8 Things You Can't Miss On Your First Visit to Mammoth Cave

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Hi there! Are you ready to plan a phenomenal trip to Mammoth Cave National Park?! Explore the massive underground terrain of the world’s largest known cave system! You are sure to find something here that everyone in your group will LOVE.

Mammoth Cave is a place unlike any other — and likely somewhere you will talk about for years to come. Known as a “grand, gloomy, and peculiar place,” this mysterious system of rooms and passageways is sure to peak your imagination and sense of adventure!

There is so much to do. You may have already looked at a map and been a little overwhelmed — and eager — to make sure that you don’t miss the best sights.

I’m a former park ranger, and I’ll help you plan your vacation down to the details. I’ve extensively explored Mammoth Cave National Park and am here to help! Whether this is your first time to the cave, or if you are returning after many years and would like to be reintroduced to the park, this list of 8 things is for you.

What You Need to Know

Mammoth Cave is massive! In fact, with 400 miles explored and more to be discovered, it’s the world’s largest known cave system. Ranger-led tours are offered year-round so anytime is a good time to go. For more information on the park’s operating hours and seasons, click here.

Unfortunately, a devastating disease called white-nose syndrome has been found in the Mammoth Cave bat population. To prevent it from spreading, your shoes will be cleaned at the end of each tour. The clothes/shoes you wear in Mammoth Cave should not be worn in any other caves in the future.

There is one lodge, two restaurants, and three campgrounds in the park. To make lodging reservations or to learn more about your options, click here.

To preserve the cave, a few things are not permitted on the cave tours. A tripod, a metal-framed backpack, a child backpack carrier, or any of these items cannot be brought inside the cave.

People often miss cave tours because a GPS doesn’t give reliable directions to the visitor center! Follow these directions to avoid taking backroads or having to cross the river on a ferry.

I’ll make sure that you don’t miss the most popular sights, but I also want to provide a few treasures that are off the beaten path as well. Let the adventure begin!