Horseback Riding in Mammoth Cave National Park

Horseback Riding

Whether for a day ride or an overnight trip, horseback riding is a great way to see the park's northern trails.

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Horseback Riding Details

Sixty miles of trails north of the Green River are open to horse use, including all designated trails except Big Hollow Trail. Horses are prohibited on park roads and trails south of the Green River. Horse trailers can be parked at Lincoln Trailhead, across the road from the Maps Springs Campground bulletin board, and at the Maple Springs Trailhead. While riding, slow your horse to a walk if you meet a hiker. Stay on marked trails and ride single file. Walk horses through mud on trails, not around it, to avoid widening the trails. Hitch horses at least 100 feet from designated campsites, water sources, and trails. If you are using trees to hitch, use cross-ties rather than tying horses to trees. Scatter horse manure at least 200 feet from trails, water sources, and campsites. You can camp in the park with your horses. Four of the seven sites at Maple Springs (sites 1-4) are designed for horse use; only these sites can be used for overnight horse camping in the park. Horse sites have picket areas behind the camping areas. You must pack water for your horses; do not let them near the campground water spigots (although hoses can be attached temporarily). Access the Maples Springs Campground via the Green River Ferry. The ferry operates 6 a.m. to 9:55 p.m. By this route, the campground is five miles from the Visitor Center. There are alternate routes via state and country roads for larger trailers that cannot be accommodated on the ferry, which has an 8-ton weight limit.

Difficulty

Open

Distance

N/A

Estimated time

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Region

Activities

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