Hiking

Hit the trail for some of the best hiking in southern Kentucky.

With more than 80 miles of trails within Mammoth Cave National Park, considered the best Kentucky park for hiking, you’ll find trails that provide both the day hiking experience you’re looking for as well as breathtaking vistas and the beauty of nature.    Here are a few of our recommended trails ranging in ratings from easy to difficult… some of the best hiking trails in Kentucky.

Jenny Wilson Byrd Memorial Trail.

You’ll enjoy the beauty of nature and the scenery of Jenny Wilson Byrd Trail which runs adjacent to the Green River beginning at the Green River Park & Arboretum at Thelma Stovall Park in Munfordville and finishing at Johnson Springs Park.   Parking is available at both ends, making this an easily accessible location for day hiking.  This 4.5-mile trail is mostly rated easy but runs to moderate in some areas since it runs along riverbanks and can be slippery in some spots.   You may want to bring your hiking poles.

The Echo River Springs Trail, Mammoth Cave National Park

The Echo River Springs trail is an easy to intermediate 2.2 mile out and back trail located adjacent to the Green River near Brownsville, Kentucky.  This is a good family trail, highlighted by a “blue hole” from which water bubbles up from underground – observation decks are available for viewing.

The Green River Bluffs Trail, Mammoth Cave National Park

Near the Visitors Center at Mammoth Cave National park is the Green River Bluffs Trail, a 1.3-mile trail that includes amazing overlooks of the Green River valley.  The trail head is near the picnic area in the front of the park.  The Green River Bluffs Trail also connects to the Dixon Cave Trail, the River Styx Spring trail, the Sunset Point Trail and the River Springs Trail so you can make your day hike as long as you like.

The Cedar Sink TrailMammoth Cave National Park

This easy to intermediate trail is a 1-mile out and back lollipop hike with beautiful views and a short loop to a cave-like rock ledge.  Along the trail you will encounter an abundance of wildflowers and birds, ending at a dramatic sink hole.

From the  Cedar Sink Trail, the path starts out as an easy, shaded path which eventually drops in elevation as youapproach the sinkhole.  A platform is in place for your safe viewing and you return along the same path.

Learn more about Mammoth Cave accessible trails.