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Get Out of Your Element and into Mammoth Cave

Published by Spencer Spellman, Writer

Country: United States

The Experience

There's really only one way to describe Mammoth Cave: it's a mammoth cave! So large in fact, that the cave is the longest recorded cave system in the entire world. Located in Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky this landmark certainly doesn't lack the element of adventure. This is the kind of cave that as a child watching adventure movies like The Goonies, you dreamt of exploring, but never had the opportunity to. That is until now, unfortunately you won't have the company of Chunk and the gang, but you will have an expert guide.

Since Mammoth Cave is so expansive, it's split up into multiple areas where guided tours are conducted. Of course because of its size, there are simply areas where visitors cannot explore. Each Mammoth Cave tour is unique, offering a different experience, with tours lasting anywhere from one to six hours. With tour names such as Grand Avenue, Fat Man's Misery and Frozen Niagara, Mammoth Cave just wreaks of adventure and intrigue. One of the most popular tours was the river tour, which for various reasons was discontinued in the 1990's.

Over 300 miles of Mammoth Cave in Kentucky have been explored. Informative guides do a good job of hitting many of the cave's highlights. This isn't your typical sidewalk or paved trail tour. You'll find yourself moving through tight spaces, slick staircases and under small ceilings. Much of this is what makes Mammoth Cave so adventuresome, yet educational and informative.

Many people enjoy exploring the miles of caves so much, that they make a weekend of it. When doing so, visitors can camp at several campgrounds within Mammoth Cave National Park which are in close proximity of Mammoth Cave. These also include backcountry camping spots for backpackers. Camping at the national park is ideal for guests who want to take more than one of the Mammoth Cave tours, since it features several experiences that vary in length. The shortest tour is an hour, while some of the longer tours can last up to six hours. The Mammoth Cave Wild Cave Tour is the longest, at just over six hours and is best for those who can withstand walking several miles, as the tour covers over five miles.

For the explorer in all of us, Mammoth Cave releases that adventuresome spirit that's just waiting to get out. It's a sight to behold with peculiar passageways and unique wall formations found scatted throughout. What are you waiting for? Feed your appetite for a Goonies adventure at Mammoth Cave in Kentucky.

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Puzzle

When to Go to Mammoth Cave

Since Mammoth Cave is underground, weather doesn't affect your visit, unless you're interested in camping or exploring more of the hiking trails above ground. However, it can get a little cooler during the winter, so typically the best time to visit is during the fall and spring.

Odds n' Ends

Most important, dress appropriately for Mammoth Caves. Wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers. As you get further into the caves, it can get cooler. Although the Mammoth Cave tour is guided, make sure to be responsible and not go wondering off, as there are many slick staircases and tight spaces that can result in injury if you're not careful. There are many items that aren't permitted on a tour of the cave, including strollers, walking canes and tripods.

More Experiences Nearby

Bet to Win at the Kentucky Derby Race
It's hard to imagine the time and effort that goes into planning an event like the Kentucky Derby, for it to only last two minutes. One of the greatest sports events in the world, the main event culminates in an energetic horse race that is often described as "the greatest two minutes in sports." With its first run in 1875, the Kentucky Derby in Louisville Kentucky is one of the oldest horse races in the world. What started then as a simple horse race among the best breeds in the world, has now grown into one of the largest festivals ...73 miles away.

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Books and DVDs

A FalconGuide to Mammoth Cave National Park: A Guide to Exploring the Caves, Trails, Roads, and Rivers
The Longest Cave
Scary Stories of Mammoth Cave
Mammoth Cave and the Kentucky Cave Region

Elsewhere on the Web

Mammoth Cave National Park - NPS.gov
Mammoth Cave National Park - UNESCO.org

Media References

Mammoth Cave National Park - NationalGeographic.com (magazine)
Underground Kentucky - NYTimes.com (newspaper)
Caves closed in hope of helping bats - USAToday.com (television)

Language Guides

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Discussion

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