Horseback Riding

NPS Photo/Sarah Davis

Mammoth Cave National Park is an exceptional destination for anyone who loves to see the world from the back of a horse. Riders will find miles of wooded backcountry trails suitable for many skills and ages. The trails range from wide, smooth dirt paths that two riders can travel together, to daring, single file, ridgeline trails.

 

 

Bringing your horse to the park

Trails

60 miles of backcountry trails north of the Green River are open for horseback riding.

Trailer Parking

Day-use horseback riders can park trailers at the following 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

 

Vehicle size limit on the Green River Ferry

The Green River Ferry is the most direct route from the visitor center to the park’s north side backcountry trials and the Maple Springs Campground.

The ferry has a 8-ton load limit. However, some vehicles (i.e. long horse trailers) cannot be ferried solely because of the length or ground clearance. The ferry is open daily from 6:00 AM - 9:55 PM (except when closed for repairs or during hazardous river conditions). Alternate routes via state and county roads are available and may be more practical for trailers. 

 

Guided Horseback Riding

Commercially guided horseback riding is a great way to explore the park without needing to bring your own horse. Suitable for new riders and beginners, it may even nurture a life-long passion!
Guided outings in the park are only available through authorized operators with a commercial use authorization from the National Park Service.

• Double J Riding Stables and Campground

 

Camping With Your Horse

Maple Spring Campground

Overnight horseback riders can use the developed Maple Springs Campground, located 5 miles from the visitor center and 3 miles north of the Green River Ferry.

Specific rules apply to horseback riders using campsites at Maple Springs:

Sites 1, 2, 3 and 4 at Maple Springs are designed to accommodate horses. Do not use any of the other Maple Springs Campground sites if you are camping with horses.

Park vehicles only at the gravel spaces located at each campsite. If you need additional parking, use the parking area across the road from the bulletin board.

Dispose of horse manure by scattering it in the woods at least 200 feet behind the campsites. All manure must be moved from hitching areas to a designated collection area.

Picket areas are located behind sites 1, 2, 3 and 4. You must use these facilities to tie up your horses. Never tie horses to trees.

The central grassy area is for amphitheater and recreational use only. Do not let your horses use the area.

Do not allow your horses near the water spigots in the campground. You must pack water to your horses for drinking or bathing.

Water hoses can be attached to water spigots temporarily, but do not leave hoses attached.

Backcountry Camping

Horseback riders can utilize several backcountry campsites with a backcountry camping permit. Information about camping in the backcountry and obtaining a permit can be found on Backcountry and Riverside Camping.

Camping regulations apply, as well as several regulations regarding equestrian use:

Horses must be tied to hitch posts at backcountry locations where they are provided. In backcountry campsites or any backcountry areas with no hitch posts, or if these are full, horses must be cross-tied so they cannot chew on or otherwise damage trees or other vegetation. Tying horses and pack animals to trees is prohibited.

Hobbling horses and pack animals to permit free grazing is prohibited.

Cross-tying of horses and pack animals is not permitted within 100 feet from any stream or water source.

In backcountry areas with hitch posts, manure must be scattered no less than 100 feet from any campsite area before departing the area.

 

Trail Rules and Stewardship

Horseback riders can provide an excellent example to all visitors by following the Seven Leave No Trace Principles as well as these park rules:

 

NPS Photo/Sarah Davis

• 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 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.

 

Backcountry Safety

Make sure your ride in the park is a happy one. Learn more about park safety and how to ride and hike smart before your trip in the park.