Current NPS alerts (4)
Green River Ferry Temporarily Out of Service
The Green River Ferry has temporarily suspended operation due to low water levels. Ferry service will resume once water levels rise and conditions are safe. A river forecast is available at: water.noaa.gov/gauges/03309000
Elevator for Accessible Tour Out of Service
Due to mechanical issues with the cave elevator, the Accessible Tour is currently unavailable. Please check back for updates or call the visitor center at (270) 758-2180.
Temporary Closure of Select Trails for Rehabilitation Project
The Old Guides Trail, Heritage Trail, Sunset Point Trail and areas of the Sinkhole Trail are currently closed due to a trail rehabilitation project.
Tickets are required to enter Mammoth Cave
Reservations are strongly recommended. Reservations are the only way to ensure a spot is available for your party. Please plan accordingly by visiting Recreation.gov to secure your tickets in advance. Availability of walk-up tickets is not guaranteed.
Hikes, views & photo spots
Picked from official NPS trail and things-to-do pages. Lengths, difficulty and times are shown only where NPS states them. Each spot is checked against current NPS alerts on every update.
- View
Sunset Point (Heritage Trail)
Closed per NPS alert: Temporary Closure of Select Trails for Rehabilitation Project
Difficulty: Easy strollTime: 30-60 minutesA short ridge-top walk near the visitor center to a favorite panorama over the Green River Valley.
NPS tip: NPS says this is the place for fresh spring foliage and fall color views.
- View
Green River Bluffs Overlook
Length: 1.3 mi (2.1 km) trailWoodland trail from the picnic area to one of the best views of the Green River winding through the park.
- Hike
Cedar Sink Trail
Length: 1 mi (1.6 km) loopDifficulty: 295 stairs in and out of the sinkTime: 45-60 minutesStairs lead down into a huge sinkhole with rock faces, cave springs and a long run of seasonal wildflowers.
- View
Turnhole Bend Overlook
Length: 0.5 mi (0.8 km) loopSouth-side nature loop past deep sinkholes to benches looking over the Green River and the park's north side.
- View
Doyel Valley Overlook
The park's only drive-up scenic overlook, on Mammoth Cave Parkway 2.2 miles south of the visitor center.
- Night sky
Stargazing near the visitor center
Half the park is after dark: rangers run night sky programs, and open fields work for stargazing on your own.
NPS tip: NPS suggests a red light, a wide-open spot such as the fields and parking lots near the visitor center, and distance from headlights and building lights.
Weather alerts (National Weather Service)
No active NWS watches, warnings or advisories for the forecast zone and county at the park's central point.
About this site
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.
- Type
- National Park
- State
- Kentucky
- Address
- 1 Visitor Center Parkway, Mammoth Cave, KY 42259-0007