Explore Mammoth Cave National Park.
Looking for the best resources to help plan your visit to Mammoth Cave National Park?
Then you’ve come to the right place!
Hi, I’m Natalie, and I am a national parks-obsessed mom who has compiled all of the details, itineraries, dining guides, and hiking information for the perfect trip to Kentucky’s most popular cave.
Whether you need to know which tour is best for kids or what to expect inside the cave system, you’ll find it here.
I only write about places I’ve been and experiences that I’ve had, so you’re getting up-to-date advice from a parent who has been there.
Mammoth Cave at a glance
Covers 52,800 acres
Located in Kentucky
Halfway between Nashville, TN, and Louisville, KY
World’s largest known cave system
Has hiking trails on the surface
Tour the cave.
There are many different tours that you can take into the Mammoth Cave system, including self-guided and spelunking tours.
If you’re visiting with kids, though, you’ll want something that keeps their attention throughout while still being educational.
Here’s my pick for the best tour for kids:
These caves rock.
If you’ve been to one cave system in the NPS system, should you bother going to another?
Yes! Each of the national park caves has a unique ecosystem and history, and if you’ve seen one, you haven’t seen them all.
Lodging
Mammoth Cave National Park has lodging and campgrounds on-property, which are convenient to all of the hikes and cave tours.
If you’re looking for something with a bit of nostalgic flair, try out the Wigwam Village in nearby Cave City. These concrete tipis are only one of 3 similar properties left in the U.S. and the ones in Holbrook, Arizona, were the inspiration for the Cozy Cone Motel in the Disney movie Cars!
Mammoth Cave Must Haves
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Jacket and Hat
The cave system hovers around 50-55 degrees year round, which can be a bit of a shock during the summer when you enter wearing shorts and a t-shirt.
Bring a light jacket and a beanie if you are easily chilled.
My kids even brought gloves, but they didn’t end up wearing them.
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Comfortable shoes
On all of the Mammoth Cave tours, you’ll be walking along rocky paths and navigating tighter sections.
Come prepared for the adventure with comfortable shoes.
I swear by my Altra Timp Trail Runners, which are lightweight and sturdy, but still protected my feet during the tours.
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AllTrails + National Park Pass
Do not go to Mammoth Cave National Park without this incredible deal!
For just a few dollars more than the cost of a regular NPS annual pass, you can get an annual AllTrail subscription and your national parks pass bundle.
Now, you’re ready to hit the trail and explore the parks!
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Garmin InReach Mini
I never go hiking without this tiny GPS attached to my pack.
Since I’m often hiking alone with my kids, the Garmin InReach gives me peace of mind that we could get help quickly if one of them (or me!) got hurt or sick on the trail.
Since adventuring off the beaten path doesn’t always come with great cell reception, you can always reach help with this unit.
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Rental Car
There’s no public transportation within Mammoth Cave National Park, so you’re going to want the flexibility of your own vehicle while exploring the park and beyond.
Check for the best rates at DiscoverCars.com with convenient pick-up options at all area airports.
If plans change, they also offer free cancellation up to 48 hours before you were scheduled to get your car.
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Travel Insurance
Visiting the U.S. national parks can be a trip of a lifetime, and you don’t want to let sickness or flight delays to ruin your trip.
Be sure to secure travel insurance from Visitors Coverage before you leave, and you’ll be ready for whatever life throws at you.