Bike the Parks

Parks / Kentucky

Mammoth Cave National Park

Singletrack in the forest above the world's longest cave system.

4/5
Great riding

Purpose-built singletrack on the Big Hollow Trail and a 9-mile rail trail make this one of the few national parks with real off-road riding.

Riding here

Above the world's longest known cave system, Mammoth Cave has some of the best off-road riding in any national park. The Big Hollow Trail is nine miles of flowing singletrack through hardwood forest, and the Mammoth Cave Railroad Bike & Hike Trail follows an old rail line from Park City. Road riders can pick up the 109-mile Cave Country Bicycle Route.

Where you can ride

Bikes may use the Big Hollow Trail, the Mammoth Cave Railroad Bike & Hike Trail, the connector to Maple Springs, several unpaved service roads and park roads.

Where you can't

No bikes on any trail not listed as open.

Rides

  • Big Hollow Trail

    • Mountain bike
    • 9.1 mi North Loop 5.3 mi + South Loop 3.7 mi
    • Singletrack
    • Moderate

    Purpose-built singletrack through hardwood forest on the north side of the Green River.

    Start: Big Hollow Trailhead (north side, off Maple Springs Road)

  • Mammoth Cave Railroad Bike & Hike Trail

    • Gravel
    • 9 mi one way
    • Gravel
    • Easy

    An old railroad route through forest, connecting Park City to the visitor center area.

    Start: Park City, Mammoth Cave Parkway or visitor center

  • Cave Country Bicycle Route (USBR 23)

    • Road
    • 109 mi total
    • Paved
    • Hard

    A signed US Bicycle Route through cave country on park and county roads.

    Start: Visitor center area

When to go

Spring and fall. Summer is hot and humid; trails can be muddy after rain.

Safety

Dismount and walk at road crossings and signed steep grades. Yield to hikers and horses. Helmets recommended; wear bright clothing on roads.

E-bikes

E-bikes (motor under 750 watts) are allowed wherever regular bikes are, but motor-only riding is allowed only on paved roads, not on bike trails or service roads.

Fees

No entrance fee (cave tours are ticketed).

Rentals, tours and shuttles

  • Your bike shop hereSample listing

    This spot is for one rental shop, guide service or shuttle near Mammoth Cave: your name, what you offer, and a link straight to your booking page, at the top of this section.

    Feature your shop on this page, free until spring 2027

Run a shop near Mammoth Cave? Add it here.

Sources

Checked November 2026 against these sources. Rules, closures and fees change; confirm with the park before you ride.

  1. Bicycling — Mammoth Cave National Park (NPS)
  2. Ride the Big Hollow Trail (NPS)

Edited by David Bussell. Spot something out of date? Tell us.

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