought and preparation, navigating the city will be a breeze. The Green River, which runs from east to west across the middle of Mammoth Cave National Park, divides the park. In addition to cave tours and most park amenities, wilderness camping, hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking may be found on the park’s north side. Before you go out on your adventure, have a look at a park map to familiarise yourself with its layout.
Mammoth Cave Visitors Center directions
The majority of the park’s tourist amenities, including the Mammoth Cave Visitor Center, may be found on the park’s south side. To name a few, there are these:
- Tickets for a cave tour
- The locations where cave tours leave.
- Intangible assets
- Dining and food
- Lodging
- Camping
- Camping in the wilderness requires a permission.
- Offices of the Parks Administration
A visit to the park’s Visitor Center is the ideal place to begin arranging your day.
From the North
- Get off at Exit 53 of Interstate 65. (Cave City Exit)
- KY-70 will be on your right. To get to Mammoth Cave National Park, take 70/255 north to the Mammoth Cave Parkway.
- The visitor center may be found by taking the Mammoth Cave Parkway.
From the South
- Take I-65 to Exit 48 and turn right (Park City Exit)
- To enter the park, turn left onto KY-255 and follow 255 until it becomes Park City Road.
- Mammoth Cave Parkway may be reached by following Park City Road until it intersects with the Parkway.
- Turn left and go to the visitor center along the Mammoth Cave Parkway.
From the West
- From Brownsville, Kentucky, take KY-70E/Mammoth Cave Road into the park.
- At the junction of KY-70E and Mammoth Cave Entrance Road, take KY-70E.
- Mammoth Cave Entrance Road should be taken on the left after that.
- The tourist center may be found by using the Mammoth Entrance Road.
Physical Address
It is located at 1 Mammoth Cave Parkway in the town of Mammoth Cave, Kentucky, and is part of Mammoth Cave National Park.
GPS Coordinates
In terms of latitude and longitude, the coordinates are: N 37° 11′ 13.115″ W 86° 06′ 05.197″
The following are the decimal degrees in UTM (Zone 16N, NAD83): +37.186976 -86.101444 m
Campsites and Trails in the North Side
Over 65 miles of picturesque Backcountry Trails may be found on the north side of the park, which is ideal for hiking, biking, and equestrian riding.
Maple Springs Campground and Trailhead Directions
For trail users looking for a central spot for camping, hiking, bicycling, or horseback riding, the Maple Springs Group Campground is a great option. To reach Maple Springs, follow these directions:
Other Trailheads on the North Side
In addition, visitors may reach the Lincoln, First Creek, Temple Hill, and White Oak trailheads on the park’s north side for additional hiking options. There are three ways to get to these trailheads: Ollie Ridge Road, Houchin Ferry North Road, and Dennison Ferry Road.
Getting into the Mammoth Cave National Park
By Car
Most visitors to Mammoth Cave National Park come in their own vehicles. Nearby Interstate-65, which links the Gulf of Mexico to the Great Lakes, is a significant north-south highway.
By Bike
Bicycling is a popular mode of transportation that is both environmentally friendly and socially acceptable. For those looking for a picturesque way to travel between Mammoth Cave National Park and Park City, Kentucky, there is the 9-mile Mammoth Cave Railroad Hike and Bike Trail.
By Air
Louisville, KY (89 miles away) and Nashville, TN (115 miles away) are the nearest major airports (99 miles). At both of the airports, car rentals are readily accessible.
Public Transportation
The park is inaccessible by public transit. In certain regions, you may hire a private cab.
By RV, Trailers, or Buses
All vehicles are welcome to use the parks’ main roads regardless of their size, however, larger vehicles may have difficulties crossing the Green River Ferry or using the parks’ off-highway routes. Please drive with caution and keep an eye out for animals, bicycles, and pedestrians.
There are strict restrictions on the use of commercial vehicles in parks.
Alternative Fuel Vehicle
To cut greenhouse gas emissions and reduce petroleum consumption, you may go to the park in an alternative fuel vehicle. The Department of Energy’s Alternative Fueling Station Locator can help you plan your route.