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.

 

   September 6, 2022 - September 30, 2022

Echo River Spring Walk ♿	9:30am (Daily)
Ranger Talk ♿	10:15am, 2:30pm (Daily)
Sloans Pond Walk ♿	4:30pm (Daily)

   October 1, 2022 - October 16, 2022

Echo River Springs Walk ♿	12:30pm (Saturday/Sunday)
Sloans Pond Walk ♿	4:30pm (Daily)

   October 17, 2022 - October 31, 2022

Ranger Talk ♿	10:15am, 2:30pm (Daily)
Sloans Pond Walk ♿	4:30pm (Daily)

 

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

 

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

 

Sloan's Crossing Pond Walk

Come enjoy one of the more rare surface features of the park. Sinkoles and cavernous limestone rock often keep the surface free from ponds and standing water. However, Sloan's Crossing Pond is one of the few areas to find an aquatic ecosystem above ground. Join a park ranger for a look at the diversity of life and history in this micro-ecosystem along an accessible boardwalk.

Difficulty: Easy Distance: 3/4 mile (.8 km) Duration: 30 minutes - 1 hour Accessible: Wheelchair accessible Meets At: Sloan’s Crossing Pond Trailhead

 

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.