Eco-Friendly Itinerary

Plan great Kentucky getaways to Hart County in scenic south-central Kentucky, located on I-65 midway between Louisville and Nashville in the Kentucky caves and caverns area along the edge of Mammoth Cave National Park, an International Biosphere and World Heritage Site.

Hart County has two “show caves”: Hidden River Cave and Mammoth Onyx Cave .

1) Hidden River Cave options

Explore the history of the caves in the region and the impact of the world above ground on the life below ground at the American Cave Museum.

Study one of the world’s top 10 underground ecosystems on Hidden River Cave’s off-trail Wild Cave Tour. (Advance reservations required for this 2-hour or 3-hour tour.)

Learn about the colorful history of what has been called the world’s most remarkable cave restoration on a walking tour along the banks of the rushing underground river, and cross the world’s longest underground suspension bridge to Sunset Dome, the region’s largest dome room.

Soar on a zip line across Hidden River Cave’s sinkhole entrance, the area’s largest natural cave entrance. Rappel down the limestone face of Hidden River Cave.

Photo Credit Matt McClintock

2) Green River, the state’s longest river

Discover the beauty of Green River on a canoe or kayak trip on Kentucky’s only National Water Trail. Paddle along one of the world’s most biologically diverse rivers past blue holes and beautiful 300 Springs. We have Hart County’s Blueways on the Green maps with launches, take outs, mileage, sights along the way, access and livery info, and safety tips to help you on your canoeing or kayaking adventure.

Photo Credit Wayne Garmon Photography
Photo Credit Matt McClintock

3) Rural Stops

Take a scenic country drive along the Hart County Barn Quilt Trail that features large hand-painted quilt squares on rural buildings scattered around the rural areas of the county.

Stop by Dennison’s Roadside Market, a Kentucky Proud market on scenic US 31E that features seasonal flowers and plants, fruits and vegetables, jams and jellies, Amish baskets, locally made crafts, Chaney’s Ice Cream, Penn’s Country Hams. Pick your own berries and pumpkins in season. Autumn activities.

Photo Credit JC Phelps

4) Local Food

Try some home cooking at Murray’s Restaurant.
Try a fresh-sliced sandwich at Detweiler’s Country Store.
Snag a luscious donut at R & S Grocery and Amish Bakery.

Photo Credit Patrick Goodman

5) Bonus

Sit in with locals on a free bluegrass jam in historic downtown Horse Cave just around the corner from Hidden River Cave at The Bookstore every Thursday evening from 6 to 9 pm. And stay the night at one of our lodging options.