Edmonson County
Outdoors
Cave Country is one of Kentucky's premier outdoor destinations — world-class caves, pristine lakes, wild rivers, and thousands of acres of forest.
Mammoth Cave National Park
The world's longest known cave system stretches beneath Edmonson County. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve, Mammoth Cave offers guided tours ranging from easy walks to strenuous wild-cave crawls, plus 70+ miles of above-ground trails, camping, horseback riding, and the Green River ferry.
Quick Facts
- Park Phone
- (270) 758-2180
- Address
- 1 Mammoth Cave Pkwy, Mammoth Cave, KY 42259
- Hours
- Open year-round · Visitor Center 8am–6pm (seasonal)
- Admission
- Free park entry · Cave tours require tickets
Hiking Trails
Edmonson County offers over 70 miles of hiking within Mammoth Cave National Park alone, plus trails at Nolin Lake State Park. Routes wind through old-growth forest, along the Green River bluffs, and past historic sites. Difficulty ranges from flat riverside walks to steep ridge climbs.
Quick Facts
- Top Trail
- Big Woods Loop — 9.3 mi, moderate
- Beginner Pick
- Heritage Trail — 1.5 mi, easy, paved
- River Access
- Green River Bluffs Trail — scenic overlooks
- Season
- Year-round · Best spring & fall
Fishing — Nolin Lake & Green River
Nolin Lake and the Green River are premier fishing destinations in south-central Kentucky. Nolin Lake is known for largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and bluegill. The Green River below Mammoth Cave Dam offers world-class trout fishing in a tailwater fishery managed by Kentucky Fish & Wildlife.
Quick Facts
- Nolin Lake Species
- Bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill
- Green River
- Rainbow & brown trout tailwater
- Boat Ramps
- Nolin Lake State Park · Wax Marina area
- License Required
- KY fishing license — available online
Hunting in Edmonson County
Edmonson County's mix of hardwood forest, agricultural fields, and creek bottoms supports healthy populations of white-tailed deer, wild turkey, squirrel, rabbit, and dove. Public hunting is available on portions of Mammoth Cave National Park's backcountry (deer only, by permit) and on adjacent state and private lands.
Quick Facts
- Deer Season
- Archery Sept–Jan · Rifle Nov (check KY regs)
- Turkey Season
- Spring & fall — check KY Fish & Wildlife
- Public Land
- MACA backcountry (permit) · Adjacent WMAs
- License Required
- KY hunting license — available online
Camping
Camp under the stars in Cave Country. Mammoth Cave National Park's Headquarters Campground and Houchin Ferry Campground offer developed and primitive sites. Nolin Lake State Park has full-hookup RV sites and tent camping with lake access. Backcountry camping is available in the park with a free permit.
Quick Facts
- MACA Campground
- Headquarters CG — electric & tent sites
- Primitive
- Houchin Ferry CG — tent only, no hookups
- Nolin Lake SP
- Full hookup RV + tent sites, lake access
- Backcountry
- Free permit · 12 designated sites in park
Green River Stream Conditions
Live USGS gauge data — updated every 15 minutes. Essential for fishing, kayaking, and river access.
Data provided by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) — National Water Information System
Plan Your Visit to Cave Country
Find lodging, dining, and local services to make the most of your time in Edmonson County.
Outdoors & Recreation News
Latest updates from Mammoth Cave, Nolin Lake, Green River, and Kentucky State Parks
