Here's Kentucky's Top Outdoor Attraction... And You'll Definitely Want To Do It
By Jenn Shockley|Published June 12, 2016
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Jenn Shockley
Author
I am somewhat a cliche'. I grew up running around barefoot on a farm in Kentucky.
I love writing, art, sunshine, all animals and my incredibly patient husband, who tolerates my "crazy animal lady" side.
The temps are steadily rising at 80+ degrees in the Bluegrass State, which means summer is basically here. With the sun’s warming rays comes a growing desire to get out and participate in outside entertainment. There are some great outdoor attractions in Kentucky, so it can be hard to choose a favorite.We have the Kentucky Horse Park, a variety of manmade lakes and rolling rivers, and miles upon miles of beautiful forests.
This is about the top attraction in Kentucky though, and that made it a little easier. The Cumberland Falls moonbow is renowned, Louisville has the Derby, and Bardstown has bourbon, but they all stand in the shadows compared to one spot.
When it comes to the most visitors, all hands raise towards Mammoth Cave National Park as the top outside attraction in Kentucky.
Mammoth Cave National Park is Kentucky’s most popular tourist attraction.
The park is the second most popular tourist attraction in the United States, falling directly below Niagara Falls. There are over 650,000 people that visit and tour Mammoth Cave annually. However, the park itself draws over 2,000,000 visitors annually that do not take the cave tour. People come and enjoy exploring the trails, the miles of forest, and the breathtaking beauty of Mother Nature in general.
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Of course, there are cave tours which change via season.
The Frozen Niagara is one of the most popular tours. Visitors will see breathtaking stalactites and other formations that look as if they are from another world. Currently, the following tours are available including Frozen Niagara; Violet City Lantern Tour, Historic Tour, Domes and Dripstones Tour, Star Chamber Tour, Trog Tour, Wild Cave Tour, Intro to Caving Tour and the Gothic Avenue Tour. Each tour varies in difficulty and exertion, so read up to see what is best fit for your health and lifestyle.
There are 3 different developed campground areas for those who just aren’t comfortable in a tent. Accommodations, including water and electric, are available for RVs and modern camping enthusiasts. Those who prefer a more primitive experience in nature will find well over a dozen different camping areas in a variety of environments. You will find places along both Nolin and Green River, and all along the back country forest. Prices start at $12 per day, increasing to $50 for VIP accommodations.
Those who love nature but not necessarily from a tent will love the hotel and cottage lodging. The sunset terrace rooms are located at the forest's edge, near the Heritage Trail, which takes you to the breathtaking Sunset Point Overlook. The hotel cottages are small, private cottages that are part of Mammoth Cave’s history. They sit near historic Engine #4 and the outdoor amphitheater. The woodland cottages are one-bedroom, private cottages nestled within a lush grove of trees. They are a short walk and footbridge away from the visitor’s center. Visitors will find other B&Bs, motels, cabins and campgrounds nearby if none of these are appealing. You can call 800-346-8908 for more information.
If you enjoy kayaking, canoeing, swimming, fishing and other river-oriented activities, you won’t be disappointed. Several areas provide access to the river for those drawn to the water’s flow. There are quite a few perfect spots to cool down after a hike through the forest or along the river’s bank.
Mammoth Cave National Park offers quite a few well maintained trails that range in difficulty from beginners to skilled. Some have more rugged terrain with steeper inclines, but others are literally a walk in the park. The Visitors Center will provide up to date information and trail maps for over 60 trails for hiker convenience. They will show where each trail is located, the length and the difficulty level, allowing you to choose what works best individually.
There are some very informative guides available to help you discover the amazing history of Mammoth Cave. This incredible system has been mapped for over 400 miles, and is the longest known cave system in the world. There are still areas unmapped deep within its limestone walls.
Visit the old guides cemetery and Floyd Collins memorial.
The guides who helped to map out the cave system are honored in this cemetery on the property. Stephen Bishop was most renowned, and was initially a slave who was freed by his owner. He continued to map the system afterwards and provide cave tours to settlers, as did his children. There is also the renowned spot where another mapper and guide, Floyd Collins, lost his life. He has been immortalized for his contributions via a plaque.
Mammoth Cave National Park is renowned for its cave systems, but this land has so much more to offer. That is why it has earned its spot as the top outdoor attraction in Kentucky, according to Kentucky Parks Tourism. You can read more about what this national park has to offer, including fees, hours of operation, and directions, here.
What do you like about Mammoth Cave? If not Mammoth Cave, what do you think should get more recognition?
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