MAMMOTH CAVE NATIONAL PARK

Mammoth Cave NP photos

Kentucky's Mammoth Cave National Park was authorized as a national park in 1926 and was fully established in 1941. In 1981 it was named a World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve in 1990.

 

It is best known for its 358 miles of caves -- the world's longest cave system, with more miles being "discovered" and mapped every year. I have taken a number of the cave tours and the sights they display are wondrous. However, above the caves is a forest of 52,000 acres with over 73 miles of trails which wend and wind over hills, along rivers and streams, atop bluffs and ridges and around sinkholes.

 

Predominantly wooded with hickory, tulip poplar, sugar maple, beech, and white and black oats, most of the forest is second growth, although remnants of relatively undisturbed old growth remain. White tailed deer, flocks of wild turkeys, wood ducks, turtles, kingfishers, great blue herons, squirrels, chipmunks, and raccoons are the most commonly seen animals. The Green River is home to 82 species of fish and 50 species of freshwater mussels.

 

Poisonous rattlesnakes, copperheads, and water moccasins inhabit the area but are rarely encountered. Ticks and chiggers are also present, so all are urged to stay on the trails. The book notes that Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme Disease may be transmitted by ticks found in the park.

 

For backpackers (and horse parties) there are 12 backcountry campsites located near trails for which a free permit is required.

 

INFO:

Mammoth Cave National Park

Mammoth Cave, KY 42259-0007

(270) 758-2181

 

Park Tour Info

(270) 758-2180

 

Mammoth Cave website

 

 

Guide to the Surface Trails of Mammoth Cave National Park; by Stanley D. Sides; Cave Books, University City, MO; 1995; 100 pages.