Plan your visit

Plan Your Visit

Prepare for your trip to south-central Kentucky. Check ferry operations, pack the right gear, and download offline maps before you arrive.

Mammoth Cave National Park

1 Mammoth Cave Parkway, Mammoth Cave, KY 42259

GPS 37.186976, -86.101444

Open directions

Getting there

Driving is the only practical way to reach the park. Follow highway signs from Interstate 65.

How	Time	Cost	Notes
Car: Drive via Interstate 65. From the north, take Exit 53 (Cave City) to KY-70. From the south, take Exit 48 (Park City) to KY-255. Both routes lead to the Mammoth Cave Parkway and visitor center.	15 to 20 minutes from the Interstate 65 exits	Free parking	Do not rely purely on GPS; follow the physical highway signs to the park.

When to go

QuietModerateBusyPeak

The park is open 24 hours a day, year-round. Summer is the busiest season and offers the widest selection of cave tours. Winter means fewer crowds and quiet solitude, though tour options are limited. Cave tours operate every day except December 25.

What to bring

Light jacket or sweater for the constant 54°F (12°C) cave temperature
Sturdy closed-toe walking shoes with good traction
Small front pack or fanny pack (no large backpacks allowed in caves)
Downloaded offline maps (NPS App) due to spotty cell service
Water bottle and snacks for surface trails
Bug spray and tick repellent for forest hikes
Sunscreen and a hat for above-ground activities
US Coast Guard approved life jacket if paddling the rivers
Flashlight or headlamp for evening campground walks

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Cell service is spotty throughout the park.

Download the NPS App for offline maps.

How the day runs

Maximize your time above and below ground.

Combine a major cave tour with surface hikes and scenic views.

09:00
Arrive at Visitor Center
Pick up your pre-booked cave tour tickets and check the Green River Ferry status.
09:30
Cave Tour
Take the 2-hour Domes and Dripstones tour to see stalactite formations.
12:00
Lunch
Eat a packed lunch at a surface picnic area.
13:00
Sloans Crossing Pond
Walk the 45-minute boardwalk trail and look for wildlife.
14:30
Heritage Trail Loop
Take an easy 30-minute paved walk for views of the Green River Valley.

What to pack

Always bring a light jacket or sweater. The cave maintains a constant temperature of 54°F (12°C), even on the hottest summer days. You also need sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes with good traction for the uneven cave floors.

Use a small front pack or fanny pack. Large backpacks, baby carriers, and strollers are banned inside the caves. Bring bug spray and tick repellent if you plan to hike the 80 miles of surface forest trails.

Easiest way to do it

A close-up view of a large, brown dinosaur model in a forest setting.

Dinosaur World Cave City

3 h 4.1 (7)

Over 100 life-sized dinosaurs at Jurassic Jungle, Minigolf, Boneyard Museum & Playground.

From$19per person

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Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.

Planning questions

What should I wear to Mammoth Cave?

Wear a light jacket or sweater, as the cave is always 54°F (12°C). Sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes are essential for navigating the stairs and uneven terrain inside the cave.

Can I bring a backpack into Mammoth Cave?

No. Large backpacks and backpack baby carriers are strictly prohibited on cave tours. Bring a small front pack or a fanny pack instead.

Is Mammoth Cave National Park open in the winter?

Yes, the park is open 24 hours a day, year-round. Cave tours are offered every day except December 25. Winter is an excellent time to visit for smaller groups and quiet surface trails.