The Old Trace Trail at Mammoth Cave National Park offers one of the quietest and most historically textured surface walks in the park, following the route of a 19th-century stagecoach road that once carried early visitors from the post road to the cave entrance. The trail begins at the Mammoth Cave Visitor Center at 1 Mammoth Cave Pkwy, Mammoth Cave, KY 42259—the same starting point as the park's underground cave tours—and runs 3.5 miles out-and-back through the surrounding managed woodland. No permit is required, and the trail is free to access. The trailhead is approximately 90 miles south of Louisville via I-65 S and KY-255. Elevation gain is gentle at approximately 200 feet, making this one of the more accessible surface routes within Mammoth Cave National Park. The surface is a combination of packed dirt and occasional gravel, with leaf-covered sections in autumn and some muddy stretches after wet weather in spring. The canopy overhead consists of mature second-growth oak, hickory, and eastern red cedar, providing shade for most of the route and sustaining a rich woodland bird community. The trail is well-signed with National Park Service trail markers and includes interpretive panels describing the history of cave tourism and the pre-Civil War stagecoach era on this corridor. The route passes through the upland karst plateau that underlies the Mammoth Cave system. Sinkholes—surface depressions formed where underground cave passages have collapsed—are visible at multiple points along the trail, providing tangible surface evidence of the vast cave network below. Wild turkey and white-tailed deer are frequently encountered in the early morning hours along this less-trafficked corridor. No water sources are available on the trail itself; facilities including restrooms, a café, and drinking water are available at the visitor center before departure. The Old Trace Trail pairs well with a morning cave tour, allowing visitors to experience both the underground cave system and the aboveground forest plateau in a single full-day national park visit.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Mammoth Cave National Park
- Best season
- Year-round
What to bring
- Walking shoes
- Water
- Bug repellent in summer
Location
Mammoth Cave Visitor Center, 1 Mammoth Cave Pkwy, Mammoth Cave, KY 42259
37.1873, -86.1006 View on map
Highlights
- Historical stagecoach road corridor tracing the 19th-century route that carried early cave tourists to the entrance
- Sinkhole features visible from the trail, revealing the karst geology of the cave system beneath the surface
- Mature oak, hickory, and cedar woodland with light foot traffic compared to the park's popular cave tour routes
- National Park Service interpretive panels on cave tourism history and the antebellum stagecoach era
- Compatible with same-day cave tours for a combined underground and surface Mammoth Cave National Park experience
Tips for visiting
- Combine the Old Trace Trail with a morning cave tour for a complete above-and-below-ground Mammoth Cave visit.
- Carry insect repellent in summer—the wooded trail corridor has mosquitoes and ticks from June through September.
- Muddy sections appear after spring rain; mud-resistant footwear improves footing in wet conditions.
- Set out early in the morning for the best chance of encountering deer and turkey in the wooded corridor.
- Pick up a park trail map at the visitor center before departing; cell service is limited within the park boundaries.
When to visit
Early morning visits year-round offer the best wildlife sightings along the wooded corridor. The trail pairs naturally with a morning cave tour for a full-day national park experience; spring and fall provide the most comfortable above-ground temperatures.
Accessibility
The Old Trace Trail follows a mostly flat to gently rolling route on packed dirt and gravel, making it one of the more accessible surface trails in Mammoth Cave National Park. However, natural surface irregularities, root exposure, and leaf-covered sections make it unsuitable for standard wheelchairs. Visitors with limited mobility should consult the visitor center about paved surface alternatives near the cave entrance area.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Old Trace Trail separate from the cave tours?
Yes—the Old Trace Trail is an above-ground surface trail. It starts from the same visitor center as the cave tours but follows a completely separate route through the woodland plateau above the cave system.
Is the trail open year-round?
Yes—the Old Trace Trail is open year-round and requires no reservation. The trail can be icy and slippery in winter months, when appropriate footwear with traction is advisable.
Are there any facilities on the trail?
There are no facilities on the trail itself. Restrooms, drinking water, and a café are available at the Mammoth Cave Visitor Center before and after the hike.
What are the sinkholes visible along the trail?
The sinkholes are surface depressions formed where underground cave passages in the karst limestone beneath the plateau have partially collapsed over time. They are a direct expression of the same geology that created the Mammoth Cave system.
Is the Old Trace Trail suitable for children?
Yes—the gentle grade and 3.5-mile round-trip distance make the trail suitable for most children. The historical interpretation and wildlife sightings provide additional interest for younger visitors.