Discovery Self-Guided
Mammoth Cave National Park Tours
Please note this tour is NOT always offered.
Explore the passageways that named Mammoth Cave at your own pace on the Discovery Tour. This self-guided tour ventures through large, open passageways with points of interest along the route. Participants can explore at their own pace through large open passageways featuring informational waysides and artifacts from the cave's early history. Rangers are stationed along the route to answer questions. This tour is ideal for those who want to move at their own pace or are looking for a cave experience without much time commitment.
This tour is a self-guided version of the Mammoth Passage Tour and also includes part of the Historic Tour.
Select a date to see a list of times
Need to Know
- Review before arrival
This tour begins from the Historic Entrance - a 10 minute walk from the visitor center. Ticket holders should arrive at the visitor center 1 hour prior to tour time to prepare for departure. Last entry to the cave for this tour is 3:15 pm.
No refunds for no shows or late arrivals.
The time on your ticket is the earliest time you can enter into the cave. You may enter into the cave at any time between the time on your ticket and the last ticket time listed.
Visitors should review the "What to Expect on a Cave Tour" video on the park website here before arrival.
- Safety
Many tours include numerous stairs and steep trails. Visitors with health conditions or limited mobility should carefully consider their limitations. Evacuation from the cave to a hospital for medical attention could take several hours.
- Age restrictions and passes
Children 2 and under do not require a reservation or ticket.
Youth under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older on all tours.
Interagency Senior pass and Interagency Disability Access pass discount ticket pricing applies only to the passholder.
- Prohibited items
No weapons, tobacco, e-cigarettes, selfie sticks, tripods, child backpack carriers, food or drink (other than water) are allowed in the cave.
- Time Zone
Mammoth Cave National Park is located in the central time zone and observes daylight savings time.
