Ranger-led Programs

 

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.

 

May 1 - May 31, 2023

Ranger Talk (Accessible)	9:15, 3:30 Daily 12:00, 2:00 Saturday/Sunday
Sloans Pond Walk (Accessible)	4:30 Daily
Sand Cave Almanac	1:00 Saturday/Sunday
Nature Tracks for Kids	10:30, 12:45 Saturday/Sunday
Junior Ranger Pledge (Accessible)	11:30, 1:45 Saturday/Sunday
Evening Program (Accessible)	7:30pm Saturday/Sunday

June 1 - June 30, 2023

Ranger Talks	9:15, 3:30 12:00 Sat/Sun Only
Sloans Pond Walk	4:30

 

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

Walks and 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
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Sand Cave Almanac

A progressive walking and driving tour telling the saga of Floyd Collins, trapped in Sand Cave in 1925. See the Collins' family home place and end your journey at the Mammoth Cave Baptist Church at the gravesite of Floyd Collins.

This activity is conducted in a caravan in which visitors drive their own vehicles. The caravan traces a 5.2 mile distance from Sand Cave Trailhead to Mammoth Cave Baptist Church.

Meets at the Sand Cave Trailhead on Cave City Road.
Difficulty: Easy - Sand Cave Trail is wheelchair accessible.
Duration: 2 hours
Distance: 5.2 miles (driving)

Sloans Pond Walk

Explore a pond and wetland ecosystem. This walk takes you around 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
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Nature Tracks for Kids

An activity designed for children to learn and explore more about Mammoth Cave National Park. Join park rangers in a variety of activities that enable children to discover more about the park's plants, animals, cave forming processes, and the delicate balance of the ecosystem.

Meets at the visitor center
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 30 minutes

Echo River Spring Walk

Join a ranger on this accessible surface walk and learn about the karst landscape. See where the Echo River exits the dark passages of Mammoth Cave and enters into the sunlit world above. Discover the close connection between the surface and subsurface and how we relate to world around us.

Meets at the Echo River Spring Trailhead.
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 45 minutes
Distance: 0.6 miles (1 km)
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Evening Program

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 (Accessible)
Duration: 30 minutes
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

 

Junior Ranger Activities

A self-paced junior ranger activity book is available 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.