Near Sinkhole Trail
On the boardwalk through the trees.
Near Sinkhole Trail
A tour group gathers around the Historic Entrance before entering Mammoth Cave. Photo credit: NPS Photo.
Near Sinkhole Trail
Sunset in the winter at Mammoth Cave National Park.
Near Sinkhole Trail
Fun descent on the Sinkhole Trail.
Near Sinkhole Trail
A visitor feels the cool water flowing out of Echo River Springs. Photo credit: NPS Photo.

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Sinkhole Trail

4.0 (6 Ratings)
A short, fun trail that connects the visitor center to the Green River Ferry.
1
mi
Distance
51
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingFall ColorsFamily FriendlyRiver/CreekSpringWaterfallWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
0.99mi
Distance
51ft
Elevation Gain
330ft
Elevation Loss
35%
Max Grade
732ft
High Point
453ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
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.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

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Contributors
Clinton Lewis