You don’t need to travel far to discover the allure of another world. You can find the enchanting beauty of National Geographic style locations right in your backyard. Mammoth Cave National Park is truly a must-visit in Kentucky, and the Sinkhole Trail is easily one of the most unique hikes in the state! Lace up your hiking boots and get ready for an adventure at this epic national park in Kentucky…

One such spot that combines verdant, lush views with an easy stroll is Sinkhole Trail, found at Kentucky’s Mammoth Cave National Park.

Heather Newman/AllTrails This trail takes you through a portion of the park to discover smaller caves and sinkholes in a mossy green landscape.

Sinkhole Trail measures approximately 2.4 miles starting just outside the Mammoth Cave Hotel.

Tricia Nociti/AllTrails From there, the trail meanders across the forested landscape.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll across a boardwalk…

Min Qiao/Google

…encounter smaller caves along the way…

Leslie Jones/AllTrails Depicted here is White’s Cave, a small cave that is estimated to be about 500 yards deep and was once the source of souvenir cave formation pieces. It has been sealed off, however, to prevent further vandalism and protect what’s left.

…and enjoy the river views.

Jordan Adams/AllTrails Shown above is the River Styx, an underground river that flows through Mammoth Cave and into the nearby Green River.

The trail is well-maintained and an easy trek for nearly all visitors.

Leslie Jones/AllTrails Have you strolled along this trail?

Sinkhole Trail is a 2.4-mile trail at Mammoth Cave National Park, located about 93 miles south of Louisville via Interstate 65.

Google Maps

The park is open daily — except for major holidays — and entry to the park is free. Plan your visit to this national park in Kentucky by checking out the National Park Service and AllTrails websites, linked below.

Heather Newman/AllTrails

This trail takes you through a portion of the park to discover smaller caves and sinkholes in a mossy green landscape.

Tricia Nociti/AllTrails

From there, the trail meanders across the forested landscape.

Min Qiao/Google

Leslie Jones/AllTrails

Depicted here is White’s Cave, a small cave that is estimated to be about 500 yards deep and was once the source of souvenir cave formation pieces. It has been sealed off, however, to prevent further vandalism and protect what’s left.

Jordan Adams/AllTrails

Shown above is the River Styx, an underground river that flows through Mammoth Cave and into the nearby Green River.

Have you strolled along this trail?

Google Maps

Website: National Park Service Hiking information: AllTrails Phone: 270-758-2180

Want to check out another picturesque park with lovely hiking trails? Check out Walter Bradley Park located in Midway, Kentucky. Read more in With Foot Bridges And Creekside Trails, Walter Bradley Park In Kentucky Is Downright Enchanting.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Mammoth Cave, KY 42259, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

National park to visit in Kentucky January 17, 2022 Sarah M. What’s so unique about Mammoth Cave National Park? Oh boy – where to begin?! Mammoth Cave is the superlative superstar of the Bluegrass, earning the state world-wide acclaim and attention. The cavern system is the longest in the entire world, and features over 400 miles of underground caverns and passageways… with more miles being added all the time. In fact, Kentucky’s Mammoth Cave just got a little longer, following the discovery of an additional eight miles of passages by the Cave Research Foundation. If you’re keeping tally, that brings Mammoth Cave’s total underground mileage to 420 known miles of passages! Not only is Mammoth Cave a national treasure, acknowledged by its designation as a National Park, but it’s also been recognized internationally as the longest, most biologically diverse cave system in the world. As such, Mammoth Cave has been named a United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve. These designations help protect and preserve the rich geologic and biologic diversity housed within Mammoth Cave for generations to come. Mammoth Cave is a true national treasure, and we’re so proud to claim it as ours! What are some other cool caves to explore in Kentucky? If you’re into hiking, there’s no better place than Carter Caves State Resort Park, a Kentucky gem boasting beautiful backcountry, forests, creeks, caverns, and waterfalls! For the ultimate hiking experience, you’ll definitely want to check out the Three Bridges Trail at Carter Caves in Kentucky. Carter Caves State Resort Park is a place of immense beauty and natural splendor; it’s everything that makes Kentucky so unique and special – all in one place. Here you’ll find 33 miles of trails, winding through lush forests, pristine pools, and fascinating geological formations both above and below ground. As its moniker indicates, Carter Caves is best-known for its unique caverns, but its geological variety includes canyons, natural bridges, arches, sinkholes, and cliffs. It’s an amazing place to explore, and definitely one to put at the top of your Kentucky bucket list!

The OIYS Visitor Center

National park to visit in Kentucky

January 17, 2022

Sarah M.

What’s so unique about Mammoth Cave National Park? Oh boy – where to begin?! Mammoth Cave is the superlative superstar of the Bluegrass, earning the state world-wide acclaim and attention. The cavern system is the longest in the entire world, and features over 400 miles of underground caverns and passageways… with more miles being added all the time. In fact, Kentucky’s Mammoth Cave just got a little longer, following the discovery of an additional eight miles of passages by the Cave Research Foundation. If you’re keeping tally, that brings Mammoth Cave’s total underground mileage to 420 known miles of passages! Not only is Mammoth Cave a national treasure, acknowledged by its designation as a National Park, but it’s also been recognized internationally as the longest, most biologically diverse cave system in the world. As such, Mammoth Cave has been named a United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve. These designations help protect and preserve the rich geologic and biologic diversity housed within Mammoth Cave for generations to come. Mammoth Cave is a true national treasure, and we’re so proud to claim it as ours! What are some other cool caves to explore in Kentucky? If you’re into hiking, there’s no better place than Carter Caves State Resort Park, a Kentucky gem boasting beautiful backcountry, forests, creeks, caverns, and waterfalls! For the ultimate hiking experience, you’ll definitely want to check out the Three Bridges Trail at Carter Caves in Kentucky. Carter Caves State Resort Park is a place of immense beauty and natural splendor; it’s everything that makes Kentucky so unique and special – all in one place. Here you’ll find 33 miles of trails, winding through lush forests, pristine pools, and fascinating geological formations both above and below ground. As its moniker indicates, Carter Caves is best-known for its unique caverns, but its geological variety includes canyons, natural bridges, arches, sinkholes, and cliffs. It’s an amazing place to explore, and definitely one to put at the top of your Kentucky bucket list!

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

Oh boy – where to begin?! Mammoth Cave is the superlative superstar of the Bluegrass, earning the state world-wide acclaim and attention. The cavern system is the longest in the entire world, and features over 400 miles of underground caverns and passageways… with more miles being added all the time. In fact, Kentucky’s Mammoth Cave just got a little longer, following the discovery of an additional eight miles of passages by the Cave Research Foundation. If you’re keeping tally, that brings Mammoth Cave’s total underground mileage to 420 known miles of passages! Not only is Mammoth Cave a national treasure, acknowledged by its designation as a National Park, but it’s also been recognized internationally as the longest, most biologically diverse cave system in the world. As such, Mammoth Cave has been named a United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve. These designations help protect and preserve the rich geologic and biologic diversity housed within Mammoth Cave for generations to come. Mammoth Cave is a true national treasure, and we’re so proud to claim it as ours!

What are some other cool caves to explore in Kentucky?

If you’re into hiking, there’s no better place than Carter Caves State Resort Park, a Kentucky gem boasting beautiful backcountry, forests, creeks, caverns, and waterfalls! For the ultimate hiking experience, you’ll definitely want to check out the Three Bridges Trail at Carter Caves in Kentucky. Carter Caves State Resort Park is a place of immense beauty and natural splendor; it’s everything that makes Kentucky so unique and special – all in one place. Here you’ll find 33 miles of trails, winding through lush forests, pristine pools, and fascinating geological formations both above and below ground. As its moniker indicates, Carter Caves is best-known for its unique caverns, but its geological variety includes canyons, natural bridges, arches, sinkholes, and cliffs. It’s an amazing place to explore, and definitely one to put at the top of your Kentucky bucket list!