Heritage Trail Rehabilitation Project

Project at a Glance

START DATE: January 2025

COMPLETION: Fall 2025

PROJECT COST: Estimated $3.5 Million 

FUNDING SOURCE: National Park Concessions Incorporated donation, NPS Centennial Challenge Match, Concessions Franchise Fees, and NPS Repair Rehabilitation

IMPACTS: During construction the visitor center pedestrian bridge, the north entrance (back entrance) to the main Mammoth Cave Hotel Building, Heritage Trail, and Old Guides Trail will be closed. 

The Heritage Trail surface consists of a series of wooden boardwalks. After the trail improvement project, the visual impact of the trail will be minimized, and annual maintenance requirements will be reduced.

NPS Photo

About the Heritage Trail

The Heritage Trail is a 0.5-mile-long trail that starts just behind the back entry of the main lodge building near the visitor center pedestrian bridge. It is a popular trail that provides access to the Old Guides Cemetery, an overlook of the Historic Entrance to Mammoth Cave, and Sunset Point where visitors enjoy a panoramic view of the Green River Valley. The current trail is made of a series of raised, wooden boardwalks and cement pathways. The boardwalk sections are greatly impacted by environmental elements such as rain and freezing conditions and requires frequent maintenance to keep it safe for visitor’s use.

The Heritage Trail boardwalk curves behind the main hotel building at Mammoth Cave National Park.

NPS Photo

Project Plan

The Heritage Trail project includes several elements that will improve the trail’s visual profile, enhance the visitor experience, maintain wheelchair accessibility, and reduce the park’s annual maintenance requirements.

• Much of the wooden boardwalk will be replaced with a more sustainable hardened cement surface that will eliminate the need for most of the visually obtrusive wooden structure. This will reduce the amount of annual maintenance needs for the trail.
• The area directly behind the main hotel building’s north exit will be redesigned to create a large level area. This improvement will modernize the space and improve functionality and accessibility of the Heritage Trail trailhead.
• A small 15–20-person amphitheater will be constructed along the trail behind the hotel to provide a space for ranger-led interpretive programs. Currently, there is no formal area for ranger-led programs within the visitor center area.
• The plan will improve overall accessibility and enhance the visitor’s viewing experience in the park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the hotel be open during construction?

Yes! All visitor services offered at the Lodge at Mammoth Cave will be open throughout construction. A short foot path that runs from the visitor center to the lodge building has been installed to maintain access to the front of the building.

What trails will be closed?

The visitor center pedestrian bridge and the North Entrance (back entrance) to the main Mammoth Cave Hotel Building, Heritage Trail and Old Guides Trail will be closed throughout construction.

Are there other hiking trails near the visitor center I can take?

The area around the park visitor center offers many scenic trails that feature: ridgetops, river views, sinkholes, cave-fed springs, a historic train engine, and views of the entrance to Dixon Cave.

Are there other wheelchair accessible trails in the park I can still access?

Yes! The Echo River Spring Trail, Sand Cave Trail, and Sloans Crossing Pond Trail are all accessible by wheelchair. Each offer the opportunity to visit geologically unique and historically significant areas of the park. Learn more about accessible trails at Accessible Activities.