Best things to do in Mammoth Cave National Park

Updated April 26th, 2022
Best things to do in Mammoth Cave National Park
Image credit: Wangkun Jia

Mammoth Cave is famous for being the longest cave system in the world. The cave system is made up of over 400 miles of passages, making it the largest in the world. The cave is also home to a variety of unique rock formations, including the world’s largest stalagmite.

Mammoth Cave is also famous for its unique history. The cave was first discovered by Native Americans, who used it as a sacred site. The cave was later used as a saltpeter mine during the War of 1812. In 1816, the cave was opened to the public as a tourist attraction.

Today, Mammoth Cave is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. Visitors can take tours of the cave, camp in the park, or hike the many trails. The cave is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bats, salamanders, and snakes.

1. Visit the Mammoth Cave National Park

Visitors experience a sense of awe as they walk through the Mammoth Cave National Park. They see the vastness of the cave and the incredible natural formations.

2. Take a ranger-led tour of the cave

A visitor's experience when they take a ranger-led tour of the cave in Mammoth Cave is that they are able to see many of the features of the cave and learn about the history of the cave. This tour is also a good way for visitors to get a sense of the magnitude of the cave and the effort that has gone into preserving it.

3. Take a boat ride on the underground river

If someone takes a boat ride on the underground river in Mammoth Cave, they would likely feel excited and exhilarated as they journey through the dark and mysterious tunnels. The experience would be unique and unforgettable, and would leave a lasting impression on the visitor.

4. Hike in the backcountry

When hiking in the backcountry in Mammoth Cave, visitors experience a sense of wilderness and solitude. The backcountry hiking trails are often steep and rugged, making for a strenuous trek. The views are especially breathtaking, as hikers traverse through dense forests and open meadows.

5. Camp in the backcountry

A visitor's experience when camping in the backcountry in Mammoth Cave would be awe-inspiring. The vastness of the cave, the darkness, and the silence would be alluring to anyone. There would be an element of danger, as the backcountry is not always well-maintained, but the experience would be worth it for the sense of adventure.

6. Explore the surface features of the cave

When a visitor explores the surface features of the cave, they would see the different stalactites and stalagmites that hang from the cave ceiling. They would also notice all of the different formations and textures on the cave walls.

7. Visit the nearby town of Mammoth Cave

Visitors to Mammoth Cave will likely have an experience of awe when touring the cave. The cave is full of incredible natural features, and visitors will be able to see stalactites, stalagmites, and other formations that are unique to the cave. The cave is also home to a number of different types of animals, including bats, cave spiders, and cave salamanders.