5 Best Hikes in Mammoth Cave National Park

Share & Spread the love

Did you know that Mammoth Cave is the most extended cave system in the world? When you think of Mammoth Cave National Park, you probably think of underground cave tours.

Mammoth Cave National Park truly lives up to its name, with over 400 miles of intricate cave systems to explore. The underground labyrinth of Mammoth Cave is the most extensive cave system in the world and one of the first tourist destinations in America. Humans have been delving into these fantastic caves for almost 2,000 years; some do so out of curiosity, while others do so in order to extract valuable minerals. Entering the vast tunnels and spooky labyrinths is like traveling back in time due to the well-preserved complexity and extensive history of this cave system. 

Every ad view brings us closer to our next destination.

Exploring the cave is one of the best activities at Mammoth Cave National Park, but it’s not the only attraction. The park also boasts several great above-ground hiking trails. For those who love cave exploration, hiking, and spending time in nature, planning a trip or embarking on hikes in Mammoth Cave National Park is a must.

Do you want to learn more about the 5 best hikes in Mammoth Cave National Park? Indeed, that’s why you’re here, exploring options, keep reading to plan your next outdoor adventure!

Editor’s note: We ensure the accuracy of our guides through thorough fact-checking. The information in this guide reflects the most current details available as of Feb 2024.

Best Hiking Trails in Mammoth Cave National Park
Best Hiking Trails in Mammoth Cave National Park

You and these ads help keep our journey going.

What to Pack for a Hike in Mammoth Cave National Park

Most of the hikes in Mammoth Cave National Park are day hikes, so packing shouldn’t be too difficult.

Be sure to consider the time of year in which you are planning your trip. Winter in Kentucky can be cold, so you might need to pack a few extra layers.

This blog post contains some of the essentials you need for your trip to Mammoth Cave.

We recommend bringing the following with you for a day hike in Mammoth Cave National Park:

  • Backpack
  • Sunscreen
  • Hiking boots or tennis shoes
  • Reusable water bottle
  • First aid kit
  • Camera
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Lip balm
  • Snacks

If you plan on going on an overnight trip, be sure to pack for a backpacking trip. Camping in Mammoth Cave provides a range of options, so you can spend several days in the national park.

Best Hiking Trails in Mammoth Cave National Park

Now that you have a better idea of what to pack for Mammoth Cave National Park let’s get into the list of the best hikes!

Note: We recommend visiting the official website for current information about hiking in Mammoth Cave National Park before you go.

River Styx Spring Trail

Length: 1.2 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Estimated Time: 1 hour – 25 minutes

Pets Allowed: Yes

Activity Fee: No

Reservations: No

Season: Spring, Fall, Summer

The River Styx trail is a beautiful hike that leads to a cave where an underground spring emerges. To get to the River Styx Trail, start on the trail that leads to the historic entrance into Mammoth Cave. Instead of entering the cave, continue to the right.

Take the “Historic Entrance” trail, which begins at the Mammoth Cave Visitor’s Center and goes down the slope between it and the Mammoth Cave Hotel. You will come to the ancient Mammoth Cave entrance on your right after 0.2 kilometers.

At the historic entryway, the trail divides into two routes. Proceed along the larger route on the left, designated as the River Styx Spring route by a sign. There will be a 0.4-mile descent. Once you level down close to the Green River, follow the boardwalk to your left to see the River Styx Spring, where groundwater flows into the Green River from Mammoth Cave.

Additionally, there’s a tiny area where you can see the Green River. To end this quick and simple journey, retrace your steps up the hill to the Visitor’s Center.

If you want to hike the River Styx trail but make the hike a little longer, you can also add on the Echo River Trail for a total length of 3.4 miles.

We recommend using a map for the River Styx Trail.

Thanks to you and these ads, our adventures continue.

Sunset Point Trail

Length: 0.6 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Estimated Time: 30 – 60 minutes

Pets Allowed: Yes

Activity Fee: No

Reservations: No

Season: Year Round

If you are looking for the perfect place to watch the sunset in Mammoth Cave National Park, this is the hike for you! This easy trail is .3 miles out and back and features the best place to watch the sunset in the National Park. This short hike is handicap accessible and offers a fantastic location for small children to play within the well-known Mammoth Cave National Park. 

The walk itself is a level boardwalk. It has an abundance of wildlife and stunning mountain views. Additionally, the hike is part of a wider network of trails that stretches across the park, so if you’re looking for something a little bit longer, you can keep going by following the signage.

Since the lodge is located directly next to the trailhead, there is plenty of parking nearby. However, it may get rather crowded right before sunset, so you might want to arrive a little earlier to get a spot. 

Cedar Sink Trail

Length: 1.8 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Estimated Time: 45 – 60 minutes

Pets Allowed: Yes

Activity Fee: No

Reservations: No

Season: Spring, Fall, Summer

One of Mammoth Cave National Park’s greatest hikes. Despite being a short trail, just under two miles in length, this out-and-back is perhaps one of the most picturesque walks in Mammoth Cave. The Cedar Sink Trail allows you to see into the underground river system in Mammoth Cave National Park. This hike features a beautiful forest, big cliffs, and a sinkhole. The sinks are particularly striking; you can be walking through a forest one moment and then be encircled by deep pits the next.

From the National Park Boundary Road parking area, proceed along the designated path as indicated by the sign until you reach a flight of metal stairs that descend. To reach the observation platform with a view of Cedar Spring, descend the stairs to the bottom and turn left on the trail. In our opinion, this is the most beautiful hike in the National Park!

Our stories are made possible by you and these ads.

Heritage Trail

Heritage Trail | Best Hikes in Mammoth Cave National Park

Length: 0.8 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Estimated Time: 14 minutes

Pets Allowed: Yes

Activity Fee: No

Reservations: No

Season: Spring, Fall

If you find yourself at Sunset Point, then you probably got here by taking the heritage trail. The trail is an easy 0.8 mile hike starting at the visitors center and looping back around. This area is usually teeming with wildflowers during the spring. The Heritage Trail loop leads to an old cemetery in Mammoth Cave National Park.  the history of this particular cemetery is dark and murky at best, considering that it’s believed to have begun as a slave cemetery. This trail is worth checking out if you are interested in history. It also is a beautiful hike through the woods.

Big Hollow North and South Loops

Length: 11.1

Difficulty: Moderate

Estimated Time: 3 hours – 47 minutes

Pets Allowed: Yes

Activity Fee: No

Reservations: No

Season: Year Round

If you are looking to spend a whole day hiking in the Mammoth Cave National Park, we recommend the Big Hollow North and South Loop Trails.

Not only can you hike on this trail, but you also can go mountain biking! This is the best trail in the park if your goal is to get some exercise.

The best Mammoth Cave hike to really appreciate the park’s natural splendor is this 11.1-mile moderate trail. It is largely used by mountain bikers, so there is little foot traffic there. However, you should always be on the lookout for bikes coming up from either direction. You’ll most likely have the trail to yourself once the bikers leave. Spending time in the Big Hollow Loops is a wonderful way to get to know the forest and observe fungi, flowers, birds, and other species.

Every ad view brings us closer to our next destination.

Summary: Best Hikes in Mammoth Cave National Park

While Mammoth Cave is known for being the longest cave system in the world, the National Park is also a fantastic place to go hiking. Mammoth Cave National Park offers a remarkable blend of underground wonders and breathtaking landscapes, making it a haven for both spelunkers and hiking enthusiasts alike. Exploring the extensive network of trails reveals the park’s diverse ecosystems, from lush woodlands to scenic riverbanks. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker seeking challenging terrain or a casual explorer looking for a leisurely stroll, Mammoth Cave has something to offer for everyone.

Thank you for reading this post on the best hikes in Mammoth Cave National Park. We hope this post has inspired you to lace up your hiking boots and experience the wonders of Mammoth Cave National Park firsthand.

Sponsored Feed


Share & Spread the love