TOURS & TRIPS Trail of Lights Walk Tour This walking tour is suitable for the whole family. The tour is approximately 60 - 80 minutes long, and meanders over nearly level, well lighted passages and walkways. Experienced, professional guides lead groups into the recently discovered “Jungle Room,” named for the array of crystalline “vines” covering the ceiling, many of them several feet long. Groups also view clear and mysterious pools of water depending on the time of year, learn about the rich history of the cavern and the surrounding countryside, and cavern formation and geology. Mammoth Cave Expedition Groups explore the historic “Mammoth Cave” area and “Jungle Room,” walking, crawling, wiggling, and squirming through natural passages that connect through thirteen chambers. This trip is perfect for those who desire something more than a walk, but less stamina is needed compared to the other adventures offered. All tight crawlways and squeezes are optional. This trip is offered spring through fall, depending on the weather. Trip time is about 2-3 hours, and is appropriate for ages 8 and up. All minors must be accompanied by an adult. Middle Earth Expedition Groups explore approximately 80% of the cavern system from the east entrance to the western-most exit. The circuit is about a mile long, so stamina is required! The first hour of the trip consists of walking, crawling and squeezing through the historic “Mammoth Cave” area. Then groups pass through the “Middle Earth” area which was discovered in 1980. Here there is mostly walking through nearly knee deep, sticky cave clay (high top shoes are a must) and the scenery is incredibly beautiful. The remainder of the trip consists of exploring the horizontal fissures in the “Cave of the Quills” area and a quick, 70-foot rafting trip across “Tom’s Lake.” The trip concludes with passages filled with “goo,” more beautiful crystalline rooms, and then ascending ladders to sunshine and showers. Trip time is about 3-4 hours, and is appropriate for ages 16 and up. All minors must be accompanied by an adult. Above Ground Activities/Amenities Gemstone mining, gold panning, sign posted nature trail, picnic tables, geode cracking, gift shop, volleyball courts, showers for expeditions. Availability Tours leave approximately every hour throughout the day, between the hours listed below (winter hours weekends only, except by appointment): SUMMER HOURS WEEKENDS, WEEKDAYS & HOLIDAYS First tour leaves at 10 am, last tour leaves at 5 pm WINTER HOURS WEEKENDS & HOLIDAYS First tour leaves at 10 am, last tour leaves at 4 pm WEEKDAYS First tour leaves at 11 am, last tour leaves at 4 pm