Mammoth Cave National Park in south central Kentucky is a beautiful and fascinating place. The Park preserves the longest cave system in the world, and visitors can explore this spectacular cave in their choice of cave tours. In addition to touring the cave, visitors can enjoy their favorite outdoors activities in the beautiful Green River valley above ground.
Over 365 miles of the gigantic cave system known as Mammoth Cave have been explored. Visitors can view the cave on a tour designed to provide the level of activity suitable for them. Cave tours and walks vary by season, so you can customize your cave experience by opting to visit when your choice of tours is offered.
Two popular Mammoth Cave tours that are available throughout the year are the Frozen Niagara Tour and the Snowball Tour. The Frozen Niagara Tour involves a ¼ mile easy to manage round trip walk and highlights many of the Cave’s most spectacular landmarks. Visitors will walk under the spectacular Frozen Niagara formation, visit the Drapery Room and see the Rainbow Dome and Crystal Lake along the way. The Snowball Tour involves a more intense descent and a longer walk throughout gypsum encrusted areas of the cave.
If the idea of exploring Mammoth Cave by lantern light intrigues you, you will want to consider the Violet City Lantern Tour. This tour involves a 3-mile walk through some of the cave’s largest passages. Lantern light is used to guide the way, just as it was during the 1800s. You will see many interesting landmarks on this tour, including the Star Chamber, Mummy Ledge and the Giant’s Coffin. This tour does feature 160 steps, a steep descent and several hills.
There are dozens of other fascinating tours available throughout the year at a variety of levels. Guided tours and walks are also available seasonally for above ground explorations of Mammoth Cave National Park.
In addition to exploring Mammoth Cave on your choice of themed tours, you will also enjoy learning about and possibly seeing some of the more than 70 threatened and endangered species that live at Mammoth Cave National Park. These species include plants and creatures as diverse as birds, fish, mammals, gastropods and insects.
Mammoth Cave National Park is a great place to canoe, fish and picnic. You can go horseback riding, take a mountain bike ride or hike along dozens of trails throughout the Park. You can also camp in specially designated areas. There are three campgrounds and in addition, backcountry campsites are available.
Whether you visit for an afternoon or choose to explore more of this beautiful area during a camping expedition, you’re sure to enjoy your time at Mammoth Cave National Park.
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