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National Park

Mammoth Cave National Park

Park ClosureMay 6, 2026

Elevator for Accessible Tour Out of Service

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A cascade of water pours over a rock ledge. Green foliage is in the background.

The sound of falling water welcomes visitors into the natural entrance of Mammoth Cave.

Photo: NPS Photo/ Deb Spillman

About

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.

Activities

AstronomyStargazingBikingBoatingCampingBackcountry CampingCanoe or Kayak CampingCar or Front Country CampingHorse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)Group CampingRV CampingCavingFishingFreshwater Fishing
Food
Dining
Picnicking
Guided Tours
Self-Guided Tours - Walking
Hands-On
Hiking
Backcountry Hiking
Front-Country Hiking
Horse Trekking
Horse Camping (see also camping)
Horseback Riding
Paddling
Canoeing
Canoe or Kayak Camping
Kayaking
Junior Ranger Program
Wildlife Watching
Park Film
Shopping
Bookstore and Park Store

Directions

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.

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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).

News

Mammoth Cave National Park Conducts Sobriety and Safety Checkpoints
Mar 30, 2026

Mammoth Cave National Park Conducts Sobriety and Safety Checkpoints

Mammoth Cave National Park law enforcement officers will conduct periodic sobriety and safety checkpoints on park roads and riverways throughout the remainder of 2026.

Green River Ferry Reopens in Mammoth Cave National Park 
Mar 4, 2026

Green River Ferry Reopens in Mammoth Cave National Park 

The Green River Ferry in Mammoth Cave National Park will reopen March 5 and resume daily operations from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST.

Feb 9, 2026

Mammoth Cave National Park Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Rule for Bicycle and Horse Use

The National Park Service invites public comments on a proposed rule that would amend special regulations for riding bicycles and horses within Mammoth Cave National Park.