Mammoth Cave National Park

Mammoth Cave National Park is located in central Kentucky, USA, about 90 miles south of Louisville and 100 miles north of Nashville, Tennessee. The nearby towns of Cave City and Park City serve as gateways to the park. The park was established in 1941 and is home to the world’s longest cave system, with more than 400 miles of explored passageways. The area was first used by Native Americans over 4,000 years ago, and European settlers began exploring the caves in the late 18th century. The park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981 for its geological significance and biodiversity. Parking at Mammoth Cave National Park is ample, with several parking areas around the Visitor Center and campgrounds. There is no fee to park, but cave tours do have admission fees. The Visitor Center parking area can accommodate cars, RVs, and buses, though spots can fill quickly during peak seasons. Wildlife in the park includes white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, raccoons, and foxes. Within the cave system, you may encounter cave crickets, eyeless fish, and several species of bats, such as the endangered Indiana bat. The park's flora includes a rich mix of hardwood trees like oak, maple, and hickory, as well as understory plants such as ferns and wildflowers like trillium and columbine. The river valleys are home to sycamores, willows, and other water-loving plants. Notable landmarks within the park include the Green and Nolin Rivers, as well as historical sites like the Mammoth Cave Baptist Church. The park’s extensive cave tours, ranging from easy walks to more strenuous spelunking adventures, are the main draw for visitors. Public transportation to Mammoth Cave is limited. Most visitors arrive by car, though some shuttle services are available from nearby towns like Cave City.