Ranger-led Programs

Learn More About Each Ranger-led Program Navigation

 

Attending a ranger-led program in the park is a great way to discover new things and learn more about the Mammoth Cave National Park. The park offers a variety of ranger-led programs such as cave tours and programs on the surface like talks, walks, and junior ranger activities. All surface programs are offered free of charge, however, there is a fee for cave tours. Be sure to check the current program and event schedule for the dates of your visit to the park to see what programs are available.

 

Current Ranger-led Program Schedule

 

Program Availability

Ranger-led programs on the parks surface are subject to change or cancelation due to inclement weather conditions or staff availability. Please check at the visitor center when you arrive at the park for the most up-to-date program schedule.

 

   March 19, 2022 - May 21, 2022

Let's Go Birding!	8:30 AM Tue & Thu only until April 28
Ranger Talk	10:15, 4:30 Daily 1:00 Fri & Sat Only
Wildflower Hike	11:00 Tue & Thu only until April 28
Echo River Spring Walk	4:00
Evening Program	7:00 PM Fri & Sat Only

   May 22, 2022 - June 4, 2022

Jr. Ranger Oath	8:30, 4:30
Ranger Talk	10:10, 3:00
Echo River Spring Hike	2:15

   June 5, 2022 - July 30, 2022

Jr. Ranger Oath	8:30, 4:30
Ranger Talk	10:10, 3:00
Echo River Spring Hike	2:15
Sloan's Pond Walk	4:30
Evening Program	7:00 PM

   July 31, 2022 - August 27, 2022

Jr. Ranger Oath	8:30, 4:30
Ranger Talk	10:10
Echo River Spring Hike	2:15

 

Walks and Hikes

Echo River Spring Hike

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 areas rich geologic and biological diversity. Meets at the Green River Ferry Parking Lot.

Difficulty: Easy Distance: 1 mile (1.6 km) Duration: 45 minutes - 1 hour Accessible: Wheelchair accessible

Let's Go Birding!

Join birding expert Steve Kistler in search of the sights and sounds of a diverse variety of bird species around the visitor center area. In addition to resident birds, you'll have the opportunity to look and listen for spring migrants as they pass through the park. Bring binoculars, if available.

Difficult: Varies Distance: 1-2 miles (1.6 - 3.2 km) Duration: 1-2 hours Accessible: No

Sloans Pond Walk

Explore a pond and wetland ecosystem. This walk takes you along a wooden boardwalk around Sloans Crossing Pond, where the diversity of plants and animals abounds. Rangers will present on a variety of topics. Meets at the Sloans Crossing Pond Parking Lot.

Difficulty: Easy Distance: 0.5 miles (0.8 km) Duration: 1 hour Accessible: Wheelchair accessible

Wildflower Hike

Join naturalist Steve Kistler and discover spring wildflowers, ferns, and critters while hiking the trails at Mammoth Cave National Park. Destination to be determined by the size of the group an dweather conditions.
Difficulty: Varies Distance: 1-2 miles (1.6 - 3.2 km) Duration: 1-2 hours Accessible: No

 

Sit beneath the stars while you learn about the park at an evening program.

Talks

Ranger Talk

Join a park ranger at the back porch of the visitor center for a 10-minute presentation on a variety of topics inspired by Mammoth Cave. Program topics may include plants, animals, history, scientific research and more. Meets at the back porch of the visitor center.

Difficulty: Easy Duration: 10 minutes Accessible: Wheelchair accessible

Exhibit Talk

Join a park ranger in the exhibit area of the visitor center for a 10-minute presentation on a variety of topics inspired by Mammoth Cave. Program topics may include plants, animals, history, scientific research and more. Meets in the exhibit area of the visitor center.

Difficulty: Easy Duration: 10 minutes Accessible: Wheelchair accessible

Evening Programs

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.

Difficulty: Easy Duration: 30 minutes Accessible: Wheelchair accessible

 

Junior Ranger Activities

A self-paced junior ranger activity book is avalible at the visitor center for those wishing to earn their Mammoth Cave junior ranger badge.

Junior Ranger Oath

Meet with a Park Ranger to take your Junior Ranger Oath and receive your Junior Ranger Badge. Be sure to have your Junior Ranger Book with you. Listen for announcements on where to meet.

Difficulty: Easy Duration: 10 minutes Accessible: Wheelchair accessible

 

Cave Tours

Cave tours are offered thorough the year and follow a variety of tour routes inside Mammoth Cave and other caves in the park. For more information about cave tours, ticket reservations and tour schedules visit our cave tour page.