6 Things To Do Near Mammoth Cave After You Explore Underground Kentucky
By Sarah McCosham|Published August 29, 2021
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
Mammoth Cave is one of the most extraordinary natural wonders in the world. It’s a big point of pride for us here in Kentucky; a superlative feather in our state cap. The longest cave system on the planet, Mammoth Cave encompasses 400 miles of underground caverns — and new tunnels are continually being discovered. Each year, two million people venture to central Kentucky to behold this spectacular underworld. But there is so much more to Mammoth Cave National Park than its expansive underground caverns; this park is home to some of the best hiking trails, outdoor recreation, and wildlife in the U.S. Today we’re looking at the above-ground realm of Mammoth Cave, which offers so much more for visitors than they could ever imagine.
Mammoth Cave is an extraordinary natural wonder. Not only is it a national treasure, acknowledged by its designation as a National Park, but it's also recognized as the longest, most biologically diverse cave system on the planet. Experiencing this extensive underworld is a bucket-list must; but that's not where we're exploring today.
The hiking at Mammoth Cave is unrivaled, with the park boasting some of the most beautiful trails in the country. One of the most popular treks is the Sinkhole Trail, a 2.4-mile hike that traverses past several small caves and the River Styx.
The Heritage Trail is the park's most family-friendly hike, clocking in at just under a mile.
And the Green River Bluff Trail is another accessible above-ground adventure; this 2.4-mile loop winds through spectacular scenery, culminating in a truly wow-worthy overlook that will take your breath away.
The Big Hollow North and South Loop trails total about 10 miles, and can be customized to fit whatever length of ride you're in the mood for. The Mammoth Cave Railroad Hike and Bike Trail is 18 miles round trip, making it a fun day trip adventure for more seasoned cyclists.
Over 30 miles of the Green and Nolin Rivers run through Mammoth Cave National Park, each offering a wealth of recreational opportunities. The kayaking is particularly swoon-worthy here!
Please note: the use of tubes, inflatable pool toys, or pool rafts to float the rivers is prohibited. Read more about water recreation at Mammoth Cave National Park here.
The rivers that flow through Mammoth Cave are abundant and full of fish, too, making the park an excellent option for this particular Bluegrass State pastime.
You don't need a fishing license to fish within the boundary of Mammoth Cave National Park, either. Limits and regulations do apply, all of which can be found at the NPS website.
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Home to over 130 species of wildlife, this national park is also prime bird-watching territory.
American Bald Eagles can be spotted all throughout Mammoth Cave National Park, and frequently nest near the Green River.
When exploring Mammoth Cave, you'll need a place to stay. And while there are some wonderful campsites at the park, Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Mammoth Cave is definitely the most fun and family-friendly option!
This place is a destination in and of itself, and makes a wonderful "home base" for your Mammoth Cave adventures.
Of course, there are few better ways to revel in the above-ground splendor of Mammoth Cave National Park than camping. Camping is available in three developed campgrounds within the park, and there are more than a dozen primitive sites in the backcountry and along the Green and Nolin rivers, too.
The Mammoth Cave Campground really is ideal for visitors seeking an authentic national park experience, all while having easy access to amenities, cave tours, and other activities offered. Learn more, including how to set up a camping reservation, here.
The above-ground adventures at Mammoth Cave National Park are truly as numerous (and wondrous) as its subterranean tunnels. No matter what you do at this national park, it's sure to be an extraordinary experience.
What’s your favorite thing to do at Mammoth Cave? Did you know there was so much to see and do above ground? Learn more about this incredible natural wonder at the National Parks Service website.
While you’re in the area, consider booking a night at Wigwam Village No. 2 in Cave City, a perennial Bluegrass State favorite that’s full of history and charm.
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