Mammoth Cave National Park offers a unique program called “Beneath Your Feet” that allows visitors to explore the park’s above-ground walking trails while learning about the geological wonders and mysteries of Mammoth Cave. This interactive experience provides an opportunity to appreciate the cave passages that lie beneath the surface, offering a glimpse into the park’s rich geological history.
What is Mammoth Cave Beneath Your Feet?
Mammoth Cave Beneath Your Feet is an educational program designed to enhance visitors’ understanding of the geological features and formations that exist beneath the surface of Mammoth Cave National Park. Through this program, visitors can access virtual tour information, including video recordings, to learn about the cave passages and their unique characteristics as they explore the park’s above-ground walking trails.
Accessing the Virtual Tour
To access the Mammoth Cave Beneath Your Feet virtual tour, visitors can use the official NPS mobile app or scan the QR code on the wayside signs located throughout the park. The app’s “Beneath Your Feet” section under the Self-Guided Tours feature provides an interactive platform for exploring the cave passages below.
Highlights of the Beneath Your Feet Program
The Mammoth Cave Beneath Your Feet program features several notable locations and geological wonders that visitors can learn about:
Star Chamber
Situated 189 feet beneath the surface, the Star Chamber gives visitors the illusion of the night sky. This unique feature is created by visitors throwing rocks to knock patches of sooted gypsum from the ceiling, revealing the light specks that resemble stars.
Rotunda
The Rotunda is one of the largest rooms in Mammoth Cave, spanning a quarter-acre in size. This circular chamber features leaching vats from the early saltpeter operation and two Great War Monuments dedicated in 1922 and 1929.
Other Geological Wonders
In addition to the Star Chamber and Rotunda, the Beneath Your Feet program highlights various other geological formations and features found within the Mammoth Cave system, such as intricate cave formations, underground rivers, and unique cave ecosystems.
Cost and Accessibility
The Mammoth Cave Beneath Your Feet program is available at no additional cost to visitors. The virtual tour information can be accessed during the park’s operating hours, which vary depending on the season. Visitors can explore the program at their own pace, making it a convenient and accessible option for all.
Visitor Information
Mammoth Cave National Park is located in south-central Kentucky and covers an area of 52,000 acres. The park is open year-round, with the visitor center operating from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (EST) from April to October and from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (EST) from November to March.
The cost of admission to Mammoth Cave National Park varies depending on the type of pass or tour chosen. A single-day pass costs $30 for adults and $15 for children (ages 6-12), while an annual pass costs $55 for adults and $25 for children (ages 6-12).
For more information or to plan your visit, you can contact Mammoth Cave National Park at (270) 758-2180.
Conclusion
The Mammoth Cave Beneath Your Feet program offers a unique and interactive way for visitors to explore the geological wonders of Mammoth Cave National Park. By accessing the virtual tour information, visitors can learn about the intricate cave formations, underground rivers, and unique ecosystems that lie beneath the surface, enhancing their overall experience and appreciation for this remarkable natural wonder.
References:
- https://www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/beneath-your-feet.htm
- https://www.nps.gov/maca/index.htm
- https://www.nps.gov/places/star-chamber-beneath-your-feet.htm
- https://www.nps.gov/places/rotunda-beneath-your-feet.htm