7 Budget-friendly Things to do in Mammoth Cave National Park That You Shouldn't Miss

December 9, 2021 Etsuko Causey

At 336 miles, this is the longest system of cave's in the world.
Restaurants in Mammoth Cave National Park Campgrounds

1. Green River

Mammoth Cave National Park, KY
Excellent
46%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 67 reviews

Green River

This 25-mile river flowing through Mammoth Cave National Park is great for canoeing, fishing or just plain swimming.

Reviewed By WiseWomanWanderer - Mount Orab, United States

When visiting Mammoth Cave National Park, make sure to take hikes and see awesome views of Green River! If you start at the Visitor Center, just stroll to the Historic Entrance and then keep on strolling right on down to the banks of the Green River. Then, you can hike the Green River Bluff Trail back to the Visitor Center. It was quite an uphill trek! But the overlooks were worth it! About half way back, you can detour to Dixon Cave which hosts the Indiana Bat. Also, you can drive to the Green River Ferry and park in the parking lot to get another view of the Green River. The ferry was not operational when I visited, but it would be quite an adventure to use it. You can leave your car, and hike along the Echo River to the Echo River Spring and then to River Styx. The first part of this trail is flat and accessible. And for another adventure, drive to Turnhole Bend Nature Center and hike to the overlooks where you can see the Turnhole Spring where an underground river meets the Green River. Ships used to turn around in this section of Green River, and thus its name. Other hikes on the north side of Green River offer views of this waterway, too.

2. Mammoth Cave

1 Mammoth Cave Parkway, Mammoth Cave National Park, KY 42259 +1 270-758-2180 http://www.nps.gov/maca/index.htm
Excellent
65%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,932 reviews

Mammoth Cave

A mysterious limestone cave that has fascinated people for 4,000 years.

Reviewed By JULIANP710 - High Point, United States

First time here at Mammoth Cave National Park!! Get you tickets well in advance for cave tours sell out early We did the Historic cave tour start to end ,worked out to be about 2 hours ,was very enjoyable there are some very low spots and narrow areas and some very wide and open . Tickets for adults $17 each. Many tours to choose from Many trails to choose from Many camping areas GPS coordinates appears to be off as you approach NPS offices

3. Fat Man's Misery

Mammoth Cave National Park, KY +1 270-758-2180 http://www.nps.gov/maca/index.htm
Excellent
71%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 249 reviews

Fat Man's Misery

A narrow passageway inside Mammoth Cave.

4. Tall Man's Misery

Mammoth Cave National Park, KY
Excellent
64%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 81 reviews

Tall Man's Misery

A short passageway inside Mammoth Cave.

Reviewed By CandRTravelers

I am not that tall, but as long as you can stay bent over while walking for 20 feet - it's all part of the amazing cave system. Unless you have really severe claustrophobia - this is plenty open air enough for you.

5. Cedar Sink Trail

Mammoth Cave National Park, KY 42259 http://www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/trails.htm
Excellent
47%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 86 reviews

Cedar Sink Trail

Reviewed By WiseWomanWanderer - Mount Orab, United States

Probably one of the best trails south of the Green River! The trail starts off with a quick descent, but then it is rather rolling. Eventually, you come to the humongous sink where the underground river pops out for a bit. So beautiful and totally serene. You feel as if you are in another world! There are lots of steps down and then lots of steps up on the other side of the sink. I had to stop several times to catch my breath! But it was totally worth it. I visited in February and loved it, but can imagine that it is even much prettier in the spring and fall, and also more crowded. I loved having the place to myself! A porta potty is located at the trailhead. I highly recommend that a visit to Turnhole Bend Nature Trail just down the road a bit where you can see where this underground river joins the Green River.

6. Discovery Tour

Excellent
36%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
12%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 25 reviews

Discovery Tour

A 45-minute hiking tour of Mammoth Cave.

7. Wild Cave Tour

Excellent
89%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 100 reviews

Wild Cave Tour

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