Summary
It is the world's longest known cave system, with over 400 miles explored and mapped. There are several reasons to visit the park, including the opportunity to explore the caves through guided tours, hike through the surrounding forest and river valley, and participate in various outdoor activities such as camping and wildlife viewing. Points of interest include the historic entrance, the Frozen Niagara formation, and the underground river. Interesting facts about the area include the diversity of plant and animal life, including several endangered species, and the rich history of human use of the caves. The best time of year to visit is during the summer and fall months, when the weather is mild and the park offers a variety of activities and events.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Jellystone Park at Mammoth Cave
Mammoth Cave Campground
Mammoth Cave
Mammoth Cave - Mammoth Cave National Park
Green River
River Floodplain Campsites