A Day in Mammoth Cave National Park

 Kentucky

September 2012

Egypt and I were ready for another father-daughter trip. From my research, Mammoth Cave is not that accessible. The accessible elevator has been broken for years, preventing disabled visitors in wheelchairs the opportunity to go inside Mammoth Cave. (Editor: the elevator was fixed in 2016. Read Kellisa's trip report HERE).

 

I thought it was a good park to visit without Kellisa. Not because I'm avoiding it with Kellisa, but actually the opposite. I wanted to scope the park out a little with Egypt before planning a trip with Kellisa. The trip was an all around success. Egypt enjoyed the trip and I have many ideas on how Kellisa can enjoy Mammoth Cave National Park and the surrounding area.

Anxiously awaiting the arrival of our plane:

Mammoth Cave National Park:

Lunch at an overlook:

We signed up for the easiest cave tour (Frozen Niagara), which required a short bus ride. Waiting for the bus:

Excited to be on the bus:

Egypt struggled with the concept that we were "below" the ground while inside Mammoth Cave:

Waiting for the bus to return:

Back in the rental car to "auto tour" the park:

We found this cool tree while enjoying a scenic drive:

The Green River Ferry:

Egypt loved the short ferry ride:

Egypt pretending to be a bear on the Sloans Crossing Pond Walk:

Looking for creatures:

Sloans Crossing Pond:

Egypt was done shortly after returning to our hotel room:

Egypt Days

NATIONAL PARKS

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What can be done in 48 hours?

Mammoth Cave National Park

Kentucky

August 2016

From after school on a Friday to a Sunday night, below is what I accomplished with Kellisa:

1. Fly R/T from Sacramento to Indianapolis.

2. Drive 450 miles R/T between Indianapolis and Mammoth Cave National Park.

3. Cross a river on a ferry.

4. Drive a dirt road trail.

5. Hike all the accessible trails in Mammoth Cave National Park.

6. Go on the first wheelchair tour in Mammoth Cave in more than 14 years.

It all started five or six years ago when I was close to Mammoth Cave National Park while in the area for work. I stopped by the visitor center for information. Specifically, I wanted to know if Kellisa could go on any of the cave tours. I was surprised to learn that Mammoth Cave did not have a single option for people in wheelchairs because the elevator was broke. I asked how long until it would be fixed and the ranger had no idea. He went on to explain that the elevator for the accessible tour had been broke for 8 or 9 years. I was also told the park didn't have the money to fix the elevator.