Bluets (Houstonia caerulea), also known as "Quaker Ladies", in bloom along the Green River Bluffs Trail

Springtime is a beautiful time of year at Mammoth Cave National Park. The forest explodes in vibrant color signaling the awakening of the woodland from winter's slumber.  It certainly gives cause to celebrate. Each year Mammoth Cave National Park celebrates spring during its Wildflower Weekend. Numerous activities, ranger-led programs and local experts provide visitors with opportunities to explore the park above the cave. Best of all, every Wildflower Weekend activity is free of charge. Come celebrate with us!

Descriptions of all activities are listed by date and time and include congregation points, walking distances and hiking difficulties. Activities meeting at trailheads or other sites in the park require participants to arrange their own trasportation. All times central.

Plants and animals are fully protected in the park. Regulations prohibit picking and digging plants. Pets must be kept on a leash.

Backcountry Work Day
For those who want to get a "hands-on" experience in the park and feel a sense of accomplishment by improving the backcountry this is for you!  We are planning to continue improving areas and trails for all who wish to enjoy the rugged beauty of the north side of the park. Make sure to bring water and a lunch. Gloves and tools are provided.
Meet at the Maple Springs Trailhead
Duration: Approximately 4 hours

Self-Guided Opportunities - Available All Day
Investigate wildflowers growing along the ridges and enjoy the beautiful colors of spring. Take your children on a nature scavenger hunt to look for signs of wildlife in the forest. Stalk the forest floor in search of morel mushrooms. Free wildflower checklists, scavenger hunts for kids and tips for morel hunting are available at the visitor center information desk.

Seeking Feathered Friends
Presenter: Steve Kistler, Park Ranger, Birder
Look for native birds as well as migratory visitors on this short easy walk. Bring along your binoculars!
Meet at the Visitor Center
Duration: Approximately 1 ½ hours

Three Springs Walk
Caravan to a location that combines the geology and history of the Mammoth Cave region. An easy ½ mile walk. Visitors need to provide their own transportation.
Meet at the Visitor Center
Duration: 1 ¼ hours

Wildflowers in the Garden
Presented by: Local Garden Enthusiasts
The visitor center will host a display of spring flowers. Volunteers will be on hand to assist with flower identification and provide gardening tips. Activity continues until 2:00 p.m.
(Handicap accessible)

Family Nature Scavenger Hike
Presenter: Joel Gillespie and John Yakel, Park Ranger
Join a park ranger as the entire family gets involved in searching for signs of spring and wildlife along the visitor center area trails.
An easy one mile walk.
Meet at the Visitor Center
Duration: 1 ½ hours

Wildflower ID Hike
Ridge to River Hike
Presenter: Steve Kistler, Park Ranger and Janet Kistler, Naturalist
Join a naturalist and park ranger to learn more about common wildflower species and hear stories about their uses. This is a 1 ½ mile, moderately strenuous hike.
Meet at the Visitor Center
Duration: 1 ½ hours

The Art of Wildflowers for Families
Heritage Trail
Presenter: John Yakel, Park Ranger, Local Artist
View wildflowers through the eyes of an artist and awaken the artist in yourself. Create your own masterpiece of nature. Hands on sketching and painting, with instructions and supplies provided. Requires a short, easy walk. 
Meet at the Visitor Center
Duration: 1 ¾ hours

Slavery at Mammoth Cave Walk
Heritage Trail
Learn of the rich African-American History of some of the cave's earliest workers.
Meet at the Visitor Center
Duration: 1 hour, 1/3 mile
(Handicap accessible)

Water and Wildflowers - Cedar Sink Hike
Presenter: Ed Craft, Naturalist/Park Volunteer
A rich diversity of wildflowers flourish in this impressive limestone sinkhole. Search out currently blooming plants, learn forest ecology and karst geology. View a subterranean stream which surfaces for a short distance in the bottom of this natural basin. There is a steep stairway to descend into and ascend out of this karst window at Cedar Sink. This is a 1 ½ mile moderate hike.
Meet at the Cedar Sink Trailhead on Cedar Sink Road in the park (noted on the map in the park brochure)
Duration: 2 hours

Burns and Blooms
Presenter: Park Ranger Darlene Owens
Green River Bluffs Trail
Learn about the value of controlled burns and see what's happening now on the forest floor following a burn. A moderate 1 mile hike.
Meet at the Visitor Center
Duration: 1 ½ hours

On the Wings of Pollinators
Presenter: Joel Gillespie, Park Ranger
Pollinators are responsible for assisting a majority of the world's flowering plants. Without them humans and wildlife wouldn't have much to eat or look at. Learn about the animals that assist plants in their reproduction.
Meet at the Visitor Center
Duration: 1 hour

Wild Edibles & Folk Medicine
Presenter: Park Ranger Darlene Owens
Traditionally, after a long winter ending with dried foods in the larder, fresh greens and other wild foods were a welcome addition to the dinner table. Many forest and field plants also have medicinal uses. Come learn about these treasures of the spring landscape!
Meet at the Amphitheater behind the Hercules Train
Duration:  ¾ hour

Self-Guided Opportunities - Available All Day
Investigate wildflowers growing along the ridges and enjoy the beautiful colors of spring. Take your children on a nature scavenger hunt to look for signs of wildlife in the forest. Stalk the forest floor in search of morel mushrooms. Free wildflower checklists, scavenger hunts for kids and tips for morel hunting are available at the visitor center information desk.

Three Springs Walk
Caravan to a location that combines the geology and history of the Mammoth Cave region. An easy ½ mile walk. Visitors need to provide their own transportation.
Meet at the Visitor Center
Duration: 1 ¼ hours

Hunting the Mighty Morel
Presenter: Chuck DeCroix, Park Ranger 
Enjoy a visual presentation on the history of the elusive morel mushroom. Learn all about this mysterious mushroom, from facts and myths to regulations concerning collecting within the park boundaries.
Meet at the Mammoth Cave Hotel
Duration: ½ hour

Prehistoric Native Plant Use
Presenter: David Spence, Park Ranger, Arhcaeologist
Learn how prehistoric people used many native plants as we walk the Green River Bluffs trail.
A moderate 1 ½ mile hike.
Meet at the Visitor Center
Duration: 1 ½ hours

Water & Wildflowers - Cedar Sink Hike
Presenter: Ed Craft, Naturalist/Park Volunteer
A rich diversity of wildflowers flourish in this impressive limestone sinkhole. Search out currently blooming plants, learn forest ecology and karst geology. View a subterranean stream which surfaces for a short distance in the bottom of this natural basin. There is a steep stairway to descend into and ascend out of this karst window at Cedar Sink. This is a 1 ½ mile moderate hike.
Meet at the Cedar Sink Trailhead on Cedar Sink Road in the park (noted on the map in the park brochure)
Duration: 2 hours