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mammoth cave NATIONAL PARK

The Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky, USA, has an amazing natural landmark - the longest cave system in the world, which is more than 360 miles long (and this is only the surveyed part!), And is 10 million years old. It was named not in honor of mammoths, as is commonly believed, but for its size: mammoth also means "huge".

In an unusually dry cave, bizarre frozen waterfalls have formed. The bottom of the cave was cut by wide rivers, one of which, Styx, flows into an underground lake called Lethe. Another river, Echo, runs through the cave and breaks through to the surface, continuing its path already as the Green River.

The tours offered by the National Park last from 1 to 6 hours. There are different options: an easy route will last no more than an hour, difficult routes will require a little preparation.

Information

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People knew about the Mammoth Cave several thousand years ago: ancient graves of Indians were found here. American pioneers discovered it in the late 18th century. Different owners either set up a sanatorium here, then mined saltpeter, or made it a tourist attraction. The first explorer of the cave was the slave Stephen Bishop: he made a map of it, exploring up to 10 miles of stone corridors and grottoes, and took excursionists. Intricate corridors, passages, amphitheaters connect the Mammoth Cave with the neighboring ones (Crystal, Salt and Unknown), flowing into the Flint Ridge cave system, and its map is constantly updated.

You can enter the cave through the arch called Broadway. Today, tourists have the opportunity to walk through the five "floors" of the cave. The main corridor, which is about 9 miles long, has many sideways, one of which is called the Rotunda, from which through the Audubon passage you can get to two Mouse Rooms.

Another corridor leads to the Church Hall, a round amphitheater with a stepped floor. From here the path leads to the Gothic Gallery, where, in silence, you can hear the drops of water falling steadily. Another kilometer - and you are in the famous Star Hall, the walls of which shimmer thanks to the dissemination of quartz crystals in the limestone. Lake Leta can only be crossed by boat, but it is worth it, because on the other side of it there is a Big Alley with many stalactites and stalagmites. From the Echo River you can get to the Concert Hall, where violinists periodically perform. It is worth looking into the Hall of Frozen Niagara, where stalactites and stalagmites fall in a frozen cascade, into the fabulous lace Snow grotto and the Egyptian Temple with six columns.

Mammoth Cave National Park, located in Kentucky, is famous for its extensive cave system, but it also offers scenic hiking trails through diverse landscapes including forests, rivers, and historic sites. Here are some of the best hiking trails in Mammoth Cave National Park:

  1. River Styx Spring Trail:

    • Distance: 0.5 miles round trip

    • Difficulty: Easy

    • Description: This short, accessible trail leads to River Styx Spring, where clear water emerges from an underground source. It's a scenic walk through a forested area and offers views of the spring.

  2. Green River Bluffs Trail:

    • Distance: 1.1 miles round trip

    • Difficulty: Moderate

    • Description: Starting near the Green River Ferry, this trail follows the bluffs overlooking the Green River. It provides scenic views of the river and opportunities for birdwatching.

  3. Echo River Springs Trail:

    • Distance: 0.6 miles round trip

    • Difficulty: Easy

    • Description: This trail begins near the Historic Entrance to Mammoth Cave and leads to Echo River Springs, where water emerges from the cave system. It's a short, interpretive trail with historical significance.

  4. Sand Cave and Boyhood Home Trail:

    • Distance: 2.6 miles round trip

    • Difficulty: Moderate

    • Description: This trail starts at the visitor center and leads to Sand Cave, a large rock shelter. It also passes by the remains of the boyhood home of Floyd Collins, a famous cave explorer.

  5. Cedar Sink Trail:

    • Distance: 1.6 miles round trip

    • Difficulty: Moderate

    • Description: Located in the northern part of the park, this trail leads to Cedar Sink, a collapsed sinkhole with unique geological features. It's a scenic hike through a forested area.

  6. Sal Hollow Trail:

    • Distance: Varies (up to 8 miles round trip)

    • Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous

    • Description: This trail offers a longer hike through diverse habitats including hardwood forests and along the banks of the Green River. It's a good trail for those seeking a longer, more remote hike.

  7. Big Hollow Trail:

    • Distance: 4.6 miles round trip

    • Difficulty: Moderate

    • Description: Located in the backcountry of the park, this trail leads through a hardwood forest to Big Hollow, a large sinkhole. It's a quieter trail with opportunities for solitude and wildlife viewing.

When hiking in Mammoth Cave National Park, be prepared for varying trail conditions and weather. Wear sturdy footwear, carry water and snacks, and check with park rangers for current trail conditions and safety tips. Respect the natural and cultural resources of the park by staying on designated trails and following Leave No Trace principles.


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Official name - MAMMOTH CAVE National Park

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 7
Mammoth Cave, KY 42259-0007

Coordinates: 37°11′13″N 86°06′04″W

Established - July 1, 1941

Visitors 533,206

Area 52,830 acres