Mammoth Cave National Park

Deep beneath Kentucky's surface is a maze considered to be the largest cave system in the world with over 348 miles of it being explored and recorded!

The caves open for tour are a must-see for anyone traveling through the Bluegrass State.
Mammoth Cave National Park was fully established in 1941, became a World Heritage site in 1981, and was listed as an International Biosphere Reserve in 1990.

There is evidence of aboriginal peoples exploring the caves as far back as 4,000 years ago! The most recent "discovery" of this cave system occurred in the late 1700's.

Several types of bats are frequently seen within the caves! Those listed on the "endangered" list are the Eastern Small-Footed, Gray, Southeastern and Indiana bats.

Other wildlife frequently seen within the park system's 52,000 acres include the bald eagle, muskrat, mink, red fox, white-tailed deer, copperhead snake, cave salamander, timber rattlesnake, and snapping turtle.

There are several guided cave tours scheduled throughout the day. Tours vary in length and difficulty!

**Word of caution: know your physical limits. Don't attempt a tour more difficult that you can handle. Start out with a shorter, easier tour before diving head first into the deep, dark caverns!

Some of the tours included are:

*Travertine: 1 ¼ hours, easy

*Great Onyx Lantern: 2 ¼ hours, moderately strenuous

*Frozen Niagra: 2 hours, strenuous

*Grand Avenue: 4 ½ hours, VERY strenuous

Reservations are strongly recommended! You may call 1-800-967-2283 to schedule any of the guided tours.

Mammoth Cave National Park has four developed campgrounds and hotels nearby. Other lodging can be found in nearby towns such as Park City, Horse Cave, and Cave City.

One of the things I enjoyed so much about the cave tour is how cool it stays beneath the surface! We were there in 100 degree mid-summer heat and we still needed a jacket for the cave tours. Average temperature in the caves is around 55 degrees. The entrance of the cave we toured was rolling with steam because of the temperature difference during the summer months. So, don't forget your jacket or sweater when you go!

There are two rivers within the park's boundaries. The Green River and Nolan River both contribute to the cave's ecosystems.

If you like to canoe, you might consider a 27 mile overnight run on the Green River. Our church group has done this trek on numerous occasions! Sometimes the men would canoe, and the women and children would camp in the national park headquarters campground and have a big supper waiting on the guys when they returned the next day!
27 miles of canoeing will give you a huge appetite! (And sore muscles.) *Be sure to watch your weather. A lot of rain prior to your trip means higher, faster water flow.
Take life jackets for every member of your team!

The Mammoth Cave National Park also has junior ranger programs and cave tours for children 8-12.

Cave City, Kentucky has many tourist attractions near Mammoth Cave! These include:

*Guntown Mountain
*Dinosaur World
*Hillbilly Hound Fun Park
*Mammoth Cave Wildlife Museum
*Alpine Slide
*Kentucky Action Park

Whatever you do, you are sure to leave Mammoth Cave National Park with many incredible pictures and wonderful memories!

Websites are listed below to help your organize your trip. Have fun!
Lucy Cain