Mammoth Cave National Park

Mammoth Cave

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1 Mammoth Cave Parkway
Mammoth Cave, KY 42259
270-758 -2180

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Mammoth Cave National Park Description

Explore the world's longest underground cave system, with dozens of guided tours from a quick, flat walk to an all-day belly-sliding exploration. Fourteen miles of the cave is open to visitors, and all tours are guided. Above ground, more than 65 miles of horseback and hike and bike trails can take you as far as you want to go, whether a quick loop hike or straight up the tallest knob (that's Kentuckian for hill). Bikes and canoes are available for rent by the hour or day; extend your stay by reserving a small cabin or a room at the full-service hotel.

Kid Tips

Babies: Strollers are not allowed on the cave tours. Baby carriers or slings (with baby in the front) are recommended.

Toddlers & Pre-K: Even the shortest tour is recommended only for the most adventurous and patient of toddlers, and not those who have any fear of small or dark spaces, as some of the walking paths are narrow and the lighting is kept to a minimum.

School-Age Kids: Special "Trog" tours for kids 8-12 only (no parents, please) are sure to excite. Kids are kitted out with special hardhats and head lamps to go off-trail, hiking, crawling, and even sliding along on their bellies to explore the least-seen areas of the cave.

Pre-Teens & Teens: Challenge the older, adventurous teen (16 and above) to the rugged, day-long wild cave tour -- they'll crawl through wet spaces, climb cave walls, and come back dirty, exhausted, and exhilirated. Yes, parents can come along, too.

Planning Notes

Reserve a tour. All cave tours are ranger-led and limited in size, so be sure to call ahead to make reservations for your group (two weeks in advance works well for most of the year, but reserve as far in advance as possible for holiday weekends or during the height of summer).
Be prepared. The cave is a pleasant 54 degrees year round, so bring sweatshirts or light jackets.
Leave them behind. Purses, backpacks, and containers of any kind are not allowed; only water bottles and cameras should be carried along on cave tours.

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