Mammoth Cave National Park

About Mammoth Cave

Rolling hills, deep river valleys, and the world's longest known cave system. Mammoth Cave National Park is home to thousands of years of human history and a rich diversity of plant and animal life, earning it the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Region.

Hours

Getting there

DO NOT FOLLOW YOUR GPS! From the North: Take Interstate 65 to Exit 53 (Cave City Exit). Turn right onto KY-70. Follow 70/255 as it becomes the Mammoth Cave Parkway in the park. Follow the Mammoth Cave Parkway to the Visitor Center. From the South: Take Interstate 65 to Exit 48 (Park City Exit). Turn left onto KY-255 and follow 255 as it becomes the Park City Road into the park. Follow Park City Road until it joins the Mammoth Cave Parkway; turn left. Follow the Mammoth Cave Parkway to the Visitor Center.

Weather

Kentucky has a moderate climate with warm, yet moist conditions. Summers average in the high 80s; winters average in the low 40s. Southern Kentucky, where Mammoth Cave is located, receives the highest average precipitation for the state, about 50 inches per year, mostly in spring. Winter can bring mild to moderate snow and ice. Storms happen year-round, and can include tornadoes and flooding in low-lying areas, but severe weather is infrequent. The temperature deep in the cave is a constant 54°F (12°C).

Things to do

Astronomy, Backcountry Camping, Backcountry Hiking, Biking, Boating, Bookstore and Park Store, Camping, Canoe or Kayak Camping, Canoeing, Car or Front Country Camping, Caving, Dining, Fishing, Food, Freshwater Fishing, Front-Country Hiking, Group Camping, Guided Tours, Hands-On, Hiking, Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use), Horse Camping (see also camping), Horse Trekking, Horseback Riding, Junior Ranger Program, Kayaking, Paddling, Park Film, Picnicking, RV Camping, Self-Guided Tours - Walking, Shopping, Stargazing, Wildlife Watching.