NPS Photo Cave Tours Be aware that tour schedules change throughout the year, and certain tours may not be available depending on construction. Learn more about cave tours that are specifically geared towards people with disabilities by selecting the tours below.
See unique gypsum formations, historic cave writing, and more on accessible cave trails. Using the elevator entrance, this ½-mile round trip provides visitors with physical disabilities an opportunity to visit the Snowball Room and parts of the Cleaveland Avenue Tour and Grand Avenue Tour. Not sure if you like close spaces? Have trouble walking or managing long staircases? This 1¼ hour, ¼ mile round trip walk through this very heavily decorated part of Mammoth Cave might be best for you. This tour is often a good choice for visitors with very small children, elderly family members or others who cannot walk long distances. To reach this section of cave, visitors must take a 15-minute bus ride to and from the Frozen Niagara entrance. Guided Walks Ranger-led program schedules change throughout the year and may not be available depending on weather, scheduling, and construction. Learn more about accessible guided walks by selecting a trail below.
Discover where two worlds collide. This walk takes you to Echo River Spring, where the underground Echo River emerges from Mammoth Cave to reach the surface. Rangers will present on the area’s rich geologic and biological diversity. Meets at the Green River Ferry Parking Lot. This easy walk utilizes the ¾ mile accessible Heritage Trail, adjacent to the Mammoth Cave Hotel. Rangers share stories of the old Mammoth Cave Estate and the changes to the cultural landscape and perceptions through the late 18th and early 20th centuries. The trip includes a walk to the Old Guides Cemetery where former enslaved cave guide Stephen Bishop now rests. Ranger Talks Ranger talk schedules change throughout the year, check out the calendar to see what is available. Learn more about rountinely offered talks by clicking on the options below.
Join a park ranger for a brief discussion on one of the many subjects centered in Mammoth Cave National Park. Topics range from the rich cultural history to one of the many disciplines associated with the park's natural history. No matter what the topic, there's surely something to learn and enjoy with this small group setting with a park ranger. Duration: Approximately 15 minutes Spend an evening beneath the stars and join a park ranger to learn about a variety of topics inspired by Mammoth Cave National Park. Program topics are ranger’s choice and could include local stories, history, plants, animals, geology and more! Meets at the amphitheater between the lodge and camp store. Self-Guided Adventures Learn more about trails and areas in the park that are designed to be fully accessible by selecting the options below.
Exhibits located in the visitor center were designed with accessibility in mind, tactile options are plentiful and films have closed captions as well as audio description availability. Whether filling time before a tour or seeking out answers to questions, the exhibit area provides an enjoyable experience while learning about the process of cave formation, early human uses, modern exploration, and what mysteries we’re still investigating. This 0.6 mile trail takes you to Echo River Spring, where the underground Echo River emerges from Mammoth Cave to reach the surface. Along the trail you will find clear glass panels at overlooks, and boardwalks designed to increase visibility from a wheelchair. The trail also offers several wayside exhibits with tactile features and audio descriptions that can be activated by pressing a button to learn about the history, hydrology, and wildlife in your lush surroundings. The trailhead, located in the Green River Ferry parking lot, features an accessible picnic area. This ¾ mile level trail offers all visitors a leisurely stroll and has been specially designed to accommodate visitors with special needs. The trail features wheelchair turnouts, rest areas with benches and lights for evening use. You'll also find a beautiful overlook, large trees, and the historic "Old Guide's Cemetery." Mammoth Cave's Historic Entrance can also be seen via an overlook. The trail begins at the end of the footbridge near the Mammoth Cave Hotel. This 0.1 mile boardwalk leads to the site of Floyd Collins' famous - but fatal - entrapment in Sand Cave in 1925. Wayside exhibits unfold the tragic story along the boardwalk. The trailhead is at the park's eastern entrance on Cave City Road, accessible parking is available at the entrance sign. This 0.4 mile boardwalk takes visitors around the edge of a marshy pond. Wayside exhibits along the way help you understand the pond's unique environment. Wildlife can often be seen here in the form of turtles, frogs, and red-winged blackbirds. The pond features an accessible picnic area. |
Last updated: April 5, 2024