Planning a Trip to Mammoth Cave National Park: Where to Stay and What to Do

Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky is home to the longest known cave system in the world. It also has miles of hiking trails, river valleys and rolling hills. A Condé Nast Traveler writer from Ohio, who has visited many times on road trips, shares tips for planning a trip.

There are activities both underground and above ground. The writer's favorite is the cave tours, which take visitors on a guided walk through a maze of stone. You walk along narrow paths, see dripstone formations and take in tall stone walls. The cave system is the largest in the world, so big it is nearly impossible to imagine. You cannot go into the cave on your own, so you need a ticket for a tour. Tours can sell out, so book ahead.

If you would rather stay out of the cave, the park has more than 80 miles of trails above ground. Visitors can hike, bike, ride horses, kayak on the river, and fish when the weather allows.

When should you go? Spring and fall are excellent because of mild weather, wildflowers in spring and fall colors in autumn. Summer is the busiest season, so the park can be crowded and hot above ground. Winter is beautiful, but it can bring snowstorms and closed campgrounds.

Where should you sleep? The writer lists vacation rentals and hotels near the park, from a cabin in the trees to a lakeside retreat. Some have a hot tub and a firepit, and some are for glamping, which means camping with comfort. The top picks are The Lodge at Mammoth Cave, which is the best choice for staying inside the park, The Maple Retreat for a cozy cabin, and a five-bedroom house with several game rooms that suits large groups.