We’re happily snow-covered and counting down the days until Christmas here in Central Ohio. As I shook out snow from my hair after a trail run yesterday, I remembered the “snow balls” of Mammoth Cave. Here’s a little more about underground hikes in Mammoth Cave National Park where snow, rain and significant temperature fluctuations simply don’t occur.
Originally posted: April 7, 2009
A recent trip to Mammoth Cave National Park left me with a deepened respect for the job of a park ranger. Part professor and part coach with additional measures of management finesse, security awareness and survival skills – the Mammoth Cave park ranger guides are highly qualified and capable individuals. They seem to hold a deep appreciation for their unique venue and the opportunity it gives them to educate and grow that same appreciation in park visitors.
“Ranger John” led us on the Historic tour which originated on Level 2 of the five level cave system*. After passing through the “Rotunda” and site of an early Methodist church, he pointed up to the first and oldest level of the cave at a spot called “Booth’s Amphitheater,” explaining that Edwin Booth (brother of the infamous John Wilkes) had once delivered a monologue to cave visitors there. We descended to Level 3 and wound through the twists and turns eroded by ancient water into what is now called “Fat Man’s Misery”.
Mammoth Cave National Park Map and Visitor Information
As we stooped and bent to fit through the canyon passage, Matt remarked on his relief that it wasn’t “Batman’s Misery” as he had originally heard. We would (thankfully!) see only one bat on this hike, attached high above us amongst the dramatic columns of the “Ruins of Karnak”.
In the “River Hall” on Level 4, Ranger John told us that while the last major flood to this area had occurred in the early 2000′s, visitors are sometimes unnerved to hear the River Styx coursing through Level 5 when water levels are high. He then proceeded to share the “4 Rules of Safe Caving” for those of us who view dark unknown spaces as worthy of exploration.
The 4 Rules of Safe Caving:
4) Never explore with less than 4 people in the group. This allows one to stay with an injured party while two go for help.
3) Always take 3 sources of light. A long-lasting LED flashlight is recommended as well as a lighter or candle that can provide heat and indicate air flow.
2) Always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
1) If you get lost in the dark sit down where you are and stay put.
*Five levels have been verified. Any additional levels are underwater at this geological time.
For more on Mammoth Cave National Park, select “Mammoth Cave” under “National Parks” or “Kentucky” in Post Categories (right sidebar).
Mammoth Cave National Park Map and Visitor Information
The largest cave system in the world; 367 miles so far…!
Miles of trails both above and below ground.
Hiking, biking, kayak/canoe, horseback riding, hunting/fishing, camping…
“Yes” for pets (not in Cave; kennel available within park)
Park Fees: None for park entry. Cave tours range from $5 – $48.00 with discounts for youth and senior citizens.
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 7; Mammoth Cave, KY 42259
Phone: 270-758-2180
Directions: Travel south on I-65 from Louisville, KY. Take Mammoth Cave/Cave City exit 53 and follow the signs to Mammoth Cave NP.
View Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky in a larger map
All the rules are helpful, but the third- to bring 3 sources of light, is new to me.
Found this blog on my friend’s facebook page and I love your articles. Keep it up.
Rainfield: Backup for the backup, I guess! It was interesting survivalist information -finding potential passages via airflow and having a source of heat would be essential if you got lost down there.