MammothJam Info and Links

When: Spring: Apr (12),13,14,(15); Summer: 8/31-9/2; Fall: Nov (1),2,3,(4)
Where: Mammoth Cave National Park (Here's a link to a Detailed Map of MCNP.)
Maple Springs Group Camp 6 miles north of the visitor center in the center of the park's backcountry.
To get there: take I-65 South to 728 West (through Bonnieville and Priceville and Cub Run) to 1827 West to 1352 South (at Fork's Country Store). Here's a link for Driving Directions from Louisville

From Maple Springs it's a 35mi drive around the park to the visitor center unless the ferry is running. For ferry status call (270)758-2166.

Click for Brownsville, Kentucky Forecast

There are lots and lots of things to do.

See the cave(s)

You can go on one of the many Ranger-Led Mammoth Cave tours available. Also there are tours of other area caves available. Usually, it's easy to get on a tour, but this being Labor Day weekend it might be wise to plan ahead for cave tours. They can and do fill up. If you want to reserve a tour, use this link to get to the reservations page.

  • If you like technical caving then you should make a reservation for the "Wild Cave" tour.
  • If you like to see a lot of cave, take the "Violet City" and"Grand Avenue" tours.
  • The "Frozen Niagra" tour is very short, easy for small kids, and features the most famous formation.
  • The "Star Chamber" tour is the cooler evening version of the "Historic" tour. You see the same stuff but in the evening by lantern light.

Canoeing

Here are links to outfitters that can hook you up for a day float on the Green River.
I recommend Mammoth Cave Canoe and Kayak. 877-59CANOE : 877-592-2663 : 270-773-3366

Hiking

You would need to stay for weeks to hike all of it. Awesome hikes right out of the group camp include several backcountry campsites within a mile or two all the way up to 12-mile round trip to "Turnhole Bend". Even longer multi-day loops are possible with backpacking. See the map link up top. Trails near the visitor center are more crowded and have more options and are closer to cave tours.

Biking

You can rent bikes cheaply at the camp store at the main campground near the visitor center. The bikes are not fancy but plenty good enough for a ride. The trail is large chunky gravel which can get tiring but the views are wonderful and cool side trips too. You can ride just a couple miles or a whole bunch.

(4W)Driving

Joppa Ridge Road and some other roads in and near the park are fun hilly little adventures with nice vistas.
In less than 2 hours round trip you can go see the totally awesome Nolin Dam.

Cautions

It’s all dry down there so load up on beer before you go.

Poison Oak/Ivy/Sumac - Plan ahead. Have Tecnu or similar stuff. You may recall the ridiculous rash I had in 2008 which was because I didn't use Tecnu immediately, letting the oils sink in. I am probably hypersensitive to such things but you should be careful anyway.

Green River Ferry may be closed, don't assume it will be open.
For ferry status call (270)758-2166.