Caving

Please join us for the free Bat Flight Program (April through October), an evening ranger talk about bats prior to their flight. No reservations are required for this program that occurs every evening from April through October. The program takes place at the Bat Flight Amphitheater, located at the Natural Entrance to Carlsbad Cavern. The start time for the program changes as the summer progresses and sunset times change. Programs may be cancelled in the event of lightning.

The 30-minute Accessible Tour of Lehman Caves visits the Gothic Palace, the first highly-decorated room of the cave and can accommodate a wheelchair, with assistance . This tour is intended for persons with limited mobility, unable to negotiate stairs, or stand for long periods of time and their immediate companions. Please do not reserve this tour if you are capable of completing another tour, unless you are traveling with a companion who needs an accessible tour. If no one in your party needs an accessible tour, please consider selecting another tour. NOTE: Rangers are unable to assist with or be responsible for transport of mobility assistive devices.

Travel to the top of Cumberland Mountain with park staff and explore a place where families once lived, worked, learned, and built a community. Step inside historic cabins and other preserved buildings while discovering stories of daily life at this early 20th-century Appalachian settlement.

This classic tour visits areas of Mammoth Cave that have been used for nearly 100 years. This tour begins in a sinkhole, passes through huge domes, amazing breakdown, and ends in the dripstone section known as Frozen Niagara. Please note that this tour ascends and descends hundreds of stairs and several steep inclines, which can be difficult for many visitors, as there are no alternative routes. Focusing on the natural formation of the cave, this tour is ideal for people interested in science and wanting to see stalactites and stalagmites. This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance. This tour includes the entire Frozen Niagara Tour route and a small portion of the Grand Avenue Tour route. Duration: 2 hours Distance: 0.75 miles (1.2 km) Total Stairs: 640 , including 280 on the initial staircase descent and an optional 96 Difficulty: Strenuous Ages: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms: No Tickets available for each tour time: 110

This classic tour visits areas of Mammoth Cave that have been used for nearly 100 years. This tour begins in a sinkhole, passes through huge domes, amazing breakdown, and ends in the dripstone section known as Frozen Niagara. Please note that this tour ascends and descends hundreds of stairs and several steep inclines, which can be difficult for many visitors, as there are no alternative routes. Focusing on the natural formation of the cave, this tour is ideal for people interested in science and wanting to see stalactites and stalagmites. This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance. This tour includes the entire Frozen Niagara Tour route and a small portion of the Grand Avenue Tour route. Duration: 2 hours Distance: 0.75 miles (1.2 km) Total Stairs: 640 , including 280 on the initial staircase descent and an optional 96 Difficulty: Strenuous Ages: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms: No Tickets available for each tour time: 110

Travel to the top of Cumberland Mountain with park staff and explore a place where families once lived, worked, learned, and built a community. Step inside historic cabins and other preserved buildings while discovering stories of daily life at this early 20th-century Appalachian settlement.

Montezuma Pass ride with a ranger and hiker shuttle begins October 1st.This free shuttle from the Coronado National Memorial Visitor Center to the stunning Montezuma Pass Overlook includes a guided ranger program on the ride up. Come with questions and curiosity for the trip! When: Every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 8:30 AM through the end of April (runs once per day) No service on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day or New Years Day What to Expect: A ranger led program during the ride up, culminating in a short orientation and wrap-up at the pass. Breathtaking views Your choice: Hike the scenic 3.1-mile Joe’s Canyon Trail (1,300 ft descent) back to your vehicle Or ride the shuttle back to the visitor center with the ranger If hiking, be prepared: Bring water Wear sturdy shoes and layered clothing Use sun protection Shuttle Details: First-come, first-served (11 seats available) Sign up at the visitor center (opens at 8:00 AM) Each rider must sign a liability waiver No large groups—please contact the park for special arrangements Child safety seats required for young riders, not provided by memorial Subject to weather and staff availability Don’t miss this chance to enjoy one of the most beautiful hikes in the region—stress-free!

Many people visiting Mammoth Cave ask, “May we visit the cave without a guided tour?” The answer is yes! This self-guided tour ventures through large, open passageways with points of interest along the route. Participants can explore at their own pace through large open passageways featuring informational waysides and artifacts from the cave's early history. Rangers are stationed along the route to answer questions. This tour is ideal for those who want to move at their own pace or are looking for a cave experience without much time commitment. This tour is the self-guided version of the guided Mammoth Passage Tour. Includes part of the Historic Tour and all of the Mammoth Passage Tour routes. Duration: Approximately 30 minutes Distance: 0.75 mile (1.2 km) Total Stairs: 135 Difficulty: Easy Ages: All ages. Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older. Restrooms: No Tickets available for each tour time: Unlimited

Join us this Saturday as we demonstrate the craft of whittling inside Tyler Bend Visitor Center at Buffalo National River! Volunteer Ricky Hoyt will be showcasing and creating art shaped with steady, determined hands. Gain a better understanding on local folk art through understanding his technique, advice and thought process!

This classic tour visits areas of Mammoth Cave that have been used for nearly 100 years. This tour begins in a sinkhole, passes through huge domes, amazing breakdown, and ends in the dripstone section known as Frozen Niagara. Please note that this tour ascends and descends hundreds of stairs and several steep inclines, which can be difficult for many visitors, as there are no alternative routes. Focusing on the natural formation of the cave, this tour is ideal for people interested in science and wanting to see stalactites and stalagmites. This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance. This tour includes the entire Frozen Niagara Tour route and a small portion of the Grand Avenue Tour route. Duration: 2 hours Distance: 0.75 miles (1.2 km) Total Stairs: 640 , including 280 on the initial staircase descent and an optional 96 Difficulty: Strenuous Ages: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms: No Tickets available for each tour time: 110

Step into history on a guided tour of Cumberland Gap, where a guide brings to life the journeys of Native peoples, explorers, and pioneers who crossed this natural passage through the Appalachian Mountains. Along scenic trails and overlooks, you’ll experience sweeping views and stories that reveal why the Gap became known as the “First Gateway to the West.” This 1.2-mile round-trip hike is considered moderate. Programs and events are subject to cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

🐦🍂 Fall migration is underway! Join us every 2nd and 4th Sunday, September through November, for a relaxed guided bird walk with park staff. It’s a great chance to spot migratory species passing through the region alongside birds that call the park home year-round. 🌞Bring: Water, sun protection, and binoculars (or borrow ours!) 🌄Terrain: Uneven in spots, but we don’t go far 🚶‍♀️‍➡️Who: All skill levels welcome, including families and first-time birders As the days get shorter and cooler, our skies and woodlands welcome a changing cast of birds. Keep an eye out for woodpeckers, sparrows, warblers, and other species—some settling in for the winter and others simply stopping over on their journey south. During the walk through the picnic area and back, park staff will help you sharpen your observation skills, identify the birds we encounter, and learn more about the important roles birds play in our ecosystem. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just curious about what’s flying around, come see what we can find together! 🐦 Can’t make a scheduled walk? Stop by the visitor center and ask a ranger what birds have been seen recently and where you might find them in different habitats around the park. You can also check our lobby whiteboard for recent sightings and pick up a printed bird checklist.