Best Hikes in Mammoth Cave National Park, KY

Default image for Grand Avenue Tour, a 4.0-mile trail in Mammoth Cave, KY (US)

4 mi
6.4 km

Strenuous One-Way

Grand Avenue Tour

5.0

Mammoth Cave, Kentucky

Created By:

David Miller (Admin)

Default image for Crystal Cave Trail, a 2.6-mile trail in Cave City, KY (US)

2.6 mi
4.2 km

Easy Out-and-Back

Crystal Cave Trail

0.0

Cave City, Kentucky

Created By:

David Miller (Admin)

Default image for Sand Cave Trail, a 0.2-mile trail in Cave City, KY (US)

0.2 mi
0.3 km

Easy Out-and-Back

Sand Cave Trail

0.0

Cave City, Kentucky

Created By:

David Miller (Admin)

Default image for Dixon Cave Trail to Mammoth Cave Historic Entrance, a 0.7-mile trail in Mammoth Cave, KY (US)

0.7 mi
1.1 km

Easy Out-and-Back

Dixon Cave Trail to Mammoth Cave Historic Entrance

0.0

Mammoth Cave, Kentucky

Created By:

David Miller (Admin)

Default image for Cedar Sink Trail, a 1.9-mile trail in Brownsville, KY (US)

1.9 mi
3.1 km

Moderate Out-and-Back

Cedar Sink Trail

0.0

Brownsville, Kentucky

Created By:

David Miller (Admin)

Default image for Turnhole Bend Nature Trail, a 0.6-mile trail in Mammoth Cave, KY (US)

0.6 mi
1 km

Easy Loop

Turnhole Bend Nature Trail

0.0

Mammoth Cave, Kentucky

Created By:

David Miller (Admin)

Default image for Sloan's Pond Loop Trail, a 0.6-mile trail in Park City, KY (US)

0.6 mi
1 km

Easy Loop

Sloan's Pond Loop Trail

0.0

Park City, Kentucky

Created By:

David Miller (Admin)

Key Takeaways

Mammoth Cave is the world's longest known cave system, offering a variety of tours ranging in difficulty and length to explore its vast underground wonders.

Above ground, the park features diverse outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, canoeing/kayaking on the Green River, and scenic drives through the forested landscape.

Planning ahead is essential; book cave tours in advance, check for accessibility information, and be prepared for varying temperatures inside the cave (around 54°F/12°C).

About Mammoth Cave National Park

Explore Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky, home to the world's longest known cave system. Venture above ground on a variety of trails, from easy boardwalks to more challenging hikes. Discover scenic overlooks of sinkholes and the Green River on the Turnhole Bend Nature Trail, or witness the dramatic karst window and cave entrance along the moderate Cedar Sink Trail. For a glimpse into the park's history, take the Dixon Cave Trail to the historic entrance of Mammoth Cave or visit the site of the Sand Cave tragedy on an easy boardwalk trail. Be mindful of poison ivy along many trail edges and enjoy the diverse flora and fauna this unique landscape offers. Most trails are dog-friendly so you can bring your furry friend along for the adventure!

For a truly unforgettable experience, delve into the depths of Mammoth Cave itself. Consider the Grand Avenue Tour, a demanding 4-mile underground hike that immerses you in the cave's diverse environments, including steep climbs, narrow passageways, and even a period of total darkness. Explore trails like the Crystal Cave Trail which leads to another cave, the former home of Floyd Collins and provides an easier pace. Reservations are required for cave tours, and fees apply, so plan your visit in advance. Be prepared for significant elevation changes and the unique challenges of a subterranean hike. Whether you choose to explore above or below ground, Mammoth Cave National Park promises an adventure you won't soon forget.