Welcome to the world's largest cave system, a whopping 400+ mile labyrinth of subterranean adventure. Whether you're a professional spelunker or a caving novice, navigating Kentucky's incredible Mammoth Cave National Park is easier than you might think. Plus, it boasts one of the most colorful histories and coolest attractions of all the country's National Parks. From mummies to sinkholes, there's a lot to see above and below the ground.
804 Carriage Hill Dr, Fenton, Michigan 48430-4137 USA
489 Flint Ridge Rd Horse Cave, KY, US
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If you're looking for a more low-key cave tour, the leisurely 45-minute walk through Onyx Cave, located just outside the park, is pretty easy but no less impressive. It's a wet cave (which means it's still actively forming) that contains features like "cave bacon", "cave coral", and more.
Another subterranean adventure in the area is Outlaw Cave. The 45-minute tour doesn't have any stairs whatsoever, so it's great for strollers and wheelchairs. You'll see stalactites and stalagmites (and learn the difference between the two) along the way. Pro tip: the last tour of the day is usually around 6pm, and it's a pretty cool old-school lantern tour.
Diamond Caverns has been stunning visitors with its beauty for almost 150 years, but just because it's been around for awhile doesn't mean its not worth visiting. It's got state-of-the-art lighting that illuminates the cathedral-esque caverns.
Some tips for visiting Mammoth Cave National Park:
-The NPS puts on different tours that highlight various parts of the cave, so you don't have to worry about getting lost underground in a 400 mile maze of creepy darkness. The Historic Tour, the Frozen Niagara Tour, and the Domes and Dripstones Tour are always popular, but there's also a more adventurous "Introduction to Caving" tour, and "The Violet City Lantern Tour" is especially awesome, since it encompasses parts of several shorter tours, plus you do the whole thing by lantern light, which adds an air of mystery and excitement to the whole thing. -The tours they offer (and when they offer them daily) change depending on the seasons, so check ahead of time to pick out what you want to do. Also, some of the tours have height, age, or other restrictions, so keep that in mind as well. -Above the ground, you'll find 70 miles of trails and the Green River, where you can kayak, canoe, swim and fish. You can also find horseback riding, camping, and more. -Inside the cave, it's about 54 degrees, although it can be warmer or colder, depending on various factors. Pack a sweater and good walking shoes!
804 Carriage Hill Dr, Fenton, Michigan United States
The best time to visit Mammoth Cave National Park: Snow and cold temperatures definitely limit your tour options of the cave in the winter, and summer is by far the most popular time to visit. Spring is lovely, with mild temperatures and wildflowers, and there's lots of great fall foliage in the autumn, plus transitional seasons are less crowded as well.