Mammoth Cave will require tickets for ages 3-5 on tours purchased on or after March 1, 2025. Tickets will be available for this age range beginning March 1.
Mammoth Cave National Park Tours
The most extreme tour offered at Mammoth Cave, this crawling tour is an all-day adventure underground. Focusing on a wide variety of topics such as the history of Mammoth Cave exploration, this tour is very physically demanding. Lengthy amounts of time will be spent crawling through extremely tight crawl spaces and climbing through difficult areas. This tour is ideal for people who wish to spend the entire day performing a wide variety of extremely challenging physical obstacles in a unique environment. There will no refund for showing up at the park with the wrong requirements. Please read the requirements stated below.
In order to minimize the spread of White Nose Syndrome, a bat disease caused by an invasive fungus, Mammoth Cave National Park has instituded strict cleaning procedures for all off-trail crawling tours. All equipment (coveralls, helmets, knee pads, and head lamps) are provided by the park. Visitors must provide their own footwear. No personal caving equipment allowed. No exceptions. Shorts and a t-shirt recommended for wear under the the required coveralls.
MUST BE AT LEAST 16 YRS. OF AGE TO PARTICIPATE ON THIS TOUR. AN ADULT MUST ACCOMPANY VISITORS UNDER AGE 18. Chest or hip measurement must not exceed 42 inches; if you are larger, you cannot physically pass through the crawlspaces. Lace-up hiking boots that cover the ankle are required. Boots must have sturdy over the ankle support and aggressive tread. No slick-soled footwear is permitted. No tennis shoes or boots with zippers allowed. You will not be allowed to participate in the tour if you are not wearing proper footwear – no exceptions. Pleasese bring an extra pair of shoes or sandals for use during boot cleaning after the tour. Visitors will need to bring their own lunch or snacks and water bottle. A small fanny pack will be provided. An adult must accompany visitors under age 18. Organized youth groups must have at least two adult representatives accompanying minor children. Requires at least 2 participants.
Select a date to see a list of times
All tours begin at the Visitor Center. Official Printed Tickets must be picked up 30 minutes prior to tour time at the Visitor Center Ticket Counter. No refunds for no shows or late arrivals. There will no refund for showing up at the park with the wrong requirements. Please read the requirements stated below.
MUST BE AT LEAST 16 YRS. OF AGE TO PARTICIPATE ON THIS TOUR. Chest or hip measurement must not exceed 42 inches; if you are larger, you cannot physically pass through the crawlspaces. Lace-up hiking boots that cover the ankle are required. Boots must have aggressive tread. No slick-soled footwear is permitted. No tennis shoes or boots with zippers allowed. You will not be allowed to participate in the tour if you are not wearing proper footwear – no exceptions. Shorts and t-shirts are recommended for wear under coveralls. Please bring an extra pair of shoes or sandals for use during boot cleaning after the tour. All equipment and outerwear provided; no personal caving equipment allowed. Visitors will need to bring their own lunch or snacks and water bottle. A small fanny pack will be provided. An adult must accompany visitors under age 18. Organized youth groups must have at least two adult representatives accompanying minor children. Requires at least 2 participants. Please view to prepare for a crawling tour adventure https://www.nps.gov/media/video/view.htm?id=D4A7498A-A499-41EF-9D54-B8437318E850
If you have a fear of heights or suffer from claustrophobia, this tour is not the best choice for you. Please read tour description and requirements carefully when making your selection. Visitors with known heart or respiratory conditions, poor circulation or difficulty walking long distances and negotiating stairs, should carefully consider their limitations. Evacuation from the cave to a hospital for medical attention could take several hours.
Mammoth Cave National Park is located in the central time zone and observes daylight savings time.
Note: Do not rely exclusively on your mobile GPS, Google Maps or similar automated navigation systems to get to the park Visitor Center in time for your cave tour. Routes can be misleading and incorrect.
Directions from the North: Take Interstate 65 to Exit 53 (Cave City Exit). Turn right onto KY-70. Follow 70/255 as it becomes the Mammoth Cave Parkway in the park. Follow the Mammoth Cave Parkway to the Visitor Center.
Directions from the South: Take Interstate 65 to Exit 48 (Park City Exit). Turn left onto KY-255 and follow 255 as it becomes the Park City Road into the park. Follow Park City Road until it joins the Mammoth Cave Parkway; turn left. Follow the Mammoth Cave Parkway to the Visitor Center.
MUST BE AT LEAST 16 YRS. OF AGE TO PARTICIPATE ON THIS TOUR.
Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.
Interagency Senior and Interagency Access ticket pricing applies to Interagency Senior and Interagency Access Pass holders only.
The Interagency Annual Pass is NOT accepted for tours or camping.
Mammoth Cave may not offer the Wild Cave Tour year-round. Please check the current program schedule.
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