Mammoth Cave National Park
Rolling hills, deep river valleys, and the world's longest known cave system.
Photo: NPS Photo/ Deb Spillman / NPS
About Mammoth Cave National Park
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.
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KYdrive time
KYdrive time
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KYdrive time
KYdrive time
Driving times from Mammoth Cave National Park, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.
Hours
Park Hours
- Mon
- All Day
- Tue
- All Day
- Wed
- All Day
- Thu
- All Day
- Fri
- All Day
- Sat
- All Day
- Sun
- All Day
Activities
Getting there
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).
Frequently asked questions
- What is there to do at Mammoth Cave National Park?
- Popular activities include Astronomy, Backcountry Camping, Backcountry Hiking, Biking, Boating, Bookstore and Park Store.
- Which national parks are within a day's drive of Mammoth Cave National Park?
- Within about a day's drive you can reach Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park (1 h 14 min), Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument (1 h 47 min), Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial (2 h 15 min), Stones River National Battlefield (2 h 19 min), Camp Nelson National Monument (2 h 33 min), Fort Donelson National Battlefield (2 h 53 min).