Overview
The drive from Mammoth Cave National Park to Washington, DC is a scenic and historic journey that covers a distance of 682 miles (1,098 km) and takes approximately 10 hours and 42 minutes in normal traffic conditions. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a variety of attractions, from the natural wonders of Mammoth Cave to the iconic landmarks of the nation’s capital.
Itinerary
Here’s a suggested itinerary for the drive from Mammoth Cave National Park to Washington, DC:
Day 1
- 10:00 am: Start your journey at Mammoth Cave National Park, one of the world’s longest cave systems and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- 11:12 am: Stop in Bardstown, Kentucky, known for its historic sites, bourbon distilleries, and local cuisine.
- 12:12 pm: Leave Bardstown and continue your journey.
- 1:17 pm: Stop in Lexington, Kentucky, famous for its horse farms and the Kentucky Horse Park.
- 2:17 pm: Leave Lexington and continue your drive.
- 4:18 pm: Stop in Ashland, Kentucky, a city rich in history and natural beauty.
- 5:18 pm: Leave Ashland and head towards Charleston, West Virginia, where you’ll spend the night.
Day 2
- 10:00 am: Depart Charleston and continue your journey.
- 11:36 am: Stop in Weston, West Virginia, known for its historic sites and local culture.
- 12:36 pm: Leave Weston and continue your drive.
- 1:36 pm: Stop in Morgantown, West Virginia, home to West Virginia University and a vibrant downtown area.
- 2:36 pm: Leave Morgantown and continue your journey.
- 5:38 pm: Stop in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, a historic town with scenic views and outdoor activities.
- 6:38 pm: Leave Harpers Ferry and complete your journey, arriving in Washington, DC.
Recommended Stops and Attractions
Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a variety of attractions and destinations, including:
- Bardstown, Kentucky: Known for its historic sites, bourbon distilleries, and local cuisine.
- Lexington, Kentucky: Famous for its horse farms and the Kentucky Horse Park.
- Ashland, Kentucky: A city rich in history and natural beauty.
- Charleston, West Virginia: Offers historic sites and outdoor activities.
- Weston, West Virginia: Known for its historic sites and local culture.
- Morgantown, West Virginia: Home to West Virginia University and a vibrant downtown area.
- Harpers Ferry, West Virginia: A historic town with scenic views and outdoor activities.
Accommodations and Dining
During your journey, you’ll find a variety of accommodations and dining options to suit your needs. Some recommended hotels include the JW Marriott Hotel, which has been mentioned multiple times on Trippy. For dining, the Mitsitam Cafe is a popular option, mentioned 10 times on Trippy.
Additional Resources
If you’re planning your trip from Mammoth Cave National Park to Washington, DC, here are some additional resources that may be helpful:
- Trippy: Offers detailed itineraries, recommended stops, and user reviews for the drive.
- Wanderlog: Provides a detailed drive plan with suggested stops and attractions along the way.
- Rome2Rio: Offers various travel options, including driving directions and estimated costs.
References
- Rome2Rio. (n.d.). Mammoth Cave National Park to Washington. Retrieved from https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Mammoth-Cave-National-Park/Washington
- Rome2Rio. (n.d.). Washington to Mammoth Cave National Park. Retrieved from https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Washington/Mammoth-Cave-National-Park
- Trippy. (n.d.). Mammoth Cave National Park to Washington, DC drive. Retrieved from https://www.trippy.com/drive/Mammoth-Cave-National-Park-to-Washington–DC
- National Park Service. (n.d.). Mammoth Cave. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/maca/index.htm
- Wanderlog. (n.d.). Mammoth Cave National Park to Washington DC drive. Retrieved from https://wanderlog.com/drive/between/61526/58159/mammoth-cave-national-park-to-washington-dc-drive