Cave tours are a popular activity at Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky, but there is plenty to do above ground too, such as canoeing or kayaking the Green and Nolin rivers, fishing those rivers, bicycling (mountain bike, road bike, e-bike), or bringing your own horse for a ride along the 60 miles (96.6 km) of backcountry trails north of the Green River.
Paddling
Canoeing the Green River is a great way to view the landscape at Mammoth Cave National Park / NPS file
Paddling the stretch of Green and Nolin rivers running through the park is a unique perspective from which to view wildlife and karst landscape. It’s also a great way to pick out a nice, secluded fishing spot. You can paddle your way to a camping site alongside the river, on the floodplain, or at the Houchin Ferry Campground and spend a night or two beneath the stars.
The rivers inside of the park are part of the Green and Nolin Rivers Blueway, a National Water Trail encompassing 36 miles (58 km) of navigable waterway and 7 public access sites.
To plan your trip, find river access points, and read suggested trip ideas, click on the “Paddling” link above.
Don’t own a canoe or kayak? No problem! You can rent either one of them for a day on the river from the following authorized rental businesses.
Always remember, Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs/life jacket) are required to be worn while on rivers inside of Mammoth Cave National Park at all times. It is important that your PFD is properly fitted, and US Coast Guard approved.
Fishing
Fishing a quiet spot along the Green River, Mammoth Cave National Park / NPS file
Feel like testing your angling skills and dropping a line in the river? There are plenty of quiet spots where you might just reel in bluegill, bass, perch, catfish, or crappie. You don’t need a fishing license or permit to fish in the park. You do need to adhere to the specific regulations applying to fishing there. You can read about them as well as fish consumption advisories by clicking the “Fishing” link above.
Bicycling
Bicycling the Mammoth Cave Railroad Hike And Bike Trail, Mammoth Cave National Park / NPS - Emily Sweet
Whether you ride a mountain bike, road bike, or e-bike, cycling in Mammoth Cave National Park is great exercise and offers yet another perspective from which to view the landscape. Remember to pack along your bike helmets along with your bicycle, since they are recommended for all riders while visiting the park.
In addition to regular roadways for pedaling to and through the park, Mammoth Cave is included in two U.S. Bicycle Routes (USBRS) that connect urban and rural communities across the United States via signed roads and trails:
TransAmerica Bicycle Route, USBR 76
Cave Country Bicycle Route, USBR 23
There are also three unpaved trails available in the park for mountain bikes:
Mammoth Cave Railroad Bike and Hike Trail
9 miles (14.4 km)
Big Hollow Trail
9.1 miles (14.6 km)
North Loop: 5.3 miles (8.5 km)
South Loop: 3.7 miles (5.9 km)
Connector trail from the Big Hollow Trailhead to the Maple Springs Trailhead
1 mile (1.6 km)
All other trails are closed to bicycle use.
While on the trail:
- Dismount and walk your bicycle at all road crossings.
- Be aware of hills and steep grades. Walk your bicycle when signs instruct you to do so.
- Remember that when on trails shared by hikers and horses, cyclists are required to yield to the other trail users.
- Keep your children near at all times.
- Observe warning signs.
- Remain on the trail and always practice Leave No Trace.
While on the road:
- Cyclists must respect and obey all rules that apply to automobile traffic, including speed limits and stop signs.
- No bike lanes exist on park roads. Bicycles must be ridden single file and well to the right-hand side of the road, except when passing or turning left.
- Cyclists should should use extreme caution, particularly along narrow areas and blind curves. Wear bright, highly-visible clothing to help drivers see you
E-bikes are allowed in the park where traditional bicycles are allowed. Using the electric motor to move an e-bike without pedaling is prohibited on bike trails and service roads. The sole use of the electric motor is allowed only where motor vehicle use by the public is allowed, i.e. paved roadways.
To read more about cycling through the park, click on the “Bicycling” link above.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding in autumn at Mammoth Cave National Park / NS - Sarah Davis
If you bring your own horse, you can park your horse trailer at several trailheads on the north side of the park
- First Creek Trailhead
- Lincoln Trailhead
- Maple Springs Trailhead
- Maple Springs Campground, across the road from bulletin board
- Temple Hill Trailhead
You can camp with your horse at Maple Springs Campground and several backcountry campsites.
If you intend using the Green River ferry to cross from the south part of the park to the north, be aware the ferry has an 8-ton load limit. Even if your vehicle and trailer meet that limit, some vehicles (i.e. long horse trailers) cannot be ferried solely because of the length or ground clearance.
For more information about the Green River ferry, call the Green River Ferry Hotline at 270-758-2166.
Trail Rules And Stewardship
- Horseback riding is prohibited on all park roads.
- When hikers and horses meet, horses must be slowed to a walk and hikers should remain quiet.
- Stay on marked trails only. Do not shortcut trails or follow social trails - this erodes and damages trails.
- Trails can become muddy in some locations after rain. To preserve the trail surface avoid riding after recent rainstorms or when trails are excessively wet.
- Always hitch horses more than 100 feet (30.5 m) away from designated campsites, trails or water sources.
- Never tie horses to trees. Always cross-tie horses between trees.
- Leave no litter in the backcountry. Remember: Take only memories; leave only footprints.
Even if you don’t own a horse, you can still go riding in the park with authorized park concessionaire Double J Stables & Horseman’s Campground.
Click on the “Horseback Riding” link above to read more details about camping with your horse and horseback riding at Mammoth Cave National Park, in general.
