Mammoth Cave National Park

Introducing Mammoth Cave National Park

With the longest cave system on earth, the Mammoth Cave National Park (270-758-2328; www.nps.gov/maca; exit 53 from I-65;8:45am-5:15pm) has some 300 miles of surveyed passageways. Mammoth is at least three times bigger than any other known cave, with vast interior cathedrals, bottomless pits, and strange, undulating rock formations. The caves have been used for prehistoric mineral gathering, as a source of saltpeter for gunpowder and as a tuberculosis hospital. Tourists started visiting around 1810 and guided tours have been offered since the 1830s. The area became a national park in 1926 and now brings nearly two million visitors each year.

The only way to see the caves are the excellent ranger-guided tours (800-967-2283; adult $4-48), and it’s wise to book ahead, especially in summer. Tours range from subterranean strolls to strenuous, day-long spelunking adventures; there’s also a tour for those mobility impaired. The caves are in the central time zone, an hour earlier than Louisville. In addition to the caves, the park contains 70 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking.

Within the park, there are three campsites with restrooms, but no electricity or water hookups ($12 to $30), 12 free backcountry campsites, and the Mammoth Cave Hotel (270-758-2225; www.mammothcavehotel.com; next to visitors center; r $84, cottages $74) which has standard hotel rooms and, in spring and summer, rustic cottages. There is a gas station and convenience store near the visitor center.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009