Introduction to Caving Tour

Mammoth Cave National Park Tours

Offering an off-trail experience, this tour 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.

There will be no refund for showing up at the park with the wrong requirements. Please read the requirements stated below in the Need to Know section. 

Select a date to see a list of times

Need to Know

• Review before arrival

  • Tours depart from the visitor center at the time listed on the ticket. Ticket holders should arrive 30 minutes prior to tour time to prepare for departure.

  • No refunds for no shows or late arrivals. Check NPS website for road and ferry closures.

  • Visitors should review the "Prepare for a Crawling Tour" video on the park website here before arrival.

  • Official Printed Tickets must be picked up 30 minutes prior to tour time at the Visitor Center Ticket Counter

  • There will no refund for showing up at the park with the wrong requirements. Please read the requirements stated below.

• Requirements

  • Lace-up hiking boots that cover the ankle are required. Boots must have aggressive tread. No slick-soled footwear is permitted. No tennis shoes or boots with zippers allowed.

    ***You will not be allowed to participate in the tour if you are not wearing proper footwear – no exceptions.***

  • Chest or hip measurement must not exceed 42 inches; if you are larger, you cannot physically pass through the crawlspaces.

  • Shorts and t-shirts are recommended for wear under coveralls. Please bring an extra pair of shoes or sandals for use during boot cleaning after the tour.

  • All equipment and outerwear provided; no personal caving equipment allowed.

  • Must be at least 10 years of age for this tour. 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; if fewer than 2 participants arrive for the tour, the tour will be cancelled and refunded.

• Safety

  If you have a fear of heights or suffer from claustrophobia, this tour is not the best choice for you. Please read tour description and requirements carefully when making your selection. 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

  • Must be at least 10 years of age for this tour..

  • Youth under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older on all tours.

  • Interagency Senior pass and Interagency ADA Access pass discount ticket pricing applies only to the passholder.

• Time Zone

  Mammoth Cave National Park is located in the central time zone and observes daylight savings time.

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