National Park · KY

Things to do in Mammoth Cave

The National Park Service lists 17 things to do at Mammoth Cave National Park. 16 have no extra fee, 16 need no reservation, and 15 allow pets. Each listing links to the full NPS page. Data is from the NPS snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.

Updated · NPS Data API

All (17) Paddling (6)Biking (3)Guided Tours (2)Front-Country Hiking (2)Junior Ranger Program (1)Horseback Riding (1)Stargazing (1)Wildlife Watching (1)
A ranger talks to two park visitors near a historic train
Photo: NPS Photo/ Nathaniel Leies

Attend a Ranger-led Program

Attending a ranger-led program in the park is a great way to discover new things and learn more about the Mammoth Cave National Park.

10-60 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed

Guided Tours

A large cave passage with a paved trail on the right side.
Photo: NPS Photo/ Thomas DiGiovannangelo

Cave Tours

Join a ranger as you discover the complex history and intricate geology of the worlds longest cave system.

1-6 Hours Year-round Reservation required Fee applies

Guided Tours

A child paddling a kayak along a river
Photo: NPS Photo/ Ashley Decker

Dennison Ferry to Green River Ferry

This popular river trip takes paddlers from the Dennison Ferry Day Use Area to the Green River Ferry.

150-240 Minutes Summer Pets allowed

Paddling

Houchin Ferry to Brownsville

This short trip travels along the Green River from Houchin Ferry inside Mammoth Cave National Park to the former site of Lock and Dam #6 or the Brownsville boat ramp.

90-120 Minutes Summer Pets allowed

Paddling

A young man rides a bike alone on a gravel trail.
Photo: NPS Photo/ Emily Sweet

Mammoth Cave Railroad Bike and Hike Trail

Originally opened in 1886 the Mammoth Cave Railroad brought early tourists to Mammoth Cave and other neighboring caves in the area. Today, a portion of the path of the former Mammoth Cave Railroad has been converted into a 9-mile hike and bike trail.

Year-round Pets allowed

Biking

Canoes and kayaks sitting on the bank of a river.
Photo: NPS Photo/ Jackie Wheet

Planning Your River Trip

Over 30 miles of the Green and Nolin Rivers trace through the Mammoth Cave National Park and offer a wealth of recreational opportunities.

Summer Pets allowed

Paddling

A young woman riding down a narrow trail on a mountain bike.
Photo: NPS Photo/ Emily Sweet

Ride the Big Hollow Trail

Explore the north side of the park on your mountain bike on the only mountain bike trail in the park.

Year-round Pets allowed

Biking

Two people with bikes resting on a bench.
Photo: NPS Photo/ Nathaniel Leies

Road Biking

For visitors wishing to travel to Mammoth Cave National Park on two wheels instead of four, the park roadways offer miles of scenic and forested landscape to enjoy on the ride.

Year-round

Biking

A dark night sky full of stars with a tree in the foreground lit up with a red glow.
Photo: NPS Photo

See the Stars

Since prehistoric times, humans have looked up at the night sky and pondered the wonders of the universe. People have used the stars and planets to navigate, keep track of time, and to connect with other cultures.

Year-round Pets allowed

Stargazing

A orange salamander with black spots.
Photo: NPS Photo/ Basia Gawin

Viewing Park Wildlife

Mammoth Cave is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life ranging from rare exotic cave species to more common woodland creatures.

Year-round Pets allowed

Wildlife Watching

Before you go

Check current alerts and closures, entrance fees and operating hours for Mammoth Cave. Programs and tours can change with the season or be cancelled on short notice — confirm on the NPS page before you plan around one.

Things to do at nearby parks

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