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.

 

April 1st - May 4th, 2024

Coffee with a Ranger	8:15
Bird Walk	8:30 (Mondays & Thursdays only until April 25)
Transportation Talk	9:15, 4:15
Heritage Walk	10:00 (Daily) 12:30 (Saturday/Sunday, April 21st - May 4th)
Nature Hike	11:15 (Mondays & Thursdays only until April 25)
Echo River Spring Walk	4:00
Junior Ranger Oath	4:30
Evening Program	7:00pm (Saturday/Sunday in April; then Friday/Saturday/Sunday, May 1st - May 4th)

May 5th - May 18th, 2024

Coffee with a Ranger	8:15
Transportation Talk	9:15, 4:15
Heritage Trail Walk	10:00 Saturday/Sunday Only 12:30 Friday/Saturday/Sunday Only
Ranger Talk	1:00
Echo River Spr ing Walk	4:00
Junior Ranger Oath	4:30
Evening Program	7:00pm Friday/Saturday/Sunday

May 19th - June 30th, 2024

Coffee with a Ranger	8:15
Transportation Talk	1:00

July 1st -July 31st, 2024

Coffee with a Ranger	8:15
Ranger Talk	10:30, 3:00
Transportation Talk At Stagecoach	1:00
Heritage Walk	2:15
Jr Ranger Oath	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

Exhibit Talk

Join one of our park rangers inside the visitor center exhibit area and learn about the unique cultural and natural history of Mammoth Cave National Park! Rangers will be scheduled to present a variety of talks. Topics may be plants, animals, exploration, geology, early community life, and many more!

Meets in the Visitor Center Exhibit Area
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 30 minutes
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Coffee with a Ranger

Start your day at Mammoth Cave by having coffee with a ranger! Bring your cup of joe to join one of Mammoth Cave's park rangers as they are available to answer any questions you may have, provide area information, or just discuss the various opportunities to enjoy your experience in the park. Coffee not provided.

Meets at Fireplace Hotel
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 30+ minutes
Accessibility: Wheelchair Accessible

Transportation Talk

Join a Park Ranger at the Stagecoach in the Hotel and learn about early transportation in the Mammoth Cave region. Talks will last approximately 15 minutes and are free of charge.
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)

Heritage Trail Walk

Discover stories of the people and activities that shaped the early history of Mammoth Cave. Enjoy this accessible loop trail that takes you past the site of the original Mammoth Cave Hotel, Sunset Point, and the Old Guide's Cemetery.

Meets at the Visitor Center back porch
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.