Free Topo Maps of Mammoth Cave National Park

Download free topo maps of Mammoth Cave National Park. Use the adjoining 7.5 minute quadrangle legend to locate the Kentucky maps you need.

Adjoining 7.5' Quadrangle Legend

Mammoth Cave National Park

Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky was established to protect the longest recorded system of underground caves in the world. The Cave System and the land above are unique in its beauty, its ecosystems and the abundant wildlife that the Park protects. The cave system is astounding, magnificent to view with many types of formations towering above the visitor walkways. The forest and rolling hills above the caves have been declared an International Biosphere Reserve due to the numerous endangered species that are found here, both flora and fauna. There is so much diversity in this spectacular Park that it would take weeks to explore every aspect to satisfaction. The Visitor Center can offer more intricate details of the land above and the caves below. There are archeological finds from the ancient Paleo-Indian era some 12,000 years ago, as well as fossils and finds from the Mississippian Indian era. If you explore the land and forest above there are many camping sites; while the Green and Nolin Rivers offer water sports activities, including fishing. The backcountry trails are for hiking, horseback riding and many trails can be used for biking. There is even a historic hotel that offers lodging next to the Mammoth Cave entrance. Tourists have been touring the caves since 1816 with tour guides to enlighten them. There were three notable Black Slaves leading the tours, with one owner freeing Stephen Bishop who chose to remain a paid guide afterwards and the other two were the Bransford Brothers whose family proudly remained guides until 1939, just prior to the official establishment of the Park. Four generations of knowledgeable Bransfords led visitors through the caves for over 150 years. There are presently over 350 miles of the cave system that have been explored and mapped. The park consists of 52,800 acres which are there for exploration and recreation. Some have called the cave system gloomy; however this eerie silence is definitely counter-pointed by the indescribable beauty and wonder of formations such as Frozen Niagara, Mammoth Dome and so many other sublime formations. On the land above there are also thousands of years of history for those who wish to explore the cultural and anthropological factor; as well as places to visit with names like Echo and River Styx (a reference from Greek mythology — an underworld or Hades), which are actually springs that are outlets for the underground water from the caves.