Hiking in Mammoth Cave

Hiking

For a refreshing experience away from the crowds in the cave, get out on the park's surface hiking trails.

Guide Sections

Use Hiking's guide sections to understand how this stop fits into the larger park plan.

Information

Hiking Details

Difficulty

Open

Distance

N/A

Estimated time

N/A

Region

Activities

The park's 84 miles of trails beckon the experienced and new hikers alike. Trails range from walks around the visitor center (the starting point for seven miles of trail) to front country and backcountry routes. The six trailheads that allow access to backcountry trails are Maple Springs, Lincoln, Big Hollow, First Creek, Temple Hill, and White Oak. So, in addition to your underground explorations, delve into the forests, ridges, sinkholes, and riverside ecosystems of the region. Keep an eye out for the aboveground clues to the underground world of the caves! To escape the crowds, check out the trails north of the Green River. If you have the time, plan a multi-day backpacking trip and stay at one of a dozen backcountry campsites -- a great way to fit in all the best hiking in the park. All trails are open to foot travel, while horseback riding and mountain biking are restricted to certain designated trails.