Introduction to Caving
Mammoth Cave National Park Tours
Offering an off-trail experience, this tour enters Mammoth Cave at the New Entrance, and crawls and climbs through hard-to-reach areas for 3.5 hours. Focusing on learning safe caving techniques, this tour explores parts of the cave difficult to access. Please note that due to the tight nature of some of the areas visited, chest and hip measurements must not exceed 42 inches in circumference. Lengthy amounts of time will be spent in tight crawl spaces and difficult climbs, with no alternative routes available. Please note, at 3.5 hours, there are no restroom facilities available on this tour. This tour is ideal for people who wish to perform a wide variety of challenging physical obstacles in a unique environment.
Select a date to see a list of times
Need to Know
All tours begin at the Visitor Center. Tickets must be picked up 30 minutes prior to tour time. No refunds for no shows or late arrivals.
- Requirements
Must be at least 10 years of age. Chest or hip measurement must not exceed 42 inches; if you are larger, you cannot physically pass through the crawlspaces. Lace-up hiking boots that cover the ankle are required. Boots must have aggressive tread. No slick-soled footwear is permitted. No tennis shoes allowed. You will not be allowed to participate in the tour if you are not wearing proper footwear–no exceptions. Shorts and t-shirts are recommended for wear under coveralls. Please bring extra pair of shoes or sandals for use during boot cleaning after the tour. All equipment and outerwear provided; no personal caving equipment allowed. An adult must accompany visitors under age 18. Organized youth groups must have at least two adult representatives accompanying minor children. Requires at least 2 participants.
- Safety
If you have a fear of heights or suffer from claustrophobia, this tour is not the best choice for you. Please read tour descriptions carefully when making your selection. Visitors with known heart or respiratory conditions, poor circulation or difficulty walking long distances and negotiating stairs, should not take this tour. Evacuation from the cave to a hospital for medical attention could take several hours.
- Ticket Age
MUST BE AT LEAST 10 YRS. OF AGE TO PARTICIPATE ON THIS TOUR.
Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.
Interagency Senior and Interagency Access ticket pricing applies to Interagency Senior and Interagency Access Pass holders only.
The Interagency Annual Pass is NOT accepted for tours or camping.
- Time Zone
Mammoth Cave National Park is located in the central time zone and observes daylight savings time.
- Directions
Note: Do not rely exclusively on your mobile GPS, Google Maps, or similar automated navigation systems to get to the park Visitor Center in time for your cave tour. Routes can be misleading and incorrect.
Directions from the North: Take Interstate 65 to Exit 53 (Cave City Exit). Turn right onto KY-70. Follow 70/255 as it becomes the Mammoth Cave Parkway in the park. Follow the Mammoth Cave Parkway to the Visitor Center.
Directions from the South: Take Interstate 65 to Exit 48 (Park City Exit). Turn left onto KY-255 and follow 255 as it becomes the Park City Road into the park. Follow Park City Road until it joins the Mammoth Cave Parkway; turn left. Follow the Mammoth Cave Parkway to the Visitor Center.
- Availability
Mammoth Cave may not offer the Introduction to Caving Tour year-round. Please check the current program schedule.
- White Nose Syndrome
In order to minimize the spread of White Nose Syndrome, a bat disease caused by an invasive fungus, Mammoth Cave National Park has instituted strict cleaning procedures for all off-trail crawling tours. All equipment (coveralls, helmets, knee pads and head lamps) are provided by the park. Visitors must provide their own footwear. No personal caving equipment allowed. No exceptions. Shorts and a t-shirt recommended for wear under required coveralls.
