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Mammoth Cave National Park, KY (Weekend Trip)

September 11, 2025 @ 5:00 pm - September 14, 2025 @ 8:00 am

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Explore the longest known cave system in the world!

Mammoth Cave National Park is a park on two levels – 52,830 acres of reclaimed hardwood forest and winding riverways, and below it, the longest known cave system in the world, surveyed at 426 miles to date. It’s also a designated World Heritage Site and a Dark Sky Park, perfect for stargazing!

Located within a day’s drive of major population centers, it offers camping, hiking, horseback riding, bicycling, canoeing, picnicking, and cave tours.

On this trip explore the internationally recognized biological and geologic features and processes associated with the longest known cave system in the world, the park’s diverse forested, karst landscape, the Green and Nolin rivers, and extensive evidence of human history.

On this project, volunteers will assist with trail rehabilitation, cemetery maintenance (nothing too spooky!), cave restoration, road and river cleanups, and assisting NPS sawyers.

There is something for everyone, whether it’s helping expand the park’s trail accessibility, to maintaining historical sites, or participating in a river clean up! The primary focus will be on improving trail safety, water drainage, reducing soil erosion, protecting natural resources, and maintaining historical sites.

There is no experience needed to join a Volunteer Vacation! Your expert hosts will provide detailed instruction, tool demonstrations, and project oversight throughout the week. All you need is a willing attitude and to be in good physical condition to participate in moderate physical activity for approximately 6-8 hours a day with plenty of breaks, at your own pace. Find out more about what it’s like to join a Volunteer Vacation and other frequently asked questions here.

Register

Host

National Park Service

Accommodations

Dormitory/Bunkhouse

Hiking/Access

Volunteers will caravan to the trailhead in personal vehicles, which will range from 5 to 15 minutes driving time. Volunteers will then hike to the worksite carrying food, water, snacks, and tools for the day on hiking, biking, or equestrian trails. Hikes will range from 2-5 miles round trip and vary from easy to strenuous difficulty levels due to the weathered condition of some trails.

Project Rating

Strenuous

Minimum Volunteer Age

18

Maximum Group Size

10

Area and Attractions

Mammoth Cave National Park in west-central Kentucky encompasses portions of Mammoth Cave, the longest cave system known in the world. The Green River runs through the park, providing 30 miles of winding waterways. Mammoth Cave National Park lies halfway between two major metropolitan cities Nashville, Tennessee and Louisville, Kentucky (approximately 100 miles from each city). Local communities have restaurants available for dining opportunities, with diverse and international cuisine options. There are multiple recreational opportunities in the local communities and bigger cities as well that include: hiking, boating, paddling, swimming, zip-lining, caving, biking, horseback riding and bowling. Additionally, there are several museums in nearby communities to enjoy.

Accommodations Description

Volunteers will stay at the Maple Springs bunkhouse which has 3 main spaces set up as bedrooms with a total of 17 twin beds, most of which have metal wardrobes for private storage. Two separate bathrooms with showers are connected to the outside portion of the house. The cooking and dining area for bunkhouses are located in the nearby renovated garage that is set up as a kitchen and classroom, with picnic tables outside. The kitchen/classroom has all major appliances, including 2 refrigerators and 2 stoves. There are no laundry facilities at the bunkhouse. Firewood may be purchased at the camp store or downed trees/limbs foraged from the wooded area near the housing facility. Volunteers need to bring their own tent and personal camping gear; sheets, bedding or sleeping bag,; and towels.

Travel

Nashville International Airport in Nashville, TN is the closest airport. Airport pickup is not provided but carpooling can be arranged upon confirmation of the trip.

Location

Mammoth Cave National Park
Maple Springs Housing Facility, Mammoth Cave, KY 42259 United States + Google Map