Discover over 400 miles of surveyed underground passages at Mammoth Cave National Park
Experience the classic route through Mammoth Cave's most famous passages
Adventure tour through undeveloped cave passages with crawling and climbing
Self-guided exploration of the cave's entrance area and visitor center
Mammoth Cave National Park preserves the world's longest known cave system, with more than 400 miles of surveyed passageways. Located in south-central Kentucky, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has been fascinating visitors since tours began in 1816.
The cave formed in a thick limestone layer over millions of years as slightly acidic water dissolved the rock, creating an intricate network of chambers, corridors, and underground rivers. This natural wonder showcases remarkable geological formations and serves as habitat for unique cave-adapted wildlife.
Beyond the underground marvels, the park protects 52,830 acres of Kentucky's rolling hills and forests, providing habitat for over 200 animal species and serving as an important karst landscape research site.
Explore Cave Features
Experience a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its outstanding universal value and the world's most extensive cave system.
Witness millions of years of geological history in spectacular limestone formations, underground rivers, and massive chambers.
Discover cave-adapted species including blind cave fish, cave crickets, and the endangered Kentucky cave shrimp.
Choose from easy walking tours to challenging wild cave adventures, plus 70+ miles of surface trails through Kentucky forests.
Mammoth Cave's human story spans thousands of years, beginning with Native American exploration over 4,000 years ago. Archaeological evidence shows extensive use by prehistoric peoples who ventured deep into the cave, leaving behind artifacts, footprints, and even human remains.
European Americans rediscovered the cave around 1797, and by 1816, tours were being offered to curious visitors. During the War of 1812, the cave was mined for saltpeter, a key ingredient in gunpowder, with enslaved and free African Americans doing much of the dangerous work.
The cave's fame grew throughout the 19th century, attracting notable visitors including Ralph Waldo Emerson and Grand Duke Alexis of Russia. In 1941, Mammoth Cave became a national park, preserving this natural wonder for future generations.
The connection between Mammoth Cave and the nearby Flint Ridge Cave System was discovered in 1972, making it officially the world's longest known cave system, a title it continues to hold today.
Explore cave history
One of the cave's most famous rooms, the Rotunda is a massive circular chamber that served as a saltpeter mining site during the War of 1812. The room showcases the cave's human history with preserved mining equipment and historical artifacts.
Marvel at spectacular flowstone formations that resemble a frozen waterfall. These calcium carbonate deposits have been forming for thousands of years, creating one of the cave's most photographed features with intricate patterns and textures.
Discover the mysterious underground waterways of Mammoth Cave, including the famous Echo River. These underground streams are home to unique cave-adapted species like the endangered Kentucky cave shrimp and southern cavefish.
Experience the adventure of squeezing through this famous narrow passage, just wide enough for most people to navigate sideways. This geological formation demonstrates how water carved intricate pathways through the limestone over millions of years.
Make the most of your underground adventure with these essential tips:
Address: 1 Mammoth Cave Pkwy, Mammoth Cave, KY 42259, United States
Coordinates: 37.1861°N, 86.1033°W
Located in south-central Kentucky, approximately 90 minutes from Louisville and Nashville.
Wear comfortable walking shoes with good traction and warm clothing. The cave maintains a constant temperature of 54°F (12°C) year-round, so bring layers. Avoid sandals or high heels as cave floors can be uneven and slippery.
Tour prices range from free self-guided tours to $55 for specialized wild cave adventures. The popular Historic Tour costs $15 for adults. Children under 5 are free for most tours, and there are discounts for seniors and groups.
Yes! Many tours are family-friendly, including the Historic Tour and Discovery Tour. However, some specialized tours like the Wild Cave Tour have age restrictions (16+) due to physical demands. Check specific tour requirements when booking.
Photography is generally allowed on tours, but flash photography may be restricted in certain areas to protect cave wildlife and formations. Always follow your guide's instructions regarding photography during your tour.
Tour lengths vary from 1 hour for self-guided tours to 6+ hours for wild cave adventures. The popular Historic Tour lasts about 2 hours. Check specific tour descriptions for exact durations and physical requirements.
The visitor center and some surface trails are wheelchair accessible. However, due to the natural cave environment with stairs, uneven surfaces, and narrow passages, cave tours are not wheelchair accessible. Contact the park for alternative accessibility options.
Mammoth Cave is home to unique cave-adapted species including blind cave fish, cave crickets, endangered Kentucky cave shrimp, and various bat species. Above ground, you might spot deer, wild turkey, and numerous bird species.
The cave is open year-round with consistent 54°F temperature, making any season suitable. Spring and fall offer pleasant surface weather for hiking. Summer is busiest, so book tours early. Winter offers fewer crowds and beautiful surface scenery.
Mammoth