From Carrollton, KY, we traveled south to Mammoth Cave National Park.

Staying at the Thousand Trails Diamond Cavern RV Resort put us right at the entrance to the park.

Mammoth Cave National Park is the site of the world’s longest cave. Now measuring over 420 miles, active cave explorations add to this total each year and water continues to expand the passages as well. Many different types of tours are offered by the park service for all skill levels. However, they fill up fast! We booked our spot on the Historic Tour several days in advance to spend two hours, two miles and over 500 stairs underground. It was quite breathtaking to spend that much time in the passageways and walking where ancient people ventured over 3,000 years earlier. The knowledgeable National Park Rangers did an impressive job relaying the history of Mammoth Cave and guiding us through the ominously named passageways of “fat man’s misery” and “tall man’s agony”.

The Visitor Center has exhibits and films depicting the history and geological composition of Mammoth Cave and the surrounding area.

Above ground, the Green River bisects the park. In the early 1900’s, steamboats would bring passengers along the river for excursions to Mammoth Cave. We took a short walk down to the river to see the landing site.

Ferry

No bridges are built across this water, only a ferry transports a max of three cars and a few passengers across. What a quaint way to get to the backcountry hiking trails and hidden gems!

Good Spring Church

On a beautiful sunny morning, we took an old gravel road from the Maple Springs trailhead to find Good Spring Baptist Church. Built in 1842 for the Good Spring community that used to live in the area, it is still functioning on a limited basis. When the NPS purchased the Mammoth Cave lands, the community was dispersed to nearby towns. However, the families of the original members are still permitted to hold weddings, baptisms and funerals in the church building. The adjacent graveyard was beautifully maintained and we found headstones dating back to the mid 1800’s.

The church building was stunning in its quiet austere grace with a weathered New Testament on the pulpit.

Buffalo and Turnhole Bend Trails

Returning to the trailhead, we ventured into the backcountry for about a 5 mile loop on the Buffalo and Turnhole trails. The wildlife was quiet that day, but the rolling hills were dotted with blooming daffodils and spring beauties – signs of Spring to be at hand.

By the time we returned to the parking lot, the wind had turned quite cold. By evening, inches of sleet and snow piled up turning the park into a winter wonderland the next day.

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Campground Review: Thousand Trails Diamond Cavern RV Resort and Golf, Park City, KY

We stayed a week at this fantastic location. Campground is located at the entrance of Mammoth Cave National Park. Also on the property is the Diamond Cavern with tours available. A museum next to the cavern was not open at the time of our visit. Mammoth Cave Visitor Center is a short drive from the campground. The staff were courteous and helpful. The office will receive mail for guests. Our pull thru site was long enough for our trailer and tow vehicle. WiFi is available for purchase and worked well with email and videos. The bathroom/shower facilities are older but are in good working condition and clean. Very quiet campground with many seasonal sites. Short term guests are grouped together near the front of the property. Hook ups did not require extensions and worked well. Our site was gravel and level with a picnic table and fire ring. Sites have a strip of grass between. There are many amenities that would be in use for a summer visit. With the winter weather, we enjoyed their large common room with many tables and TV, a porch and lots of space. Other separate buildings include a game room, a pavilion, and a laundry room. The campground has an old charm feeling with many different areas for activities. The staff was seen on the grounds throughout each day and very friendly. For the location, charm and conveniences, we highly recommend this campground and would stay here again.

Next up – Mammoths and Moonshine

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