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Sinkhole/White's Cave Loop (White's Cave Trail, Sinkhole Trail, River Valley Trail, Campground Trail)
Hiking Trail
Easy
2.58 mi
427 ft
A looped hike with smaller caves, sinkholes, and vibrant scenery.
This route stands out from the other short hikes at Mammoth Cave's Visitor Center. A 2.5-mile loop, it wanders into "a portion of the park to discover smaller caves and sinkholes in a mossy green landscape," according to [this source]( This hike can also be paired with [Sunset Point]( which offers spectacular views over the Green River Valley with just a short detour. Open year-round, each season offers its own unique touch to this hike. During the spring, wildflowers abound along the forest floor, while moss and ferns tend to prevail during the summer. Fall offers spectacular leaf colors, while winter gives way to expansive views after the trees lose their leaves. Hiked counter-clockwise, you'll begin on the Heritage Trail before turning left on Sinkhole Trail. For the best views of the sinkhole, continue to the junction with Echo River Springs Trail, then retrace your steps back to the White's Cave Trail. "Estimated to be about 500 yards deep," the cave "was once the source of souvenir cave formations pieces" though it is now sealed to protect its natural beauty and the bats that live within. Begin your hike along the walkway between the visitor center and hotel. Water and restrooms are both available nearby, and there is no preference on the direction of the loop. Depending on your schedule, this could be a great option to pass time before waiting for a guided cave tour. Other shorter hikes include [Dixon Cave]( and [River Styx Spring]( both slightly shorter and somewhat easier. [Source]( Written by Brendon Voelker
This route stands out from the other short hikes at Mammoth Cave's Visitor Center. A 2.5-mile loop, it wanders into "a portion of the park to discover smaller caves and sinkholes in a mossy green landscape," according to [this source]( This hike can also be paired with [Sunset Point]( which offers spectacular views over the Green River Valley with just a short detour. Open year-round, each season offers its own unique touch to this hike. During the spring, wildflowers abound along the forest floor, while moss and ferns tend to prevail during the summer. Fall offers spectacular leaf colors, while winter gives way to expansive views after the trees lose their leaves. Hiked counter-clockwise, you'll begin on the Heritage Trail before turning left on Sinkhole Trail. For the best views of the sinkhole, continue to the junction with Echo River Springs Trail, then retrace your steps back to the White's Cave Trail. "Estimated to be about 500 yards deep," the cave "was once the source of souvenir cave formations pieces" though it is now sealed to protect its natural beauty and the bats that live within. Begin your hike along the walkway between the visitor center and hotel. Water and restrooms are both available nearby, and there is no preference on the direction of the loop. Depending on your schedule, this could be a great option to pass time before waiting for a guided cave tour. Other shorter hikes include [Dixon Cave]( and [River Styx Spring]( both slightly shorter and somewhat easier. [Source]( Written by Brendon Voelker
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