wild cave tour mammoth cave 2022

How to Pick the Best Mammoth Cave Tour: from Families to Avid Adventurers

Mammoth Cave National Park is a natural wonder nestled in the heart of Kentucky. We’ll show you all the reasons why you should add this extraordinary national park to your travel bucket list and how to pick the best Mammoth cave tour for you and your family. Uncover the mysteries of the world’s longest-known cave system, boasting awe-inspiring rock formations and captivating underground passages at this underrated family destination!

We visited Mammoth Cave National Park when our kids were 4 and 6. In fact, it was the first time they earned Junior Ranger badges! We asked our friend Amanda Perkins of Life Has Its Perks Blog to break down the best Mammoth cave tours, so you can choose the right tour for you- whether you are a first-timer, a family with small kids, or looking for a more challenging or adventurous tour through Mammoth Cave.

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Table of Contents

Is Mammoth Cave Worth Visiting?

Yes, Mammoth Cave is worth visiting! Immersing yourself in the park’s stunning landscapes, from lush forests to picturesque river valleys to the famous cave itself, is a family bucket list experience.

Mammoth Cave National Park offers an experience unlike any other National Park east of the Mississippi River. From the moment you step foot into the cave, you’ll be transported to a world of natural wonder and beauty that will leave you awestruck. Mammoth Cave makes a great stop on a family cross-country road trip .

Mammoth Cave is an incredible feat of nature, with massive chambers, intricate passageways, and bizarre formations that have been sculpted by millions of years of water erosion and geologic activity. But beyond its sheer size and beauty, Mammoth Cave also has a rich history that is woven into the fabric of American culture.

In addition to the cave tours, Mammoth Cave National Park has a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy. We love hiking and biking as a family and there are plenty of trails to explore here. The Green River also provides opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. And for those who prefer to stay indoors, the park offers a variety of ranger-led programs and exhibits.

When is the Best Time to Visit Mammoth Cave?

The best time to visit Mammoth Cave National Park is during the spring and fall seasons, specifically from April to June and September to October. We visited in September, right after school started, and that seemed like the perfect time to come to Mammoth Cave! During these times, the weather is generally pleasant, with milder temperatures and lower humidity compared to the hot and humid summer months. 

The park’s natural beauty flourishes during spring, as wildflowers bloom and the surrounding landscape comes alive with vibrant colors. Fall offers a picturesque spectacle with the changing leaves, creating a breathtaking backdrop for exploration.

Visiting during these seasons also ensures a more comfortable experience while exploring the cave system. The cave’s temperature remains constant at around 54 degrees Fahrenheit (12 degrees Celsius) throughout the year, making it a refreshing escape from both the summer heat and winter chill.

More importantly, spring and fall attract fewer crowds compared to the peak summer season. This means shorter lines for the best Mammoth Cave tour, easier access to hiking trails, and a quieter overall ambiance.

Mammoth Cave National Park is a popular destination year-round, and each season offers its own unique charm. However, for those seeking pleasant weather, beautiful scenery, and a more relaxed atmosphere, spring and fall are the ideal times to experience the park’s wonders at their best.

The Best Mammoth Cave Tours

Tours are required when visiting Mammoth Cave. They offer visitors the opportunity to learn about the cave’s history and geology from knowledgeable rangers who will guide you through the cave system and point out interesting features along the way. There is one option for a short, self-guided tour of the cave, which is only offered in the summer. All other tours are guided tours.

There are a variety of tours available to suit every interest and level of ability, from easy strolls through well-lit sections of the cave to more challenging explorations of remote areas that require crawling and climbing. The cost of most tours ranges from $10 – $30 a person. Many cave tours require a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance.

We took the Domes and Dripstone Tour which was a perfect fit for us. There are quite a few stairs and some tight spaces, but we were up for the adventure. The views were incredible and not something I will soon forget. 

No matter which tour you choose, you’ll be treated to a one-of-a-kind experience that you will never forget. And with so much to see and do at Mammoth Cave National Park, you’ll want to plan a return trip before you even leave.

Top Tip: Make sure to book tours well in advance- not all tours are available year-round.

Best Mammoth Cave Tours for Families

Exploring Mammoth Cave with kids can be lots of fun! There are lots of fun things to see and do in the park, including many cave tours that are suitable for families with kids. Here are some of the best Mammoth cave tours for families.

1. Frozen Niagara Tour

🌟 Easy ⏳ 1.25 Hours ✅ 1/2 mile, Great for young children

The Frozen Niagara Tour is a great option for families with young children. This tour is an easy, half-mile walk through the cave, and it’s filled with all kinds of cool sights to see. You’ll get to explore the Frozen Niagara Formation which looks like a big, frozen waterfall. Your guide will tell you all about how the cave was formed and answer any questions you might have. This is one of the most popular tours at Mammoth Cave.

2. Domes & Dripstones Tour

🌟 Difficult ⏳ 2 Hours ✅ Great for older children

For families with slightly older kids who are up for a bit more adventure, the Domes & Dripstones Tour is a fantastic choice. We loved this tour that took us on a 2-hour journey through some of the most beautiful parts of the cave. We saw massive domes, towering stalagmites, and sparkling dripstones. You’ll even get to climb up a spiral staircase to a lookout point that offers a stunning view of the cave.

3. Mammoth Passage Tour

🌟 Easy ⏳ 1.25 Hours ✅ Educational

If you’re looking for a tour that’s both fun and educational, check out the Mammoth Passage Tour. This tour is led by a park ranger who will teach you all about the history of the cave and the animals that live inside. You’ll get to see some amazing cave formations, like the Giant’s Coffin and the Bottomless Pit. This tour is perfect for families with kids who love to learn new things.

4. Accessible Tour

🌟 Easy ⏳ 2 Hours ✅ No Stairs

Mammoth Cave National Park offers an accessible tour designed to accommodate visitors with mobility challenges. The Accessible Tour is the only tour with no stairs . This tour provides an inclusive experience, featuring wheelchair-accessible routes and audio descriptions. It allows everyone to marvel at the cave’s wonders and learn about its fascinating history, ensuring that no one is left behind in experiencing this incredible natural treasure.

5. Best Mammoth Cave Tour for History Buffs: Historic Tour

🌟 Difficult ⏳ 2 Hours ✅ Focus on History and Usage

If you love history, you’ll love the Historic Tour , which explores the cave’s role in the War of 1812 and the Civil War, as well as its use as a source of saltpeter for gunpowder during both conflicts. This tour involves a lot of stairs and some tight spaces. You can also do the Extended Historic Tour for a slightly longer, more in-depth experience.

6. Best Mammoth Tour for First-Time Visitors: Domes & Dripstones Tour

The Domes & Dripstones Tour is a fantastic choice for first-time visitors who want to experience a mix of history and beauty inside Mammoth Cave. We loved this tour that took us on a 2-hour journey, which includes massive domes, towering stalagmites, and sparkling dripstones. You’ll even get to climb up a spiral staircase to a lookout point that offers a stunning view of the cave.

Best Mammoth Cave Tours for Hard Core Adventurers

If you are looking for an exciting adventure during your visit to Mammoth Cave National Park, look no further! Here are some of the best Mammoth Cave tours for hard-core adventurers and adrenaline junkies like you.

7. Wild Cave Tour

🌟 Very Difficult ⏳ 6 Hours ✅ Ages 16+, Includes crawling

The Wild Cave Tour is not for the faint of heart and you must be at least 16 years old to take part. This tour takes you on a 6-hour journey through the cave that includes crawling through tight spaces, wading through underground streams, and climbing up steep rocks. You’ll get to explore parts of the cave that most visitors never get to see, and you’ll feel like a true explorer. This tour is definitely not recommended for anyone who is claustrophobic or has mobility issues.

8. Grand Avenue Tour

🌟 Very Difficult ⏳4 Hours ✅ Beautiful Areas, ages 6+

If you’re looking for a tour that’s both challenging and awe-inspiring, check out the Grand Avenue Tour. You must be at least 6 years old to do this tour. This tour takes you on a 4-hour journey through some of the most beautiful parts of the cave. You’ll get to see massive domes, towering stalagmites, and sparkling dripstones. You’ll also get to climb up and down several sets of stairs, so be prepared for a workout!

9. Violet City Lantern Tour

🌟 Very Difficult ⏳ 3 Hours ✅ Tour by Lantern Light, Ages 6+

For a truly unique and thrilling experience, try the Violet City Lantern Tour. This tour takes you on a 2-hour journey through the cave by lantern light and you must be at least 6 years old to go. You’ll get to explore the darker corners of the cave and learn about the history and geology of Mammoth Cave. This tour is not recommended for anyone who is afraid of the dark or has trouble walking on uneven surfaces.

10. Introduction to Caving Tour

🌟 Very Difficult ⏳ 3 1/2 Hours ✅ Includes Crawling and Climbing

For families with older kids ( 10 years or older ) who are ready for a real adventure, the Introduction to Caving Tour is an awesome choice. This tour takes you on a 3-hour journey through the cave that includes crawling through narrow passageways and climbing up steep rocks. You’ll get to see parts of the cave that most visitors never get to experience, and you’ll feel like a real explorer. This tour is not for the faint of heart, but it’s a great way to challenge yourself and make some amazing memories.

Most Underrated Mammoth Cave Tours

If you are looking for a Mammoth Cave tour that’s off the beaten path but still offers amazing views, you are in luck. Here are the most underrated Mammoth Cave tours that offer incredible sights you won’t want to miss.

11. River Styx Tour

🌟 Moderate ⏳ 2 1/2 Hours ✅ Includes Boat Ride, Ages 6+

The River Styx Tour may not be as well-known as some of the other tours, but it’s definitely worth checking out. This tour takes you on a 2.5-hour journey through the cave that includes a boat ride on the underground River Styx. Kids must be at least 6 years old to go on this tour. You’ll get to see some amazing cave formations and even a few bats hanging from the ceiling. And the best part? You’ll get to experience the cave in a completely unique way.

12. Great Onyx Lantern Tour

🌟 Moderate ⏳ 2 1/4 Hours ✅ Unique Part of the Cave

The Great Onyx Tour takes you on a 2-hour journey through a portion of the cave that’s not open to the general public. Kids must be at least 6 years old to go on this tour. You’ll get to see some incredible formations, including one of the largest stalactites in the world. You’ll also get to learn about the history of the cave and the people who have explored it over the years.

No matter which underrated tour you choose, you’re sure to be blown away by the amazing sights and experiences. Don’t forget to bring your camera and be prepared to be amazed!

Booking your Mammoth Cave Tour

To explore the cave, you’ll need to purchase a ticket for one of the guided tours. Tickets can be purchased online or in person at the park. It’s a good idea to book your tour in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure you get the tour you want. Tickets tend to sell out fairly quickly. You can book your tickets up to 2 months in advance.

Tickets can be purchased at the recreation website . Be aware that not all tours are available year-round. 

How to Get to Mammoth Cave

Getting to Mammoth Cave National Park is easy! The park is located in south-central Kentucky and can be reached by car, bus, or plane. If you’re driving, the park is located off Interstate 65, about 90 miles south of Louisville and 35 miles north of Bowling Green.

The closest airport to Mammoth Cave National Park is Louisville International Airport (SDF) , located approximately 90 miles north of the park. From the airport, visitors can rent a car or arrange for a shuttle service to reach the park. Interstate highways, such as I-65 and I-165, provide a straightforward route from the airport to Mammoth Cave.

To reach Mammoth Cave National Park from Nashville International Airport (BNA) , you can rent a car and drive approximately 95 miles north via I-65. The journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, offering scenic views of the Kentucky countryside.

Need a rental car to visit Mammoth Cave? We recommend Discover Cars , they always have easy, straightforward pricing. No last-minute surprises!

Book a Rental Car with Discover Cars

Don’t forget to stock up on road trip essentials and of course the best road trip snacks as well!

Where to Stay to Visit Mammoth Cave

When visiting Mammoth Cave National Park, there are various accommodation options available to suit different preferences and budgets.

Remember to book your accommodations well in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred choice. Here are some suggestions for places to stay near the park.

Recommended Budget Hotel: Days Inn Wyndham Cave City

This Days Inn hotel is a clean, and no-frills motel, with a pool that our kids quite enjoyed. It is also very close to Dinosaur World if that is also on your itinerary.

Book Now: Days Inn Wyndham Cave City

The Lodge at Mammoth Cave

The only lodging within the park, you’ll find The Lodge at Mammoth Cave just next to the visitors center. This historic lodge offers comfortable rooms and cabins with modern amenities. Staying here provides easy access to the cave tours and other park attractions.

Campgrounds in Mammoth

Mammoth Cave National Park offers several campgrounds, such as the Mammoth Cave Campground and Maple Springs Group Camp, which provide opportunities for a more immersive and budget-friendly experience. These campgrounds offer both tent and RV camping facilities, along with amenities like restrooms, showers, and picnic areas.

Tips for Taking a Tour of Mammoth Cave

Here are some tips for visiting Mammoth Cave National Park, including what to bring and what is allowed in the park.

-Dress appropriately. The cave stays a constant 54 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, so bring a light jacket or sweater regardless of the season.

-Wear comfortable shoes with good traction, as some of the tours require climbing stairs or walking on uneven surfaces.

-Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.

-Photography is allowed as long as there is no flash.

-Strollers are not allowed, and neither are backpack child carriers. Front packs are allowed.

-Pets are not allowed in the cave or on the cave tours, and they must be leashed at all times in the park.

-Smoking is not permitted in any buildings or on any trails.

-Always remember to stay on designated trails and respect the park’s wildlife.

FAQ: Best Mammoth Cave Tours

The “best” tour at Mammoth Cave National Park depends on personal preferences and interests. Ultimately, the best tour depends on factors such as fitness level, desired level of adventure, and interest in specific cave features or history. The park offers a variety of cave tours, each providing a unique experience. The Domes and Dripstones Tour is popular for its stunning formations, while the Historic Tour delves into the cave’s rich history. The Frozen Niagara Tour showcases the magnificent Frozen Niagara formation. The Grand Avenue Tour is the longest and most strenuous, offering a comprehensive exploration. For an adventurous experience, the Wild Cave Tour is recommended.

The most popular tour at Mammoth Cave National Park is the Domes and Dripstones Tour . This tour takes visitors through the cave’s awe-inspiring formations, showcasing the breathtaking domes and intricate dripstone features. It offers a glimpse into the natural wonders and geological history of Mammoth Cave. The Domes and Dripstones Tour is suitable for a wide range of visitors, providing an engaging and informative experience without being overly strenuous. Due to its popularity, it is advisable to make reservations in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure a spot on this highly sought-after tour.

The hardest tour at Mammoth Cave National Park is the Wild Cave Tour . This tour is designed for the adventurous and physically fit, as it involves crawling, climbing, and navigating through tight spaces within the cave system. Participants wear helmets, headlamps, and kneepads as they explore lesser-traveled sections of the cave, experiencing the raw and rugged aspects of underground exploration. The Wild Cave Tour requires a high level of stamina, agility, and a willingness to challenge oneself physically and mentally. Due to the demanding nature of the tour, participants must meet certain age and health requirements and should be prepared for a thrilling and strenuous adventure.

The easiest tour at Mammoth Cave National Park is the Frozen Niagara Tour . This tour offers a relatively accessible and leisurely exploration of the cave. Visitors can experience the beauty of the Frozen Niagara Formation, a magnificent display of stalactites and flowstone. The tour involves minimal walking on well-maintained paths, making it suitable for individuals of various fitness levels and ages. It provides a captivating introduction to the wonders of Mammoth Cave without requiring strenuous physical exertion or navigating challenging cave passages. The Frozen Niagara Tour offers a convenient option for those seeking a more relaxed and accessible cave experience.

No, you cannot explore Mammoth Cave without a tour, although one self-guided tour is available for part of the cave. The cave is a complex and delicate natural environment, and for conservation and safety reasons, access to most of the cave system is restricted to guided tours. The National Park Service offers a range of tours led by knowledgeable guides who provide valuable information about the cave’s geological features, history, and environmental significance. These tours ensure that visitors can safely navigate the cave while minimizing any negative impact on the delicate ecosystem.

A tour in Mammoth Cave National Park ranges from 30 minutes to more than 6 hours depending on which tour you choose. The shorter tours, such as the Frozen Niagara Tour or the Historic Tour, typically last around one hour, providing a condensed but still captivating cave experience. Longer tours like the Domes and Dripstones Tour or the Grand Avenue Tour can last two to three hours or more, allowing for a more comprehensive exploration of the cave’s features and passages.

The cost of touring Mammoth Cave National Park varies depending on the specific tour chosen. The prices range from approximately $8 to $30 per person, depending on the tour. The shorter tours, such as the Frozen Niagara Tour, generally have lower prices, while longer and more extensive tours, like the Grand Avenue Tour, are more expensive.

While Mammoth Cave does not have a boat tour, however, The River Styx Tour includes a boat ride. This 2 1/2-hour tour is the only one that includes a boat. Mammoth Cave primarily offers walking tours, allowing visitors to explore the stunning underground passages and formations on foot.

Yes, you can visit Mammoth Cave in the winter. The cave remains open year-round, allowing visitors to explore its wonders even during the colder months. The cave retains the same cool temperature all year. However, some tours and facilities may have adjusted schedules or limited availability during the winter season.

It is very helpful to have a car when visiting Mammoth Cave National Park. Public transportation options are limited, and having a car provides flexibility and convenience for accessing the park, touring the area, and exploring nearby attractions. We recommend using Discover Cars for your car rental- you’ll find an easy interface and upfront pricing.

There You Have it: Best Mammoth Cave Tours

Mammoth Cave National Park is a truly fantastic place, and with a little planning, you can enjoy the best Mammoth Cave Tour for you and your family. From exploring the cave’s depths to hiking through the park’s beautiful forests, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the beautiful National Park.

With so many cave tours to choose from, ranging from family-friendly to extreme adventures, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The park also offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and water sports, as well as ranger-led programs and exhibits. 

From the stunning cave formations to the beautiful natural scenery, there is so much to see and do at this incredible park. So, pack your bags, grab your sense of adventure, and get ready to explore the best tours of Mammoth Cave!

Interested in National Parks? Don’t miss our posts of family favorites like Glacier National Park , Yellowstone National Park , or Yosemite . We also like more under-the-radar parks like Craters of the Moon and the Wright Brothers Memorial ! For a wonderful autumn destination, check out Acadia National Park in Maine .

Cynthia Matthews von Berg is the founder of Sharing the Wander. She is a passionate traveler, mom, and travel coach specializing in long-term travel and family travel. She and her family embarked on a Family Gap Year in 2021, and haven't looked back.

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Mammoth Cave National Park's 'Wild Cave Tour' Review

Well, Mammoth Cave in Kentucky named its tour correctly. Other options may have included, "Wicked Awesome Cave Tour", "Most-Fun-Ever Cave Tour", or "The Best Cave Tour of Mammoth Cave National Park." The "Wild Cave Tour" is the longest tour the park offers and takes visitors into depths of the cave you can't see anywhere else. For a little over six hours, I got to see natural formations, massive rooms of rock, and meet some of the coolest people visiting the park. It was my favorite part of my trip to the Mammoth Cave National Park and I hope I can inspire others to check it out.

Getting Ready

Before the tour began, we assembled at the Visitor Center. The tour maxes out at 14 people (see more under Tour Restrictions below) which is good for safety reasons and to help create camaraderie among the group. It was fun to meet those visiting Mammoth Cave for the first time and even a few who have been on the Wild Cave Tour before. Visitors return again and again because the tour takes you to different areas of the caves each time. Be sure to tell your guide where you went last time and they will not only take it into consideration, they will be sure to introduce you to a part of the cave you haven't explored yet!

Our guide for the day was Gabe Esters, a delightful adventurer, with a great sense of humor and love of the park. Gabe grew up in the area and became a guide 7 years prior when he learned that teaching high school just wasn't for him. After a brief intro, we were shuttled over to another building to get geared up. We were given overalls, helmets with lamps, kneepads, bandannas, and gloves. After only two attempts, I found a pair of overalls that fit me perfectly and handed over my boots to be disinfected. In an effort to ward off White Nose Syndrome , no outside gear is allowed inside the caves and all boots must be sprayed before and after the tour. The syndrome affects the bats who live in caves and started cropping up in 2009. In fact, Indiana closed off its caves to tourists in Hoosier National Forest to slow the spread of the disease.

Once my boots were cleaned and laced up, I was ready to rock. And it was only 10 a.m.! We hopped back on the shuttle and took a ride over to the Carmichael Entrance to begin our day.

"I Wanna Rock!"

My first thought as we walked down the stairs into the cave was, "Man, it's chilly." The caves hold a temperature in the mid-50's -- a perfect escape for a humid summer day. We took a short walk and found a comfy spot to sit and introduce ourselves to one another. It was a nice way to start the tour, since you really work together during the day. Whether you need a hand up a rock or a simple, "You can do it!" the group really works closely all day. In fact, whether you know others or not, you are responsible for the hiker behind you at all times. If you don't see them, you must yell out, "Hold up!" so the group can stop and make sure all hikers get caught up and move together through the caves.

After our brief introductions, we set out through a variety of passages and fairly quickly came upon our first physical challenge. Gabe stopped us and explained what to do when crawling through a tight space. We were told to relax, to breathe slowly, even what direction our head may feel the most comfortable. I had my nerves but I was determined to kick butt. Then I saw where he pointed. It didn't even look like a passageway! He gave a brief demo which looked like a man diving head first into a hole in the earth with his feet dangling in handstand formation. But without much more thought, it was our turn. One my one we crawled, and I mean crawled, through the passageway. And you know what? It was awesome! Sure it is not for everyone. In fact, some people actually may not fit, but it was so cool. I felt like a true explorer, getting to peak into parts of the earth that no one else has seen.

Everyone made it through and what I saw at the other side were some of the biggest smiles ever. We all felt pretty proud of ourselves. I had that feeling of accomplishment, like, "OK, that was easy. I got this!" And the rest of the day was just as exhilarating. Sometimes we walked, sometimes we crawled, and sometimes we just plain wiggled our way through passageways and saw Mammoth Cave like some will never see. After a few hours, our energy began to dip but luckily it was time for a lunch break.

We arrived in the Snowball Room which was fully equipped with multiple picnic tables, bathrooms, and a selection of sandwiches, soup, beverages, and candy. And boy did we need it. The rest of the tour was full of some easy walks and other strenuous activities like scaling walls and crawling. But every trail we hit, every passageway we explored, and every landmark we saw was totally worth it. The tour was phenomenal and offers so much to its participants.

While the park tends to describe the tour as "very strenuous" and not for those "afraid of heights or tight spaces," I think a lot more people can handle this tour than they think. In fact, I think the park may actually scare people off. When I read the warnings, I felt quite panicked. Can I handle this? What am I doing? What if I freak out down there? But within 15 minutes of being in the cave, I was laughing and having a lot of fun. The only thing talking visitors out of the Wild Cave Tour is themselves.

Now don't get me wrong. I am not saying this tour is for everyone. If you walk with a cane, don't go on this tour. If you are overweight or very unhealthy, this tour is not for you. However, if you are in good health and meet the other specifics of weight and age, go for it! You may be scared at first, but trust me, at the end of the day, you will be so proud of yourself and glad you did it.

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10 Best Mammoth Cave Tours Worth Your Time

This post is all about the best Mammoth Cave tours in Mammoth Cave National Park! You’ll find an overview of the different tours, travel tips, effort level listings, and estimated times based on our personal experiences hiking Mammoth Cave National Park.

In the beginning of autumn, I went on my first Mammoth Cave tour. I sat – legs pressed tight against a bench, feet clacking the ground – under the wide awning of Shelter A, waiting for a ranger to herd me (and a hundred or so other tourists) into the belly of the longest cave in the world. We walked and walked and walked some more. We climbed up and down thin, platformed stairs. We paused and gasped as the cave curved and snarled and dropped and twisted. Mammoth Cave’s pathways are serpentine; its walls are textured. And I was enamored by it all.

I returned to Mammoth Cave National Park often after, each time with the intention of taking one guided trip (sometimes two, much to the misery of my calves) through the cave itself. On those ranger-led tours, I chatted with travelers and staff, die-hard cave lovers and new-to-the-cave-scene visitors. Tour-by-tour, I fell deeper and deeper in love with Kentucky’s karst landscape.

Now, having been on almost all the Mammoth Cave tours (with the exception of their crawling tours), I feel ready to share my favorites.

Here are Passport To Eden’s top picks for the best cave tours at Mammoth Cave National Park!

Editor’s Note: Mammoth Cave tours are seasonal and not necessarily offered year-round. Sometimes tours close for construction (one of my favorite mammoth cave tours was closed in 2023 for this very reason. The goal was to make paths to be more accessible in the future). The best place to check what tours are available right now is the National Park website ( I’ll link it here ). I also tried to include a list of phobia warnings based on my own personal experiences on each of the cave tours. If you experience any cave-triggered phobias, I highly recommend talking with one of the rangers at Mammoth Cave National Park (you can reach them at 270-758-2180) before booking a tour. They can help you decide which tour (if any) might suit you best!

Table of Contents

Historic Tour

Mammoth Cave has long been a place for the curious. Even before it became integrated into the National Park system in 1941, tours were being led down and through its hidden alleys and layered passageways. The Historic Tour is the oldest, continually operated tour at Mammoth Cave . It’s also the most popular .

Go for the atmosphere: the gaping, moss-laden Historic Entrance; the vaulted, limestone ceilings; the remnants of 19th century century saltpetre vats . Go for the route too. You’ll stroll through wide and thin areas of Mammoth Cave. You’ll pass a coffin-shaped rock that looks like it’s been plucked from the pages of an old vampire novel. You’ll duck and twist and shimmy through Fat Man’s Misery (though I’d personally call this portion of the cave Anybody’s Misery). And by the end of your tour, you’ll be left with no doubts as to how Mammoth Cave got its name.

General Info

ESTIMATED TIME: 2 Hours (Allot 2.5 hours) STAIRS: 540 EFFORT: Moderately Strenuous COST: $20.00 Per Adult PHOBIA WARNINGS: Claustrophobia, Nyctophobia, Agoraphobia

Frozen Niagara Tour

Quick, short, and low-in-effort , The Frozen Niagara tour is hands-down the easiest tour offered at Mammoth Cave National Park. Don’t be fooled by the sketchy looking entryway: this is one of the most beautiful sections of Mammoth Cave . Within a small, dark, fourth-of-a-mile stretch, you’ll see wrangled beards of limestone, spirals of stalactites, and ice-like distortions of flowstone. Your tour guide will brief you on the geology of Mammoth Cave , the story behind the Frozen Niagara entrance, and some of the keystone species you might see at Mammoth Cave National Park (this part of the cavern is usually crawling with cave crickets).

ESTIMATED TIME: 1.25 Hours (Allot 1.5 hours) STAIRS: 12 With Optional 98 Stairs To The Drapery Room EFFORT: Easy COST: $18.00 Per Adult PHOBIA WARNINGS: Arachnophobia, Nyctophobia, Agoraphobia

Cleaveland Avenue Tour

The Cleaveland Avenue Tour is one of the most underrated Mammoth Cave tours. If you’re visiting Mammoth Cave for the first time and want to get a feel for the length of Mammoth Cave without the stress of a large group size, this is the tour I’d recommend the most! Be warned: there are lots of steps up front and towards the end. But the path in-between is nice and gentle and compact . It’s a hike that’s strenuous in bursts, more tiring than difficult . And the reward is floral gypsum , white petals of calcium sulfate that choke cracks and crevices. You’ll amble and ramble and snap photos. And as you stroll through Cleaveland Avenue, your tour guide will introduce you to Mammoth Cave’s geology, topology, and history .

ESTIMATED TIME: 2 Hours STAIRS: 400 EFFORT: Moderate COST: $22.00 Per Adult PHOBIA WARNINGS: Nyctophobia, Claustrophobia, Agoraphobia

Grand Avenue Tour

The Grand Avenue Tour is intense. It’s stair after stair, incline after incline. You’ll trek through sparkling passageways and squeeze into slot canyons and amble past rich tapestries of flowstone. You’ll experience Mammoth Cave to the fullest – its highs and lows, its dimness and darkness, its emptiness and too-muchness. Grand Avenue’s variation alone it makes it one of the best mammoth cave tours, but it’s also one of the most difficult . The pace tends to be slow and unhurried ( there are even restroom breaks) to accommodate, but the length will absolutely test your legs. This tour is long. You’ll spend half-a-day in a cool, dark, seemingly endless underground . At times, the landscape will feel (and look) hellish. But if you love caves and enjoy Stairmaster challenges, you’ll feel right at home in this tour.

ESTIMATED TIME: 4 Hours (Allot 4.5) STAIRS: 1313 EFFORT: Strenuous COST: $35.00 Per Adult PHOBIA WARNINGS: Claustrophobia, Acrophobia, Arachnophobia, Nyctophobia, Agoraphobia

Violet City Lantern Tour

Whilst at Mammoth Cave National Park, I tried asking as many park rangers as I could find what their favorite tour was. The overwhelming response? The Violet City Lantern Tour . This is one the most dramatic Mammoth Cave tours. Here’s what I love about it: Violet City swoops you back in time to an era of early exploration , an era where your eyes depended on the soft, intimate glow of lantern-light . So as you hold up your lantern to Mammoth Cave’s water-cut nooks and crannies, you’ll tap into the past. But you’ll also focus on the little details – the here-and-now, the what-was and what-could-be.

ESTIMATED TIME: 3 Hours STAIRS: 160 EFFORT: Moderate COST: $25.00 Per Adult PHOBIA WARNINGS: Claustrophobia, Acrophobia, Nyctophobia, Agoraphobia

Gothic Avenue Tour

One of my favorite Mammoth Cave tours was the Gothic Avenue Tour (which to me felt a lot like The Historic Tour without the severe claustrophobia moments). The Gothic Avenue tour is dark and moody . It’s theatrical in its form and shape. Spheres of light are cast onto historic graffiti burned into Mammoth Cave’s walls. Monuments (old Jenga-ed stacks of rocks) are strewn along the edge of the trails. You’ll see broody stalactites and stalagmites droop down below blackened shadows. You’ll crescent moon around a dramatic ring of formations (known as The Bridal Altar), which devilishly drips down to hard, compact ground. The atmosphere of Gothic Avenue is gloomy and eerie. Go in October if you can (this is the perfect tour to take during spooky season).

ESTIMATED TIME: 2 Hours STAIRS: 160 EFFORT: Easy COST: $19.00 Per adult PHOBIA WARNINGS: Nyctophobia, Agoraphobia

River Styx Tour

I was told by a park ranger that the River Styx Tour is often touted as one of the most underwhelming tours at Mammoth Cave. “It’s because people expect to go down to the water,” he said. And while you do see water on the River Styx tour , you see it from above . You catch a small glimpse of it (just a glimpse). Know that this is less of a river tour, and mostly a mashup of many other Mammoth Cave tours . The River Styx trek (which is slick and muddy and wet in some areas) covers the entire Historic Route (truth be told, I was not looking forward to walking through Fat Man’s Misery again). It also injects some elements of the Violet City Lantern Tour and the Mammoth Passage Tour.

ESTIMATED TIME: 2.5 Hours (Allot 3) STAIRS: 600 EFFORT: Moderately strenuous COST: $22.00 Per adult PHOBIA WARNINGS: Claustrophobia, Nyctophobia, Acrophobia, Agoraphobia

Domes & Dripstones Tour

Like Frozen Niagara, Domes & Dripstones walks you through some of the prettiest sections of Mammoth Cave. It’s a lot more strenuous than Frozen Niagara though (according to the ranger who led our tour, this is the hike he’s seen the most people end up in need of medical evacuation – eeeep ). And after negotiating the steps past the entrance, I could see why. On the Domes & Dripstones tour, you knock out 280 stairs in the initial descent . The steps get smaller and smaller as you go farther and farther down. At the choke points, my feet were barely covered by the stairs. But wow, oh wow, once the stairs taper off, you’ll see one of the most beautiful sides to Mammoth Cave. This portion of Mammoth Cave isn’t dry and clean-cut. It’s moist and layered and filled with formations .

Side Note: I definitely felt like I gained the most knowledge from this tour. There were two ranger-led “Ask Me Anything” moments where our group got an opportunity to sit down on a handful of benches (arranged classroom-style right in the cave) and shoot questions. Y’all, I learned so much from the open-ended style of these portions, so if you’re looking to grasp more of the history and geology of Mammoth Cave, I highly recommend this tour!

ESTIMATED TIME: 2 Hours (Allot 2.5) STAIRS: 500 EFFORT: Strenuous COST: $21.00 Per Adult PHOBIA WARNINGS: Claustrophobia, Nyctophobia, Acrophobia, Agoraphobia

Self-Guided Tour

For a quick in-then-out jaunt into Mammoth Cave, opt for the self-guided tour . You still need a ticket (first come, first served), but once you’ve strode down past the Historic Entrance, you can walk around and read the placards at your own pace . This is a popular option for those planning a last-minute stopover at Mammoth Cave.

The self-guided tour showcases a large , wide open, level snapshot of Mammoth Cave, making it more accessible to people who might experience claustrophobia, acrophobia, and agoraphobia. There is a guided version of this tour too ( The Mammoth Passage Tour ), but if you get a chance, try booking one of the other Mammoth Cave tours on this list instead (for a more in-depth Mammoth Cave experience)!

ESTIMATED TIME: 20-30 Minutes STAIRS: 130 COST: $8.00 Per Adult EFFORT: Easy

Wild Cave Tour

While I do not intend on going on any of the crawling tours at Mammoth Cave (I looked at one of the holes you have to squeeze whilst on another tour and no, just no), I do still want to mention one crawling tour in this guide. Here’s why: everyone I spoke to who has done the Wild Cave Tour in the past has absolutely loved it. Apparently, you crawl on your hands and knees and push your body through small gaps in the ground. You don’t just get to see Mammoth Cave, you get to feel it. The Wild Cave tour offers a tactile way to experience Mammoth Cave. It’s supposed to be fun and challenging and adventurous .

ESTIMATED TIME: 4 Hours EFFORT: Very Strenuous PHOBIA WARNINGS: Claustrophobia, Nyctophobia, ACROPHOBIA, Agoraphobia COST: $46.00 Per adult

Did you find this guide to the best Mammoth Cave tours helpful? Do you have any questions? Let me know in the comments below! As always, I love hearing from you.

Pack With Me (WHAT I BROUGHT TO MAMMOTH CAVE)

• 🥾 Merrell Moab 2 : these shoes got me through every tour in Mammoth Cave
• 💧 Hydroflask : I brought this stainless steel water bottle (keep in mind, only clear water bottles are allowed on Mammoth Cave tours, but I didn’t feel like buying a new one and no one commented on my bottle being opaque ☺️).
• 🥜 Sahale : since no food was allowed in the cave, I kept this nut mix in my car and snacked on it after each tour (Sahale’s pomegranate vanilla cashews have my heart and soul 😋)
• 🧣 Light Sweater : Mammoth Cave tends to be a bit cold (in the mid 50s) so I opted for a light, long-sleeved, breathable sweater
• 📷 Sony Alpha a6400 : this is the mirrorless camera I personally used to take photos and film videos (I love that it has a flip-out screen)
• 🎒 Sling Backpack : this comfy little crossbody canvas rucksack was (and still is) my go-to day hiking bag

Editor-In-Chief

Anshula grew up with a love of stories and places. Thirty-five states and 100 bookstores later, she's made her hobbit home in Middle Tennessee. Her Tookish side still takes over and leaves her chasing window seats, literary destinations, adventure books, sunrise coffee, and indie bookshops. She's appeared as a travel source on HuffPost, Reader's Digest, and MSN.

You describe places in a way that inspires me to travel and see the world. Thank you very much for that! Greetings from Canada.

Your firsthand info and perspective of each cave tour was very helpful, thanks!

Thank you so much for these reviews and assessments the physical demands of them. So very helpful!!!

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Mammoth Cave National Park – Which Tour Should You Do?

“My God… That’s spectacular.” On our final tour at Mammoth Cave National Park, the man directly in front of us said this exact line every single time we turned a corner. No, I’m not exaggerating. While I didn’t share his same enthusiasm, I will say that Mammoth Cave is pretty cool. Some of these rock formations are incredible and it’s worth a visit to tour this cave system.

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About Mammoth Cave National Park

Mammoth Cave National Park is home to the worlds largest cave system, with over 400 miles of cave discovered and mapped so far (and still many miles of cave that still need to be explored). The cave is massive and until you visit, it can be difficult to really understand how the true scale of these caves.

Mammoth Cave National Park is located in central Kentucky, just outside of Cave City. A visit here is a little different than most of your national park experiences. Rather than just jumping in your car and exploring on your own, you must sign up for guided tours of the cave. There is a self guided tour option for those who don’t like the idea of a group tour. However, a ranger led tour will give you so much more information about the area you’re exploring.

We took three tours: The Star Chamber Tour, The Historic Tour, and the Domes and Dripstones Tour. All three were great and all taught us something new about the cave system. But there are still several others to choose from.

Mammoth Cave National Park Tours

The star chamber tour.

This tour at Mammoth Cave is a bit different than most. The cave is filled with artificial lights which are turned on during most tours so everyone can see where they are going. But during this tour, these artificial lights are turned off. You follow your guide through the cave by oil lantern, just like the early tourists who visited here. Because of the limited light, it can be difficult to truly grasp how big the cave really is. Still, it is a great experience. You’ll travel down through the main entrance and down Gothic Avenue before reaching the Star Chamber, at which point you’ll turn around and retrace your steps.

If you’re going to do this tour, I recommend making this your first tour. It’s a great introduction to the cave. The cave feels big, but the lanterns don’t really let you see the true scale. The next day, when we took the Historic Tour, my mom and I were in awe of how big the cave really was. I don’t think you’ll get that same experience if you do the Star Chamber Tour at the end.

It’s such a unique experience that I have to recommend doing this tour.

Total Distance: 2 miles Length of Tour: 2.5 hours Number of Stairs: 160 Cost: $30 per adult

Historic Tour

This tour is a classic and leads you down into Mammoth Cave. You’ll enter through the main entrance and retrace some of the steps you made on the Star Chamber tour. However, now you have the artificial lights turned on and you can really get a sense for how massive this cave system is. It’s amazing how much different and bigger the cave feels with those artificial lights.

There are two big things to be aware of before signing up for this tour. There can be low ceilings and narrow passage ways. At a few points in the tour, you may need to crouch down and walk along the passage way for an extended period. For reference, I’m 5 feet 4 inches and I occasionally had to crouch down, while my mom at 5 feet 7 inches had to duck more often.

My mom was a little nervous about this, but said that the rangers over exaggerated how bad it was going to be. Still, you know your limits. If you are concerned, talk to rangers before you book your tickets. They will also reiterate all of this information at the safety briefing before starting your tour.

Total Distance: 2 miles Length of Tour: 2 hours Number of Stairs: 540 Cost: $24 per adult

Domes and Dripstones

This is the tour that I think of when I think of Mammoth Cave. It was on this tour that we heard “My God… That’s incredible!” at least 25 times in the course of the two hour tour.

From the visitor center, you’ll board a bus and travel to another entrance to the cave. At this second entrance, you’ll descend a narrow staircase down into the cave. Once you’re down here, the rangers will lead you to some of the most incredible rock formations of the cave system. The highlight for me was the Frozen Niagra area toward the end of the tour.

This tour had more narrow spaces than the Historic Tour, but I found myself having to duck less on this tour than on the Historic Tour. You will get a safety briefing before your tour that will outline exactly what you’re going to go through.

Total Distance: 1 miles Length of Tour: 2 hours Number of Stairs: 500 Cost: $30 per adult

More Tour Options

The above three tours are the tours that I have first hand experience with. But those aren’t the only tours available at Mammoth Cave.

Accessible Tour – For those with limited mobility, take a look at this tour. This is 2 hours, 0.5 miles, and has no stairs. Cost: $27 per adult.

Cleveland Avenue – This focuses on Cleveland Avenue and the Snowball Room and you’ll see unique passages and gypsum covered walls. This is 2 hours, 1 mile, and 200 stairs. Cost: $30 per adult.

Discovery (Self Guided) – This is the only self-guided option to explore Mammoth Cave. This is 1.25 hours, 0.75 miles, and 125 stairs. Cost: $12 per adult.

Extended Historic – Unsurprisingly, this the Historic Tour with an extension (to the 1840s Cave Experiment). This is 2.25 hours, 2 miles, and 540 stairs. Cost: $27 per adult.

Frozen Niagara – If you only want to see Frozen Niagara and skip the rest of the Domes and Dripstones tour, look at this tour. This is 1.25 hours, 0.25 miles, and 110 stairs (98 are optional). Cost: $26 per adult.

Gothic Avenue – This focuses on more in depth on Gothic Avenue, which is also seen on Star Chamber, Historic Tour, and Violet City Lantern Tour. This is 2 hours, 1 mile, and 160 stairs. Cost: $23 per adult.

Grand Avenue – This is another in depth tour, but it does a deeper dive on the Domes and Dripstones tour. This is 4 hours, 4 miles, and 1313 stairs. Cost: $42 per adult.

Great Onyx Lantern Tour – This is another lantern tour, but it should be noted that this cave is not known to be part of the Mammoth Cave system. Remember that the cave system is still being mapped and explored, so one day, they may be able to connect it with the Mammoth Cave system. This is 2.25 hours, 1 miles, and 40 stairs. Cost: $31 per adult.

Grand Historic – This is one of the most in depth tours and you’ll visit many of the iconic sites that are also seen on the Historic, Extended Historic, Gothic Avenue, Star Chamber, River Styx, Mammoth Passage, and Violet City tours. This is 4 hours, 4 miles, and 640 stairs. This tour is currently not offered.

Intro to Caving – For those who have an interest in caving and want to get off the beaten path, consider this tour. This tour is 3.5 hours, 1 mile, and 300 steps. Cost: $49 per adult.

Mammoth Passage – This is an introduction to the Historic Tour and is a guided version of the Discovery (Self Guided tour). This is 1.25 hours, 0.75 miles, and 125 stairs. Cost: $15 per adult.

River Styx Lantern Tour – You’ll follow the Historic Tour, but also detour to the underground water level. This is 2.5 hours, 2.5 miles, and 600 stairs. Cost: $26 per adult.

Trog Tour – This tour is for kids age 8-12 only. From the Historic Entrance they’ll learn all about cave exploration. This is 2.75 hours, 1.5 miles, and 200 steps. Cost: $25 per child.

Violet City Lantern Tour – This is another lantern tour option, but is slightly longer than the Star Chamber tour. This is 3 hours, 3 miles, and 160 stairs. Cost: $32 per adult.

Wild Cave Tour – For the most adventurous tour at Mammoth Cave National Park, check out the Wild Cave Tour. This all day tour is very physical as you’ll literally be crawling through holes in the cave. This is 6 hours, 6 miles, and 500 stairs. Cost: $79 per adult.

Wondering Woods – This is more focusing on the surrounding forests, but does feature a short visit to the cave. This is 1.5 hours, 1 mile, and 194 stairs. This tour is currently not offered.

Which Tour Should You Do?

The choice of tours is entirely up to you and you should take your own preferences into account, particularly if you love geology. But for the average person, I think the three tours I did (Star Chamber, Historic, and Domes and Dripstones) is a really good combination. Many tours overlap (at least partially) with another tour and I feel like we really got to see a lot of the cave.

On our trip, we arrived into Cave City at around 3:00pm. We got an early dinner in Cave City and then drove to Mammoth Cave National Park We took the Star Chamber Tour at 6:15 that evening. The next day we took the 10:00am Historic Tour and the 2:15 Domes and Dripstones Tour.

If you’re doing both the Historic Tour and Domes and Dripstones on the same day, I think this spacing (10am Historic and 2:15 Domes and Dripstones) works well. The Historic Tour finishes at 12:00, so you have plenty of time for lunch (there’s a Camp Store that serves sandwiches just down the road from the visitor center) and time to relax. If you take an earlier tour, you may be rushed during lunch.

Also note, that tour times change based on the season. We were here in early August when there were numerous tours available, but in winter fewer tours are offered. Always look ahead on the NPS website to see what tours are available for your dates.

It’s a good idea to book your tickets in advance. We booked our tours online approximately six weeks in advance for a visit in August. At that time, there were still plenty of tickets available. However, by the time we arrived in Cave City, nearly everything was sold out. If there’s a tour you really want to do, buy your ticket in advance.

Booking Your Tour

While you can wait until you’re at Mammoth Cave National Park to select your tours, you run the risk of tours selling out. Despite large groups for some of the tours (there must have been 100 people on two of my three tours), they regularly sell out. This is especially true during the peak travel months.

So, once you know when you’ll be at Mammoth Cave National Park, book your tours through the recreation.gov website.

Additional Helpful Tour Information

Each tour at Mammoth Cave (except the Accessible Tour) contains a lot of stairs. Both the Historic Tour and Domes and Dripstones state that you will do over 500 stairs. That said, the stairs are not all at once and are spread out throughout the tour, which is anywhere from .75 to 2 miles in length.

Tour groups can get big. The Star Chamber Tour has limited spots since they have limited lanterns. Our group for this tour had approximately 30 people. However, our groups for the Historic Tour and Domes and Dripstones were at least 100 people. To get the most out of your tour (and to maximize your time for photos), stick to the front of the group.

We were at the back of the group for the Star Chamber Tour, but I don’t think we missed much. For the other two tours, had we stayed at the back, we would have gotten the essential information, but we would have missed some more of the “fun facts” and other random tidbits from our ranger. He’d typically give these facts to the front of the group while we waited for the back part of the group to file in.

There are no facilities on your tour. Use the bathroom before you depart and carry anything you might need (although you really shouldn’t need much as food and drinks other than water are not allowed in the cave).

Getting to Mammoth Cave

Look at the map before you go. There is no service and the National Park Service strongly recommends avoiding Google Maps to navigate you to the visitor center. We used Google Maps and had no problems, but it’s something you should be aware of.

When to Visit Mammoth Cave

Mammoth Cave is 52 degrees all year round, so they can be visited at any point. The biggest thing to note is that tour offerings change throughout the year. Summer will have more tours offered than winter.

We visited in early August, so while it was hot and humid outside (with temperatures in the upper 80s), the inside of the cave was cool. I wore leggings and had a light sweatshirt (I only used my sweatshirt on two of the three tours).

Where to Stay

The nearest town to Mammoth Cave is Cave City. It’s a small town with not a lot of options, but you will find a few choices for hotels and restaurants.

Final Thoughts

I’ve visited other caves, including Carlsbad Caverns National Park , but nothing was quite like Mammoth Cave National Park. The sheer scale is hard to imagine and when you’re standing in the cave, you can really feel small. It’s definitely worth a visit to Mammoth Cave National Park just to experience it.

Continue Your Adventure

Similar National Parks : For a similar, but also different, cave experience, check out New Mexico’s Carlsbad Caverns National Park . Or in South Dakota, visit Wind Cave National Park or Jewel Cave National Monument .

Nearby National Parks : Nearby is relative, but if you’re chasing national parks, there’s a few to look into. You have Indiana Dunes National Park to the north, Gateway Arch National Park to the west, and New River Gorge National Park to the east. All are between a five to six hour drive from Mammoth Cave.

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Guide to visiting mammoth cave & wild cave tour review.

I had never been down into a cave system before, let alone the lonest cave system in the world (with new areas still being discovered), and it was absolutely amazing! While Mammoth Cave itself is pretty cool (and there are lots of types of tours available), the thing that was really amazing about this experience was the the Wild Cave Tour.

You will literally be army-crawling through tunnels and “cave rolling” through passageways and walking along rock ledges while straddling caverns. It’s pretty intense and strenuous – be prepared for a full body work out! I can’t recommend this tour enough. Out of a 3,000 mile road trip visiting 10 national parks, this was my favorite thing that we did for the entire trip. It’s like nothing else you’ll ever experience and very well worth it!

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Directions to Mammoth Cave

Mammoth Cave is located in Kentucky right in the middle of Louisville and Nashville TN. It’s about 1.5hrs from either city.

From Louisville, KY : Take 65 South to Exit 53 for Cave City/Glasgow. Turn right onto Rte. 70 (you’ll pass by Dinosaur World which is pretty awesome) and continue straight to Mammoth Cave National Park.

From Nashville, TN : Take 65 North to Exit 48 for Park City/ Brownsville. Turn left onto Rte. 255. Follow Park City Road until it joins the Mammoth Cave Parkway and turn left. This will put you right into Mammoth Cave National Park.

There’s lots of signs and the visitors center is easy to find once your in the park.

Camping & Accommodations

There’s campground right inside of the park 1/4 mi from the visitor’s center. This was what we did when visiting the cave, since they you’re super close to your meeting place for the tour. The campground has 53 sites and wasn’t packed when we visited. There are spots available for both tents and RVs.

• Single Site: $20 Per-night, per-site. Limit 8 persons per site.
• Group Site: $25 Per-night, per-site. No discount is offered on group camping. Limit 16 persons per site.
• RV Site: $50 RV sites with full water, sewer and electric hookups. Limit eight persons per night per site.

Reserve A Camp Site Here

There is also a lodge within the park if you prefer not to camp. Find out more about the lodge here .

Tickets & Reservations

Tickets are required to go into the cave regardless of the type of tour you are taking. While you aren’t required to make a reservation, it’s strongly recommended as the tours do sell out and there are rarely spots left for walk-ins. Also, you can’t make a reservation the same day as the tour (it needs to be made in advance). So you can’t decide that morning to reserve a spot on a tour in the afternoon. Make sure to plan ahead and get your tickets early!

There are a variety of available tours for every age and ability level. Everything from a short 1/2 mile walk to longer 4 mile explorations. If you’re nervous about trying The Wild Cave Tour and want to do one of these tamer tours, you can find more information about them and how to register here .

For my fellow adventurers who want to see the best of what this planet has to offer, the Wild Cave Tour is for you!

The Wild Cave Tour lasts 6 hours & costs $55

Wild Cave Tour Reservations Here

Wild Cave Tour Requirements

If you haven’t gotten the idea already, the Wild Cave Tour is pretty intense and awesome, but it’s not for everyone. There are several requirements you have to follow if you’re going to do this tour. These are for your safety and for the safety of the cave and the environment. They won’t let you on the tour unless you follow these requirements:

• Age Requirement : Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Boot Requirements : Must have over-the-ankle laced boots with aggressive tread. No zip-up boots, no tennis shoes.
• No Personal Caving Equipment : You will be provided with everything you need (including: overalls, gloves, helmet, kneepads, and a headlamp) that you will give back at the end of the tour. This is to minimize the spread of White Nose Syndrome, which is a fungus that has killed millions of bats.
• Minimum : 2 visitors – make sure to bring a friend as awesome as you!
• Chest or Hip Size : Must be 42 inches or less. You will not fit through crawl spaces is you are bigger than this. LITERALLY.

Wild Cave Tour Review: What To Expect

• Distance: 6 miles
• Difficulty: Hard & Strenuous
• Crowd Factor: 14 People Per tour
• Time: 6 hours

I absolutely love this tour and would do it over and over again. That being said, it is difficult – even if you fit all of the above requirements and can deal with all of the fears, I wouldn’t recommend this tour if you aren’t that fit or physically able. Crawling through the cave is grueling and very tiring. It’s an amazing workout even if you’re in good shape!

When you get to the visitor’s center, you’ll be given all the gear you need for the tour including a jumpsuit, kneepads (very handy!), gloves, helmet, and a headlamp. You’ll also have the option of a small fannypack, which I recommend for any personal items you’re bringing.

Pro Tip: Please bring an extra pair of tennis shoes or sandals for use during boot cleaning at the end of the tour. You can leave them in the bin with the rest of your belongings.

Once you’re geared up, you will load onto a school bus which will take you to the entrance of the cave, which is down a long staircase. You enter just like a bunch of the other tours, to a large dome cavern. Unlike the other tours, you quickly branch off into the hard to reach areas of the cave.

The cave is a little chilly at first (no sunlight afterall), but you’ll get warmed up real quick as soon once you start crawling through those tight spaces.

They don’t throw you into the deep end right away. The first tunnels and pathways are crawl-able on your knees just to give you an idea of what you’re in for. Shortly there after, you’ll be put to the test and will be twisting and squeezing your body through small spaces you never thought you could fit. Such as Bare Hole, which got it’s name because it’s so tight that people have lost their clothes when wriggling through it. I’m not sure if that’s true or not since you’re wearing a jumpsuit and all, but it is a good introduction to what lies further ahead.

It’s a great team building experience as everyone on the tour helps each other to fit through a lot of these small spaces by either pushing from behind or lending a hand and pulling you up in the front.

From here, I can’t necessarily comment on what your experience will be as the tour guides customize the tour to the ability of those in your group (hence the easier “tests” early on). I can tell you that you will have a guide in front and behind you at all times, your headlamp is more than enough light to see where you need to go, and it will be a hell of a lot of fun!

Every tight passageway ends in a much more comfortable cavern where you can stand and collect yourself for a bit before moving onto the next one. You won’t be stick in small spaces for the entire tour.

Pro Tip: Bring a snack! There will be a break in the Snowball Dome room (a giant cavern) for bathrooms and snacks. When I visited, there was a concession stand where you could buy food, however their website currently says that is not available (possibly due to seasonality?).

After the break, the real fun beings. Now you’re going to head into some of the smallest and hardest to get to parts of the cave. The most fun moments are when you are literally army crawling through incredible small spaces where you have to turn your head sideways to even fit (mostly because of the helmet). You’ll get dirty and wet and will probably see a few cave crickets scurrying around.

My favorite section was “Christine’s”. Our tour guide was sitting on a rock and told us a story about another guide named Christine who had taken a wrong turn at one point during a tour and had to create a new tunnel, pushing ahead through the rocks in order to get her tour through (since you can’t ever turn around). From there, our guide bent down and disappeared under the rock she had just been sitting on. Our entire tour looked at each other like “are we supposed to follow her?” Well, yes we were, and we did. That was the smallest and most challenging section of the tour and also the most fun.

Pro Tip: Cave roll! Save your energy in some of the medium-sized spaces where it’s too low to crawl on your knees and you’re tired of army-crawling. Roll sideways instead – like kids do down the side of a hill. There’s plenty of space to the sides to allow you to roll and as long as you don’t get too dizzy it’ll give your arms and legs a break for a bit.

In the last hour or so, you’ll get a break from all of the small spaces and will get to challenge your fear of heights instead. Some of the final parts of the tour took us through caverns that were very tall with deep ravines. We had one foot on either side of the ledge as we moved along. I personally never felt any real danger here as it would be difficult to fall down the ravine, but if you did, you would probably be lost forever because of how far it goes.

Overall, this tour is amazing, especially for the price. It delivers everything that you want and more. I would do it again in a heartbeat and highly recommend it to anyone who has an adventurous spirit!

Travel Vlog

A Note About Fears

Claustrophobia.

If you’re at all claustrophobic, that last requirement of a 42″ chest or hip probably freaked you out a bit. While there are lots of very small tight spaces in this tour, you’ll never feel like you are completely trapped. The vast majority of these tight spaces are only tight vertically, not horizontally. So while you might only be able to army crawl and not be able to fully lift your head, there will be lots of space on the sides of you, which helps to reduce the claustrophobia if that’s an issue for you. Never during this tour was I ever in a tight tunnel and unable to move.

Also, I have a feeling that if you couldn’t deal with it, that the tour guides would be able to remove you from the tour. One of our guides kept disappearing and then popping back up later, so I think there are multiple and easier ways into each of the “trails” than what everyone else is taking, so if you’re too stressed, I think they would probably be able to remove you and take you another way out.

Fear of Heights

The majority of the tour is in tight spaces with no fear of falling. There was one section where we looked over a ledge, and then only one other section where we were walking with one foot on a ledge on either side of a chasm that goes straight down. The space between these ledges was very small. While not impossible, you would have to try to fall down between them. And if that still freaks you out, you don’t have to look. Keep your head up and since you only have the light from your headlamp, you literally won’t see what’s below you.

Fear of The Dark

While there’s no natural light in the cave, you do have your own personal headlamp with you at all times. Everyone else in the group also has a headlamp, which makes it surprisingly bright while you’re going through the cave. There will only be one moment when everyone is safe on a secure platform, when you will all be instructed to turn out your lights and experience true darkness.

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Cave Tours at Mammoth Cave NP

You must be ready to go and explore the wonder of Mammoth Cave.  It’s an incredible experience for all, but with so many tour options, which one is for you.  Below, you’ll find brief descriptions for every tour Mammoth Cave offers.  Please note that not every tour is always available.  It’s important to check the TOUR SCHEDULE for current offerings before your trip.  Another important thing to do, make a RESERVATION for a tour.  Some of the most popular tours can fill up very quickly so be sure to make a reservation, which you can do up to 6 months in advance.

WHICH TOUR IS FOR YOU?

< 1 mile tours.

ACCESSIBLE TOUR

This tour is designed for anyone with a disability or limited mobility as it has NO STAIRS .  It is an easy, 2 hour tour for all ages.

DISCOVERY (SELF-GUIDED)

This tour is the self-guided version of the Mammoth Passage Tour and is great for anyone who isn’t a big fan of tours.  It’s an easy, 30 minute tour for all ages.

DOMES & DRIPSTONES

This tour has 500 total stairs and is a very popular tour at the park.  It includes the entire Frozen Niagara Tour as well as parts of the Grand Avenue.  It’s a moderate, 2 hour tour for all ages.

FROZEN NIAGARA

This is one of the most famous areas of the cave.  If you would prefer a short hike and only 12 stairs, this is the tour for you.  It’s an easy, 1 hour and 15 minute tour for all ages.

FOCUS ON FROZEN NIAGARA

Want more time for the perfect photo of Frozen Niagara? Take this tour after the Visitor Center closes.  It’s an easy 1 hour and 30 minute tour for all ages.

MAMMOTH PASSAGE

This tour enters through the Historic Entrance and goes to some of the largest rooms in the cave.  If you’re not a big fan of tight spaces, this would be a good tour for you.  It’s an easy, 1 hour and 15 minute tour for all ages.

1 - 2 Mile Tours

BROADWAY TOUR

This tour is for the history lovers.  It begins at the Historic Entrance and offers additional sites from the Historic Tour.  It is an easy, 2 hour tour for all ages.

CLEAVELAND AVENUE

This tour has geology and history with its sparkling walls and unique passageways.  It does have 200 stairs both at the beginning and end so keep that in mind.  It’s a moderate, 2 hour and 30 minute tour for all ages.

GOTHIC AVENUE

Do you like architecture?  You’ll see some unique formations on this tour that focuses on history.  It’s a moderate, 2 hour tour for all ages.

Experience a different cave on this lantern tour.  You’ll see unusual rock formations with the help of the glow from your lantern and learn about early Kentucky cave tourism.  This is a moderate, 2 hour and 15 minute tour for those 6 years and older.

HISTORIC TOUR  

The classic, original tour of Mammoth Cave.  Experience lots of stairs and some tight spaces as you make your way to the room that gave Mammoth Cave its name.  This is a moderate, 2 hour tour for all ages.

EXTENDED HISTORIC TOUR

Want to see a little more of the cave?  Take the extended tour if you have extra time.  This is a moderate 2 hour and 15 minute tour for all ages.

INTRODUCTION TO CAVING

Crawl and climb through the cave and learn about caving safely on this tour.  Hiking boots are required.  This is a strenuous, 3 hour and 30 minute tour for those 10 years and older.

STAR CHAMBER

This is a lantern lit tour in the evenings and goes to some of the historic areas of the cave. No flashlight use on this tour.  It is a moderate, 2 hour and 30 minute tour for those 6 years and older.

An off-trail crawling adventure for kids ages 8 to 12 years old.  Climb, slide, and belly crawl your way around the cave.  Parents must attend the beginning and end of the tour.  This is a moderate, 2 hour and 45 minute tour for those 8 to 12 years old.

2+ Mile Tours

GRAND AVENUE

For all the geology lovers our there, this tour is for you.  Canyons, tube passageways, and tunnels await you on this tour.  This is a strenuous, 4 hour tour for those 6 years and older.  

Want more geology experiences? Take this in-depth tour.  It is a moderate, 2 hour and 30 minute tour for all ages.

VIOLET CITY

Are you looking to combine hiking and caving?  This tour is ideal for those who enjoy that!  It’s a strenuous, 3 hour tour for those 6 years and older.

Take an all day, extreme adventure through the cave as you make your way through the challenging obstacles of the cave. This is a strenuous, 6 hour tour for those 16 years and older.

I would highly encourage you to take deep dive into the cave tour descriptions which you can find by clicking on any of the tour names above or heading to the Mammoth Cave National Park Cave Tours WEBSITE .  Read the descriptions carefully and know what you’re getting into.  Most of tours have stairs, tight spaces, and crowds.  Check all the details so you can make the best decision for yourself.

If you have time while at the park, we would encourage you to take the self-guided DISCOVERY TOUR or the MAMMOTH PASSAGE TOUR to start and then choose an additional tour to experience more of the cave.  If you go on 2 or even 3 of the short tours, you can really experience all that Mammoth Cave has to offer.  It’s a beautiful thing to see.

Consider the Wonders is a travel blog intended for entertainment purposes only. We are not RV, travel, or hiking experts and are not making recommendations.   These are our opinions and you should do your own research and make your own decisions.

Consider the Wonders is not affiliated with Mammoth Cave National Park or the National Park Service.

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These Tours Of Kentucky's Mammoth Cave Are Worth Taking, Ranked By Difficulty

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These Tours Of Kentucky's Mammoth Cave Are Worth Taking, Ranked By Difficulty

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Frozen niagara tour, domes & dripstones tour: very easy to moderate, historic tour: easy, grand avenue tour: moderate to difficult, violet city tour & star chamber tour: moderate, river styx tour: moderate, wild cave tour: difficult, accessible cave tour.

Mammoth Cave is one of the most well-known landmark features in Kentucky. The cave has a long history within the state and has kept many travelers intrigued by its slightly unusual and captivating caverns, which span 400 miles underground. It's also known as the world's largest cave system , and this, alone, spurs a fascination that is rarely seen with other, smaller caves.

Related: Krubera Cave Is The World's Deepest, And Getting To The Bottom Isn't Even The Half Of It

What's perhaps even more peculiar about this cave system is that its above-ground surroundings are just as intriguing. Some tours allow visitors to wind their way through one of many hiking trails that wind through the woodland forests in the region, making for a very full-on adventure. Visitors must sign up for a tour in order to see the caves and trust us when we say it's worth it. Not only will guests be able to navigate the caverns with a pro leading the way, but they'll also gain an interesting insight into the history of Mammoth Cave.

UPDATE: 2022/05/26 12:21 EST BY LIANNA TEDESCO

Mammoth Cave continues to be one of the most fascinating underground cavern systems in the world. While tours are ongoing throughout the year and change according to cave conditions and availability, one thing remains the same: It's entirely worth visiting. We've updated this feature to include relevant information such as tour prices, detailed difficulty levels, walking distance, and any other details one might need to know prior to choosing one. The hope is that this will make planning a future trip easier, and will provide visitors with an idea of what to expect whenever they do.

Both of these tours are ranked as being fairly easy since they don't encompass as many steps as the others. The Frozen Niagara Tour is great for those who are still unsure about how deep they want to go into Mammoth Cave, and it's only a quarter-mile tour. Additionally, this tour is much shorter than the others, taking only about an hour and 15 minutes to complete. Visitors have the option to complete the full 98 steps but are only required to take 12. The shuttle bus takes roughly a half-hour to the site of the tour, and visitors have the chance to see formations in the Frozen Niagara section of the cave as well as the Drapery Room.

Similarly, Domes & Dripstones takes visitors on a limited tour, but this one goes a bit deeper, with a total length of three-quarters of a mile and a time span of two hours. Visitors will see the same cavern sections with the addition of unique formations they'll be walking past as opposed to taking the shuttle straight to Frozen Niagara.

Frozen Niagara Tour Details

• Duration: 1.25 hours
• Distance: 0.25 miles (0.4 km)
• Total Stairs: 12, plus an optional 98
• Difficulty: Easy
• Ages: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.
• Restrooms: No
• Fees: $18 Adults, $14 Youth, $9 Senior Pass Holder, $9 Access Pass Holder.

Domes & Dripstones Tour Details

• Duration: 2 hours
• Distance: 0.75 miles (1.2 km)
• Total Stairs: 500, including 280 on the initial staircase descent
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Fees: $21 Adults, $16 Youth, $10.50 Senior Pass Holder, $10.50 Access Pass Holder.

When choosing any tour, one that includes a ton of history is always the best bet. The Mammoth Cave Historic Tour is by far the most popular and one of the mid-length tours (some take up to six hours!), with a length of two hours covering a span of two miles. This is a great tour for newcomers to cave systems as well as Mammoth Cave; starting at the main entrance of the cave, guests will take 440 steps down into the cave itself to explore several major features.

Included are stops at Mammoth Dome, Bottomless Pit, Fat Man's Misery (squeezing in tight spaces required), Tall Man's Misery (crouching required), and some saltpeter mines. A 200-year history will be discussed throughout the tour, and it's by far one of the most beginner-friendly treks offered by the cave.

The Grand Avenue Tour comes in at a moderate ranking because it is four hours long, and covers a distance of four miles. There are bathroom stops included on this tour, and, along the way, visitors will see Cleveland Avenue, Boone Avenue, Kentucky Avenue, and Mt. McKinley before ending in Frozen Niagara and the Drapery room. This is a great option for those who want to see the lesser-explored parts of the cave.

Grand Avenue Tour Details

• Duration: 4 hours
• Distance: 4 miles (6.4 km)
• Total Stairs: 1313
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Ages: 6 years and older. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.
• Restrooms: Yes
• Fees: $35 Adults, $27 Youth, $17.50 Senior Pass Holder, $17.50 Access Pass Holder.

The Violet City Tour takes travelers down into the cave by lantern light to see some of the most famous and notable signatures that have been left on the walls throughout history. Along the way, the tour overlaps parts of Gothic Avenue, the Historic Tour, Star Chamber, and Mammoth Passage Tours. The tour lasts about three hours over a span of three miles.

Alternatively, the Star Chamber Tour covers many of the same features, but it is shorter at a length of two and a half hours, covering a distance of one and a half miles.

Violet City Tour Details

• Duration: 3 hours
• Distance: 3 miles (4.8 km)
• Total Stairs: 160 and numerous hills with no handrails.
• Tickets available for each tour time: 38
• Fees: $25 Adults, $20 Youth, $12.50 Senior Pass Holder, $12.50 Access Pass Holder.

Star Chamber Tour Details

• Duration: 2.5 hours
• Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km)
• Total Stairs: 160
• Tickets available for each tour time: 40

For anyone interested in the cave's water features, the River Styx Tour is the way to go. This tour takes two and a half hours, covering two and a half miles through the cavern's most impressive lakes and flowing waters.

The Dead Sea, Lake Lethe, and River Styx are all included.

River Styx Tour Details

• Distance: 2.5 miles (4 km)
• Total Stairs: Approximately 600, including 155 at Mammoth Dome.
• Restrooms: No, restrooms are temporarily unavailable on this tour.
• Tickets available for each tour time: 30
• Fees: $22 Adults, $16 Youth, $11 Senior Pass Holder, $11 Access Pass Holder.

The longest and most strenuous hike is the Wild Cave Tour which takes visitors through the experience as though they were cave explorers, themselves.

The tour is six hours long and traverses a distance of six miles, feeling much more like an underground hike. Belly crawling, rock scrambling, climbing, and narrow passageways are all part of this tour for the truly adventurous. Visitors receive knee pads and a hard hat, and it should be booked in advance to avoid choosing a sold-out date.

This tour is open to anyone who has mobility issues and features elevators rather than stairs throughout the tour. Guests will see the Grand Avenue route of the cave over the span of two hours, covering a total distance of half a mile.

No matter which tour one chooses when visiting Kentucky's famous Mammoth Cave, it's certain to be an experience that they'll remember. As one of the most unique cave systems on earth, it's worth the price of a tour - and worth the effort it takes to get there.

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A Guide to Visiting Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky

Mammoth Cave National Park

With more than 400 miles of vast chambers and rock tunnels, Mammoth Cave National Park is home to the world’s longest known cave system. We visited one historic cave in New York a few months ago and really enjoyed it. For this trip, we decided to meet up with some family and explore Mammoth Cave about 45 minutes outside of Bowling Green, Kentucky.

We planned on arriving early, and I’m glad we did. We needed time to park, find our way around, and use the restroom. Even if there are a few minutes to kill before the tour, there is a small museum and gift shop that are fun to visit.

Please Note: When we visited Face Masks were required at Mammoth Cave National Park – outside, inside the Visitor’s Center, on the buses, in the pavilions, and inside the caves. As of April 2022, masks WERE NO LONGER required. Please check here for current updates.

Other National Park Activities

If you are not a fan of caves, there is plenty to do above ground. The Park is a nature lovers’ dream offering hiking, horseback riding, ziplining, and rock climbing. There is also canoeing and kayaking on the Green and Nolin rivers.

While at the Visitor’s Center, you can get a map of all of the park trails. The main trails in this area are the Turnhole Bend Nature Trail, Cedar Sink Trail, Sand Cave Trail, Sloan’s Crossing Pond Walk, and the Mammoth Cave Railroad Bike and Hike Trail. These trails are beautiful. You can walk/hike these trails before/after your cave tour – or instead of exploring caves if you like.

Here are the links to learn more about all of the activities at Mammoth Cave National Park:

• Hiking Trails
• Horseback Riding
• Biking Trails
• Canoeing, Kayaking, and Boating
• Mammoth Cave Ferry (status updates)
• Campgrounds – Mammoth Cave Campground Maple Springs Group Campground Houchin Campground
•   Weather and Climate at Mammoth Cave National Park

For our trip, we did explore a few trails, but for the most part, we wanted to explore a few caves…

The Lay of the Land…

After you exit the Visitor Center, you can head left for the bus and tour pavilions or head straight to cross the bridge. This bridge will take you over the downward walking trail that takes you to the Historic Cave Tour and the Mammoth Passage Tour. At the end of the bridge, you will see some sitting/eating areas and the entrances to a building that houses more restrooms, The Spelunkers Cafe & Ice Cream Parlor, and The Green River Grill.

There are many cave options available at Mammoth Cave. It is important to purchase your cave tour tickets ahead of time. When we bought our tickets, many of the tours were already sold out. We did manage to find 2 tours that we were interested in. We booked one in the morning and one in the afternoon, leaving us time for lunch and exploring the area in between tour times.

You can print out your tickets to bring to the cave. Or you can pull up your ticket on your phone. The problem that we encountered on our visit was that cell service was shotty – like really bad. So… I recommend taking a photo of your ticket and saving the photo to your phone to show before you get on the bus to head to the cave.

Pick the right cave tour(s) for you:

Historic Cave Tour – This tour is 2 miles and lasts 2 hours. There are 540 steps with several inclines (in addition to ascending and descending into the cave). I am old and out-of-shape but I did this tour and lived to tell you about it. It’s a great tour if you’re adventurous and love history.

Domes & Dripstones Tour – This tour is only 3/4 mile, but lasts 2 hours. There are several steep inclines that some may find difficult. There are 500 steps, but 280 of those are the ones on the descent into the cave if that helps you decide on taking the tour. Again, I’m old/40s and chubby and flabby and I survived this tour (and the historic tour all on the same day).

Frozen Niagara Tour – This is a short and easy tour. It only consists of 12 steps. You can take about 100 more steps but you don’t have to -it’s an optional part of the tour. This is probably the most popular and famous spot on all the tours at Mammoth Cave. It lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes and you travel about 1/4 mile.

Mammoth Passage Tour – This tour is about 3/4 mile and lasts about an hour and 15 minutes. It’s basically 1/2 of the Historic Tour. The inclines are easy and the cave is HUGE – think Wide Open Spaces! And, the walkways are broad as well. There are about 130 steps, mostly to enter and leave, but it is an easy tour.

Gothic Avenue Tour – This tour is one mile and lasts 2 hours. There are 160 stairs and is considered to be a moderate trail.

Cleaveland Avenue Tour – This moderate hike is 2 miles and lasts 2 hours. The descent is 200 steps and there is an elevator to exit the cave. If the elevator is not in service, you will backtrack through the cave and exit up the original 200 steps.

Grand Avenue Tour – This is the longest and most difficult tour that is offered at Mammoth Cave National Park. The tour lasts 4 hours, has over 1300 steps, and has steep inclines (as well as the ascent and descent). I recommend this cave for someone with a lot of stamina or someone very athletic.

Read more about the cave tours and make reservations HERE

What to Wear

Because of the temperature underground, might want to bring a hoodie, sweatshirt, or light jacket during your cave tour. Cave temperatures can vary widely near entrances. The deep cave temperature is 54ºF (12ºC) while surface temperatures in the summer can exceed 90ºF (32ºC). We did so much walking, I honestly never got cold and didn’t need an extra layer of clothes. But, it is cool down there and we stopped several times to listen to the tour guide and it was very chilly.

We visited Mammoth Cave National Park at the end of summer and it was hot, hot, HOT. But, as soon as we hit the entrance of the caves, a wonderful cool breeze hit us. And, we were nice and cool for the rest of the tour. Some of these tours go on for miles and you climb stairs and inclines. You will probably work up a sweat. My family dressed in layers. They wore hoodies over t-shirts and wrapped the hoodie around their waist if they got cold.

I definitely recommend wearing comfortable close-toed shoes – shoes that you would wear hiking.

Domes & Dripstones Tour

Our first tour of the day was the Domes & Dripstones tour. This is the most popular cave tour at Mammoth Cave National Park. It is considered moderately difficult and lasts about 2 hours. The Domes & Dolomites tour INCLUDES the Frozen Niagara tour. I just feel like you should know that in case you are planning on doing more than one tour.

Our group had purchased our tickets ahead of time, but you can buy tickets at the Visitors Center. We checked our group in at the Visitor’s Center and spent a little time at the museum and gift shops. Then, we headed out to our designated shelter, Shelter B, where buses were waiting for us. (There are 2 shelters for tours, so make sure you make your way to the correct one.)

This tour begins in a sinkhole. Then it passes through huge domes and ends in the dripstone section known as Frozen Niagara.

We made our way down into the cave. It was nice to have steps, but we had to watch our heads:

Don’t look down:

Another tight squeeze…Watch your head…

Learning About the Cave

We were able to explore the caves at our own pace. There was one tour guide leading our group and one that stayed at the back. They both made sure that no one was left behind.

At one point, we all met up at a large opening in the cave and sat down. The tour guide gave us some facts about the cave and the cave workers. He also turned out all the lights so that we could sit in complete darkness and silence.

During our stop, we learned that a group of private citizens formed Mammoth Cave National Park Association to protect the park in 1926- almost 100 years ago. Mammoth Cave National Park was officially dedicated as a national park in 1941, became a World Heritage Site in 1981, and became an International Biosphere Reserve in 1990.

Animal Species That Live in the Caves

Now, don’t freak out…yes, there are animals that live in the caves, but I didn’t see any on our visit. It could have been that it was just so dark. Some did see the occasional spider, but all of the animals in the cave are harmless.

There are about 200 animal species that live in the caves, and three of them are endangered. Some animals are full-time inhabitants of the caves, some species leave the cave for meals, and some animals use the cave for shelter/protection/hibernation on occasion.

• Troglobites – they spend their entire lives in caves and cannot survive outside the cave – includes Kentucky cave shrimp, the eyeless cave fish, cave crickets, and the cave fly.
• Trogloxenes – they rely on caves for shelter or to hibernate but leave regularly for food – include pack rats, bats, and cave crickets.
• Troglophiles – they can live their whole lives in caves but can live outside of a cave, as long as it is in a cavelike environment/conditions – cave crayfish, the sculpin, the spring fish, salamanders, and spiders.

Wash Yo’ Feet

After we returned to the Visitors Center, our first order of business was to clean the bottom of our shoes. We all had to walk through a soapy sort of conveyor belt – like a “car wash” but for shoes. The reason for this was to destroy the fungus from the cave that stuck to our shoes. It had been discovered that the fungus from the cave was killing the above-ground bat population. Don’t worry – the fungus is harmless to humans and other animals.

It was discovered (first in 2006) that the fungus had threatened at least 9 bat species and already killed millions of bats across the Northeast and in the Midwest. This fungus is known as white-nose syndrome because it makes bats’ muzzles look like dandelions about to go to seed.

Historic Cave Tour

After lunch and exploring the area, we headed toward our 2nd cave tour of the day.  We didn’t need a bus to take us on this tour. There was a paved walkway that led us from the welcome center to the cave entrance. This walkway sloped downward and was easy, but let me tell ya, after the 2-hour cave hike, this hill walking back up was a BEAST!

The Historic Tour was very different from our morning cave tour. After the narrow and tight passages in the Domes and Dripstones tour, this huge cave was a nice surprise. The entryway is HUGE, the caves were HUGE, and the walkways were … WIDE. There are, however, a few tight squeezes scattered throughout the cave.

With that being said…toward the end of the cave tour, we encountered Fat Man’s Misery. And, let me tell you, it could also be called a chubby claustrophobic girl’s nightmare. The rock walkway is very narrow – about two feet wide. The ceilings got very low at times. There were times that I was hunched over and walking sideways just to get through. There was a line of people ahead of me and a line of people behind me. I did have a mini anxiety attack, but I talked myself through it. If you’re thinking about this tour, but want to skip Fat Man’s Misery, you might want to try the Mammoth Passage Tour instead. It only takes you part of the way into the cave, avoiding the Misery.

We saw how cave workers lived and survived in the caves. They were paid well, which attracted many. It was interesting (and kind of sad) to learn that the cave workers were only paid enough to get through a day or two – just enough to survive. They were never given enough to pay for their way home because if they left, they would never come back. This guaranteed that the men would continue working and wouldn’t leave.

Don’t Forget to Stretch…

Now, I will let you know that at the end of this tour, we were very tired. But, we still had to climb what felt like a million narrow stairs on some scaffolding in order to get out of the cave. We were fine, but this tour wore us out! But, it was our 2nd tour of the day. If you’re athletic and/or energetic – you’ll be fine. If you’re older and/or semi-lazy – you’ll live, but you’ll be sore the next day.

Fat Man’s Misery

Below is my view of Fat Man’s Misery – it was tight!

This cave tour circles back around and you end up exiting at the same spot that you entered. You’ll pass the small waterfall and climb the staircase on the right to exit the cave.

Once we got to the top of the staircase and were out of the cave, we went back through the shoe “car wash” to get the deadly bat fungus off of our shoes.

Mammoth Passage Tour

This tour is basically 1/2 of the Historic Cave Tour (the first half). We first climbed down into a huge hole in the ground. The cold crisp air was a nice surprise on that hot summer day.

The Cave was massive. It’s unbelievable that there’s a hole that big underground. It was amazing. On our first tour stop, we saw artifacts left behind by historic and prehistoric people. We learned how people worked and lived in the past as the caves were worked on.

If you don’t know which tour to pick – I would start with this one. It’s not a cramped cave nor does it give you a claustrophobic feeling. With the big rooms, minimum steps, and wide walkways, it’s a perfect “starter” cave and a great cave for families with little kids.

Frozen Niagara Tour

If you are looking for the best cave tour for families with small children (or those who can’t handle a lot of stairs), the Frozen Niagara Tour is also a good choice. This tour lasts about an hour and 15 minutes and is relatively easy. And, since it is very well-lit, it is also good for children and those with claustrophobic issues.

Wild Cave Tour

This tour is not for the faint of heart (or couch potato like me). This tour lasts 6 hours – 6 HOURS and covers 5 miles of cave. The caves are dirty, damp, and a little bit spooky. This is for hardcore adventure lovers – true caving and spelunking enthusiasts.

Mammoth Cave National Park Info

Mammoth Cave National Park is open 24 hours a day. However, the Visitor’s Center closes at 4:30 p.m. in the winter and 6:00 p.m. in the summer. If you are planning on camping during your trip, know that camping is only possible either in designated campgrounds or backcountry campsites with a valid reservation or permit.

Mammoth Cave National Park // 1 Visitor Center Parkway – Mammoth Cave, KY 42259-0007 // 270-758-2180

Have you been to Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky? What activities and/or tours did you try? I’d love to hear all about it in the comments!

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Wife. Mom. Graphic Designer. Photographer. Professional Nap Taker. Part-time Traveler (with kids in tow, of course!)

Bowling Green is 30-45 minutes from Mammoth Cave National Park. If you visit, stay in Cave City. Only 15 minutes away.

Wow! this is truly a natural beauty. Would love to visit this here someday.

I love visiting caves. It’s like a complete world in itself. And, I loved how you shared all the details on how to plan a trip to Mammoth Cave National Park.

This is an interesting experience. It has other activities as well which is awesome. Thank you for sharing!

I have only visited a handful of National Parks, and this is definitely one of the ones I would really enjoy checking out. What an impressive park!

I have never tried exploring a cave. It must be a thrilling experience. I love this guided cave tour. Hopefully someday we can visit the Mammoth Cave too.

I haven’t heard of this but it sure sounds like a good place to visit!

No, I haven’t been here before. I would love to take on the Wild Cave Tour!

I have never heard of Mammoth Cave, but I want to go there. It is going on our summer bucket list.

WOW! It’s interesting to see how just cleaning your shoes will help save a bat population. This trip looks like it was a lot of fun.

So smart to let folks know to take a sweatshirt along. Those caves can be chilly, even in the summer!

We were surprised at how cool it got down there!

I would probably opt for the popular tour, and take the additional 100 steps. I wouldn’t really like the tight squeeze tours anymore. I see above where you and someone else visited Ruby Falls. We’ve been there and enjoyed it too.

Yeah, my kids thought the tight squeezes were the coolest part, but it was a little scary for me. Yes, Ruby Falls is so cool!

I’d love to take the family to Mammoth Cave! We went to Ruby Falls, and we loved it.

Oh, yes! Ruby Falls is a lot of fun. We love Chattanooga!!

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Wild Cave Tour

View Wild Cave Tour - Mammoth Cave National Park Image Gallery - 16 Images

TJ311 - Oct 4, 2008 5:37 pm - Voted 10/10

... looks pretty scary to me! I think I'll stay above ground!

MarkDidier - Oct 8, 2008 6:22 am - Hasn't voted

I much prefer above ground myself as well. This was only the 3rd time I had been caving and 20 years since my last such adventure. There is nothing better than seeing daylight after being in a cave for over 4 hours!

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Historic Tour

Mammoth Cave National Park Tours

This classic Mammoth Cave Tour visits many of the historic areas that originally made Mammoth Cave famous. Going through tunnels that humans have used for thousands of years, this tour not only explores huge rooms that gave Mammoth Cave its name, but also descends to much tighter places deep inside the cave. Please note that this tour ascends and descends hundreds of stairs and several steep inclines, which can be difficult for many visitors, as there are no alternative routes. This tour is ideal for people with an interest in history and a sense of adventure. 

Select a date to see a list of times

Need to Know

All tours begin at the Visitor Center. Tickets must be picked up 30 minutes prior to tour time. No refunds for no shows or late arrivals.

Includes a steep outdoor hillside trail to and from the cave’s Historic Entrance. If you have a fear of heights or suffer from claustrophobia this tour is not recommended. Visitors with known heart or respiratory conditions, poor circulation, difficulty walking long distances, negotiating stairs, or walking in a crouched positioned should carefully consider their limitations. Evacuation from the cave to a hospital for medical attention could take several hours.

Mammoth Cave National Park is located in the central time zone and observes daylight savings time.

Note: Do not rely exclusively on your mobile GPS, Google Maps, or similar automated navigation systems to get to the park Visitor Center in time for your cave tour. Routes can be misleading and incorrect. Directions from the North: Take Interstate 65 to Exit 53 (Cave City Exit). Turn right onto KY-70. Follow 70/255 as it becomes the Mammoth Cave Parkway in the park. Follow the Mammoth Cave Parkway to the Visitor Center. Directions from the South: Take Interstate 65 to Exit 48 (Park City Exit). Turn left onto KY-255 and follow 255 as it becomes the Park City Road into the park. Follow Park City Road until it joins the Mammoth Cave Parkway; turn left. Follow the Mammoth Cave Parkway to the Visitor Center.

Children 5 and under do not require a reservation or ticket. Youth under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older on all tours. Interagency Senior and Interagency Access ticket pricing applies to Interagency Senior and Interagency Access Pass holders only. The Interagency Annual Pass is NOT accepted for tours or camping.

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Fun and Exciting Things to Do Mammoth Cave National Park

T here is never a bad time to visit Mammoth Cave National Park since the underground temperature is fairly consistent year-round and stays between 55 and 58 degrees Fahrenheit. Even after a rain shower, the cave takes on new life when the water trickles in through many of the surface runoffs.

Mammoth Cave offers a variety of cave tours throughout the year that is guided by park rangers. Please note that tours and times are subject to change and may be seasonal.

If you are planning to take a cave tour while at Mammoth Cave National Park , it is strongly recommended that you make your reservations in advance by calling the reservation line at 1-800-967-2283.

These tours have a tendency to book up quickly. The local time zone for Mammoth Cave is Central Standard Time. Cave tours are offered every day except Christmas Day and tickets must be picked up at the visitor center at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure. Any reservation cancellations or unsold tickets may also be available at the Visitor Center shortly before the scheduled departure time as well. All tours begin and end at the Visitor Center.

The Historic Tour

The Historic Tour is two hours long and is a 2-mile strenuous tour. On this tour, visitors may view artifacts left by Native Americans, discover mining operation ruins, and see evidence of early explorers. Visitors must descend and climb over 130 stairs on a steel tower. Not recommended for people with a fear of heights or closed spaces. This tour is limited to 120 people.

The Frozen Niagara Tour

The Frozen Niagara Tour is two hours long and is a strenuous three-quarter mile tour. Visitors ride a bus to the entrance and are able to view huge pits, domes, decorative dripstone formations, stalactites, and stalagmites. Highlights include Crystal Lake, Onyx Colonnade, Onyx Chamber, and Frozen Niagara. Visitors must descend about 300 steps and walk along steep terrain. Not recommended for people with a fear of heights or closed spaces or who cannot climb steps. This tour is limited to 120 people.

The Discovery Tour

The Discovery Tour is half an hour long and a moderate three-quarter mile tour. Visitors explore a large canyon passage, visit one of the largest rooms in the cave, learn about 19th Century saltpeter mining operations, and learn about the geologic origins of Mammoth Cave. Visitors must be able to climb and descend a stairway with over 60 steps. This tour is designed for people who cannot participate in longer tours and is only offered when visitation warrants.

The Travertine Tour

The Travertine Tour is an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes and is an easy quarter-mile tour. Visitors ride a bus to the Frozen Niagara entrance and view some of the cave’s geologic artistry including stalactites and stalagmites. They must be able to climb a minimum of 18 steps with an additional 98 steps being optional. This tour is designed for people with difficulty walking and for people with infants or small children. The tour capacity is 40 people.

The Violet City Lantern Tour at Mammoth Cave National Park

The Violet City Lantern Tour lasts three hours and is a strenuous three-mile tour. The first half-mile follows the route of the Historic Tour. Visitors follow the path of famous explorers on a nostalgic tour by the light of coal-oil lanterns. No flashlights are allowed. They view the site of former saltpeter mining operations, evidence of prehistoric exploration, ruins of a tuberculosis hospital, and some of the largest rooms and passageways in the cave. This tour is limited to 60 people.

The Grand Avenue Tour

The Grand Avenue Tour is four and a half hours long. It is a very strenuous 4-mile route. This tour overlaps portions of the Frozen Niagara and Travertine Tours. Visitors hike through avenues that represent four separate aspects of cave formation.

The trip begins with a bus ride to Carmichael Entrance. This tour is not recommended for people with physical limitations since there are over 500 stairs to climb and steep switchback trails. There is a scheduled 35-minute lunch break at the Snowball Room and food may be purchased. Restrooms are also available. Children must be at least 6 years old to take this tour. The tour is limited to 120 people.

The Wild Cave Tour

The Wild Cave Tour is an extremely strenuous 5 and a half-mile tour that lasts from six to six and a half hours. Participants must be 16 years or older and may be asked for identification to show proof of age. They must also have a chest size of no more than 42 inches in order to fit through the tight spaces. Visitors climb, crawl, and squeeze through passages and are provided with helmets and lights.

Kneepads are also available or you may bring your own. Hard plastic or roller blade type kneepads are not allowed. High-top shoes or boots that cover the ankles and have lug or deeply treaded soles are required. Long pants and gloves are recommended as well. Visitors should bring lunch and a small water bottle in a small pack. Restrooms are available. This tour is limited to 14 people and tickets held at the “Will Call” desk must be picked up 30 minutes prior to departure or they will be released for resale.

The Introduction to Caving Tour

The Introduction to Caving Tour is designed for youth, adults, and families to learn and explore the basic responsibilities of caving. Helmets with lights are provided and there is a lot of stooping, bending, and crawling through cave passages. Visitors may bring their own kneepads however, hard plastic or roller blade type kneepads are not allowed.

High-top shoes or boots that cover the ankles and have lug or deeply treaded soles are required. Long pants and gloves are recommended as well. Youths must be at least 10 years old and an adult must accompany anyone under 16. This tour is limited to 20 people and tickets held at the “Will Call” desk must be picked up 30 minutes prior to departure or they will be released for resale.

The Making of Mammoth Tour

The Making of Mammoth Tour is a strenuous two-and-a-half-mile tour that lasts about two and a half hours. Two miles of the passageway on this tour overlaps the Historic Tour’s route.

This tour is not recommended for people who have a fear of heights or are in closed spaces. Visitors must climb and descend a steel tower that has over 130 steps. The tour will examine the cave’s ancient origins which date back 325 million years and look at the way the cave formations are still ongoing even today. The tour is limited to 60 people.

The Mobility Impaired Tour

The Mobility Impaired Tour is designed for physically impaired visitors who are unable to participate in other cave tours. They will ride in a van to the elevator entrance, descend into the cave, and see tubular passages with delicately encrusted gypsum walls. The tour is an easy one-mile route that lasts about an hour and fifteen minutes.

Two wheelchairs are available for use. The restrooms however are not wheelchair accessible. This tour is limited to 9 people. Special tours are also available for those who have hearing and/or speech impairments. On these tours, the guides use sign language to enhance the enjoyment and understanding of the tour.

If you are not sure which tour is right for you or which ones are being offered when you are planning your visit, you may call the information line at 1-800-346-8908. This line is available seven days a week and provides information regarding tours at Mammoth Cave National Park and some other exciting cave adventures in the Mammoth Cave area.

Of note, there are certain precautions currently in place due to the spread of the White-Nose Syndrome in Bats. You will be required to sanitize your shoes along with other measures to help prevent the further spread of this disease. You can check the National Parks Service website for Mammoth Cave for up-to-date information on this disease that is afflicting the Bats of Mammoth Cave.

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The enduring legacy of Black guides at Mammoth Cave National Park

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• Alana Watson, WKYU

Mammoth Cave National Park in south-central Kentucky has the world's largest underground cave system. Every year, some 600,000 visitors marvel at its natural beauty through tours offered by the park's guides.

Alana Watson of WKYU tells us how one family paved the way for generations of Black guides at Mammoth Cave.

This segment aired on June 25, 2024.

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