Horseback Riding at Mammoth Cave — Trails, Tips, and What to Know
Most people experience Mammoth Cave on foot. But 60+ miles of designated horse trails wind through the park's backcountry, offering a completely different perspective on this landscape.
The Trail System
Mammoth Cave's horse trails cover the northern and western portions of the park, where the terrain is rolling, forested, and dotted with sinkholes and springs. Trails range from easy gravel paths to more challenging single-track through steep ravines.
Main Horse Trails
- Lincoln Trail (6.5 miles) — The most popular horse trail. Rolling terrain through mixed hardwood forest. Connects to several other trails for longer rides.
- Buffalo Creek Trail (5.5 miles) — Follows Buffalo Creek through a scenic valley. Good for shorter rides.
- First Creek Trail (4.8 miles) — More remote, with a waterfall destination. Can be combined with other trails.
- Wet Prong Trail (4 miles) — Low-lying trail that can be wet after rain. Beautiful in dry conditions.
- Sand Cave Trail (0.4 miles) — Short trail to the historic Sand Cave site. Not specifically a horse trail but horses are allowed.
You can combine trails for rides of 10-20+ miles. Pick up a horse trail map at the visitor center.
Horse Camping
Maple Springs Campground
The park's designated horse campground, with:
- 7 group sites (up to 30 people each)
- Horse corrals at each site
- Water for horses
- Restrooms
- Picnic tables and fire rings
- Trailer parking
- Cost: ~$30/night (reservations at recreation.gov)
Backcountry Tie-Outs
Several backcountry campsites allow horses with a free permit from the visitor center. Horses must be tied at designated tie-out points.
What to Bring
- Proof of negative Coggins test — Required for all horses entering the park (this is Kentucky law)
- Current health certificate — Required for out-of-state horses
- Hoof pick — Trails can be rocky
- Insect repellent for your horse — Flies and ticks are heavy May-September
- First aid kit — For horse and rider
- Water and electrolytes — For both of you on hot days
- Rain gear — Kentucky weather changes fast
Rules and Etiquette
- Horses have right-of-way on shared trails
- Stay on designated horse trails — off-trail riding damages the ecosystem
- Pack out all manure from parking areas
- No grazing in the park — bring your own feed
- Horses are NOT allowed on cave tours or inside buildings
- Maximum group size: 6 horses on trails, 10 horses in backcountry
Where to Board
If you don't have your own horse, there are no rental stables inside the park. Check local outfitters in Cave City and Munfordville for trail rides.
For horse owners traveling to the park, Maple Springs Campground is your best bet for overnight stays with trailer parking and corrals.
Best Seasons for Riding
- Spring (April-May): Ideal. Mild weather, green forests, moderate trail conditions.
- Summer (June-August): Hot and humid. Start early, bring lots of water, and watch for thunderstorms.
- Fall (September-October): Beautiful foliage, cool temps, fewer bugs. Second-best season.
- Winter (November-March): Possible but trails can be muddy and some routes may close.
After the Ride
You and your horse will both need a break after a day on the trails. Our cabin is pet-friendly (including horses — we have trailer parking and a pasture area). Just kidding. But we do have a fire pit for the post-ride stories.