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A short, fun trail that connects the visitor center to the Green River Ferry.


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Map Key

1.0

Miles

1.7

KM

90%

Runnable

793' 242 m

High

551' 168 m

Low

49' 15 m

Up

260' 79 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

13%

Max Grade (7°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Spring · Wildlife

Runner Notes

Mostly crushed gravel surface with dirt portions. Typical roots and rocks. Of note are the steps along the whole trail. The wood tends to be slick.

Description

From the Mammoth Cave Hotel, the trail begins as a spur off of the paved Heritage Trail. The wide singletrack is mostly crushed gravel with several areas of natural dirt surface. Also notable are many steps on the trail for accessibility and erosion control. From this direction, the trail is downhill nearly the whole way, which makes for a fast, fun outing.

Watch your footing, however, as the wood beams that form the top of the steps tend to be slick when it's wet... which with Kentucky humidity is all the time. Points of interest include the Mammoth Dome Sink, a large sinkhole that forms the roof of one of the best known features in the cave below. Just beyond the sink, the trail intersects with the River Valley Trail.

Continuing down the slope, the trail intersects with the White Caves Trail to return to the Mammoth Cave Campground and Hotel. The Sinkhole Trail terminates near the Echo River Springs Trail and namesake water feature. Turning left on the Echo River Springs Trail will lead you to the Green River Ferry parking lot and a porta potty.

Flora & Fauna

Kentucky old growth forest. Good chance to see deer and turkey.

Contacts

Shared By:

Clinton Lewis

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 6 votes

#6

in South Side

#11452

Overall
  4.0 from 6 votes
5 Star
17%
4 Star
67%
3 Star
17%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#6

in South Side

#119

in Kentucky

#11,452

Overall
4 Views Last Month
1,384 Since Jan 28, 2016
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

17%
33%
50%
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Photos

Sunset in the winter at Mammoth Cave National Park.
Mar 14, 2016 near Brownsv…, KY
The trail transforms from a concrete surface to a wooden platform that carries the trail over the forest floor.
Nov 9, 2023 near Brownsv…, KY
Fun descent on the Sinkhole Trail.
May 25, 2016 near Brownsv…, KY
The trail ends at the Old Guide's Cemetery where you can learn more about how slaves and their descendants have been part of Mammoth Cave's visitor experience for years.
Nov 9, 2023 near Brownsv…, KY
Old Guides Cemetery.
Mar 14, 2016 near Brownsv…, KY
On the boardwalk through the trees.
May 26, 2016 near Brownsv…, KY

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