Overview:
Explore up to ten miles of the incredible Mammoth Cave! With more than 400 miles (644 km) of mapped passageways, Mammoth Cave ranks as the world’s longest known cave system, Mammoth Cave National Park was established in 1941, designated a World Heritage Site in 1981 and became the core area of an international Biosphere Reserve in 1990.
Mammoth Cave National Park preserves the cave system and a part of the Green River valley and hill country of south central Kentucky. Early guide Stephen Bishop called the cave a "grand, gloomy and peculiar place," but its vast chambers and complex labyrinths have earned it the name Mammoth.
The park offers a variety of cave tours daily (except Christmas Day). All tours begin and end at the visitor center. Tours range from easy to difficult and may last anywhere from one to six hours. Cave trails and walkways may have electric lights or may be rugged, pitch-dark paths that require visitors to carry a lantern.
Take a little time to ensure the activity you choose is the best one for you. Each tour is fascinating in its own way and shows off the various sections of the caves. Tour highlights include the Rainbow Dome, the Snowball Room, Crystal Lake and the Bottomless Pit. The park also offers free programs on the surface that do not require reservations. Please visit the park website for the current schedule.
Summary of Fees – Mammoth Cave National Park Tours.
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Directions
Note: Do not rely exclusively on your mobile GPS, Google Maps or similar automated navigation systems to get to the park Visitor Center in time for your cave tour. Routes can be misleading and incorrect.
Directions 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.
Directions 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.
GPS Coordinates
Latitude 37° 11′ 17.9999″ N
Longitude 86° 6′ 4.0000″ W