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Mammoth Cave National Park

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Overview

With over 400 miles of labyrinthine cave systems to explore, Mammoth Cave National Park lives up to its name. Mammoth Cave's subterranean system is the largest known cave system in the world and one of America's earliest tourist attractions. For more than 2,000 years, humans have been exploring the depths of these marvelous caves, some to satisfy curiosity and others to mine for precious minerals. The complexities of this cave system and its long history have been well preserved, and stepping into the grand caverns and gloomy labyrinths is like to stepping into the past.

To learn more about Mammoth Cave National Park, visit www.nps.gov.

Local Info

Mammoth Cave National Park offers several great opportunities for mountain biking. Mountain bikes are permitted on the unpaved administrative roads. In addition, certain trails have been specifically designed or designated for off-road bicycle use, and more are under development. Trails that are open to mountain bike use are Big Hollow Trail, The Mammoth Cave Railroad Bike and Hike Trail, Maple Springs Trails, and White Oak Trail. For more information, visit the park's website.

Visiting Tips

Mammoth Cave National Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. No matter the season, Kentucky experiences moderate temperatures and weather. In the spring, conditions tend to be rainy, and while storms occur year round, the highest percentage of them occur between March and September.

Fees & Passes:
There is no entry fee for Mammoth Cave National Park. Most of the resources available within the park are offered free of charge. Various cave tours are offered at an additional cost, and it is recommended that you make a reservation before you visit. For more information about tour fees and making reservations, click here.

Camping & Lodging

Camping:
There are three campgrounds that operate within Mammoth Cave National Park, in addition to more than a dozen primitive backcountry campsites. A permit is required for backcountry camping and can be procured at the Visitor Center. Reservations are recommended at the Mammoth Cave and Maple Springs campgrounds. Campsites at Houchin Ferry are available on a first come, first served basis.

  • Mammoth Cave Campground: Group sites are available.
  • Houchin Ferry Campground
  • Maple Springs Equestrian Campground: Group sites are available.

Lodging:
Lodging is available at the Mammoth Cave Hotel, as well as its affiliate locations. Reservations can be made online or by calling (877) 386-4383.

Food & Drink

There are a variety of dining options located both in the park and in the nearby towns. Visitors can choose restaurant style dining or take advantage of various excellent picnic spots. In addition, the nearby counties and towns boast a variety of local restaurants.

The Mammoth Cave Hotel operates three restaurants in season and a Camp Store that provides a limited amount of supplies as well as groceries for campers. More information about dining options at the Mammoth Cave Hotel can be found here.

Other Activities

The opportunities for exploration in Mammoth Cave National Park are limitless, and there are many different ways to explore all that the park has to offer. Touring the vast caves is just one example, but above ground exploration is encouraged as well. Miles of bike paths and hiking trails provide an escape from the every day while horseback riding or taking a float down the Green or Nolin Rivers provide an excellent way to unwind. Visit Mammoth Cave's website for more information on the park's other activities.

Recommended Routes in Mammoth Cave National Park - 1

MTB Project is built by riders like you. Add Your Recommended Routes

Favorite North Loop Decision point - clockwise or counterclockwise? Clockwise seemed drier for us 2 days after big rain.
Intermediate Intermediate

Big Hollow at Mammoth Cave

11.7 mi 18.9 km 598' Up 182.19 m Up 594' Down 181.2 m Down

Brownsv…, KY
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Mammoth Cave National Park Biking

  • 18 Miles 30 Kilometers of Trail
  • 1 Recommended Route
  • 5 Easy Trails Easy Trails
  • 2 Intermediate Trails Intermediate Trails
  • 0 Difficult Trails Difficult Trails
MTB Project is built by riders like you. Share what you know about this area!

Areas Within Mammoth Cave National Park

Weather Averages


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Trails in Mammoth Cave National Park - 6

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2.5 mi 4.1 km #1South Loop
Intermediate Intermediate
Brownsville, KY
Intermediate Intermediate
Brownsville, KY
4.8 mi 7.7 km #2North Loop
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Brownsville, KY
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Brownsville, KY
8.8 mi 14.2 km #3Mammoth Cave Railroad Trail
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Cave City, KY
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Cave City, KY 10 
1.4 mi 2.2 km #4Maple Springs Connector
Easy Easy
Brownsville, KY
Easy Easy
Brownsville, KY
0.9 mi 1.4 km #5Connector Trail
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Brownsville, KY
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Brownsville, KY

Photos of Mammoth Cave National Park - 21

MTB Project is built by riders like you. Add Your Photos

Log ride on east side of south loop.
May 25, 2015 near Brownsv…, KY
B-Line features on west side of south loop.
May 25, 2015 near Brownsv…, KY
Smooth drop
Aug 3, 2018 near Brownsv…, KY
That's the way, log-ride.
Aug 3, 2018 near Brownsv…, KY
Small drop
Aug 3, 2018 near Brownsv…, KY
North Loop Decision point - clockwise or counterclockwise? Clockwise seemed drier for us 2 days after big rain.
Apr 1, 2021 near Brownsv…, KY
Just started clockwise on the North Loop
Apr 1, 2021 near Brownsv…, KY
Smooth, dry (2 days after rain), and wide singletrack going clockwise on North Loop
Apr 1, 2021 near Brownsv…, KY

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