If you thought Carlsbad Caves were fascinating, you will find the Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky is truly awe inspiring. The Mammoth caves are the longest cave system in the world and needless to say are the most prominent feature of the park.
The caves are known for their limestone and sandstone formations. The park service organizes several guided tours of different parts of the caves. Most of these tours are moderately challenging in nature, thanks to the rough terrain of the caves. The most popular tours are the ones that take visitors to the cave's most well known features- Fat man's misery and Frozen Niagara. In case you are in a more adventurous mood, you can take 'wild tours' to the caves' relatively unexplored areas.
Cave
Apart from the caves, the park has several other attractions as well. These include-
The Big Woods- These woods offer a glimpse of the old Kentucky forests.
The Green River Bluffs- As the name suggests, the bluff promises amazing views of the Green River valley.
River Styx Spring-The spring flows from the cave and merges into the Green River.
Engine No.4- This is the workhouse of the old Mammoth Cave railroad.
The Cedar Sink- This is a stunning downhill trail adorned with vividly colored wildflowers (in springs), sparkling streams, that leads into a huge sinkhole.
The Green and Nolin Rivers that flow through the park, promise excellent recreation opportunities like kayaking, canoeing, fishing, swimming and riverside camping. The rivers' slow current, dramatic bluffs, lush green banks, sandbars, little islands and subsurface springs make canoeing and kayaking extremely pleasant. As you paddle lazily through these gorgeous rivers you may even be able to catch glimpses of the park's varied wildlife. To fish within the park's premises you do not need a state fishing license. Apart from the two rivers you can also go fishing at the Sloan's Crossing Pond and the First Creek Lake.
If you want to camp on the flood plains you will need to obtain a free back-country use permit. The park also offers a designated camping area along with the river bank-Houchins Ferry Campground. This ground is fairly well equipped and works on a first come first sever basis only. Apart from Houchins Ferry Campground the park has two more well equipped designated camping areas-The Mammoth Cave and The Maple Springs campgrounds.
With so much on offer, you will definitely make some wonderful memories on your Mammoth cave vacation!
Kentucky - Mammoth Cave National Park Cave
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