THE EARNEST TRAVELER
There's a whole national park on top of the cave, and most visitors miss it. Mammoth Cave protects more than 80 miles of surface trails through Kentucky forest, sinkholes, springs, and quiet backcountry — all of it free.
Trails for Every Level
Near the visitor center, short, easy walks lead to historic cave entrances, sinkholes, and springs. Farther out, the park's 80-plus miles of trails — many on the quieter north side of the Green River — open up longer day hikes and multi-day backcountry routes through hardwood forest.
The North Side & the Backcountry
Across the Green River (reached by the ferry), the park's larger trail network is open to hikers, and in places horses and bikes. Designated backcountry campsites (with a free permit) let you spend a night in the forest above the cave — a solitude most cave visitors never find.
Karst Country
This is karst landscape — the same water-carved limestone that made the cave shapes the surface, with sinkholes, disappearing streams, and springs along the trails. It's a quietly fascinating landscape to walk, and it explains what's happening underground.
Planning Surface Days
Spring and fall are ideal; summer is hot and humid, and the forest holds ticks and bugs, so bring protection. Carry water — sources are limited — download a trail map, and get a backcountry permit at the visitor center if you're staying out overnight.
The cave tours are busy; the backcountry trails are not. If you want quiet, cross the ferry to the north side and walk — you'll often have the forest above the world's longest cave to yourself.
Footing, water, and bug protection for the Kentucky forest.