Ranger-curated one-day highlights itinerary for Mammoth Cave National Park.
Itinerary
Ranger-curated Mammoth Cave day focused on cave tours and riverside trails.
Visitor Center tour check-in
Reserve cave tours in advance.
Popular tours sell out; confirm entry time.
Historic Tour (or similar)
Classic tour through major cave passages.
Bring a light layer; caves are cool year-round.
Mammoth Cave River Trail
The Historic Entrance is the largest natural opening into the Mammoth Cave system and the site that has been used as the main entrance into the cave by Native Americans, saltpeter miners, cave explorers and travelers from all over the world.
Riverside hike with forest shade.
Great mid-day walk after the cave tour.
Picnic at Green River Ferry
Green River Ferry is an active ferry that is used to shuttle cars, hikers and bikers from one side of the river to the other. Located less than a 10min drive from the visitor center, there's also picnic tables and hiking trails. Fishing is permitted on the riverbank away from the ferry. This site is also usable by all trailed boats. When launching a trailed boat be sure not to disrupt the operation of the ferry, boats should be launched on the downstream side of the ferry.
Shaded picnic area near the river.
Carry snacks and refill water.
Cedar Sink Trail
Stunning rock faces, cave springs, and geological panoramas, you will experience a wide array of seasonal wildflowers and biodiversity.
Short loop to a collapsed sinkhole.
Watch footing near the sink area.
Sunset at Turnhole Bend Overlook
Located on the southern side of the park on Brownsville Road, the 1/2 mile (0.8 km) Turnhole Bend Nature Trail takes hikers past deep sinkholes before leading to the overlook. The overlook consists of two benches and a informational sign, with views of the Green River and the north side of the park.
River overlook with late-day light.
Arrive early for the best spot.
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1
Day
6
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moderate
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