Western Minnesota is prairie country. This beautiful vista isn’t what folks usually think of when they think of the great white north, but it’s here and we love our prairies. A visit midsummer offers views of wildflowers, prairie grasses and thriving wildlife.
Paddle Boarding & Rental
Signalness (Mountain) Lake is a petite, yet crystal clear lake perfect for paddleboarding or kayaking. Rentals are available at the park office for $10 per hour. Bring your fishing rod and toss a few casts from your watercraft or the pier. Watch for turtles, they are known to hang around at the end of the pier.
Beach
A small swimming beach is available to cool off in the warm summer sun. The sandy area is perfect for a quick dip. Just around the corner, beyond the reeds is the fishing pier. Check the vegetation line near the shore, there could be critter prints.
Wildlife
Deer, squirrels and many bird species call Glacial Lakes home. The real excitement, we found, was just beneath the surface at the fishing pier. Snapping turtles galore! They popped their heads above the surface to see what’s happening on the dock and submerged once more when we didn’t feed them (please don’t feed the wildlife, even if they’re disappointed). If you’re stealthy enough, you might glimpse a heron as well, we were able to observe one fishing before he took off.
Hiking Trails
This park holds 16 miles of hiking trails through Basswood forest and Southern Minnesota Prairie.
Along with hiking trails, there are 11 miles of Horse trails with an available horse camp. If you prefer to traverse the trails via horseback, this is a wonderful park for you.
Hike the highest point in the park on the High Peak Trail (also the hiking club trail). This 3.6 mile trail is gives visitors the best tour of the park, covering all the landscapes it has to offer.
Camping
Glacial Lakes has numerous camping options to accomidate all different styles of camping. Whether you’re glamping in the campground or rough’n it at a backpack site, Glacial Lakes has you covered. Be sure to reserve your site ahead of time at MN DNR reservation site.
Stop freezing in the stand! It’s a real bummer to have to call a hunt early because there is no more feeling left in your hands or toes. It can also deter folks from wanting to hunt again. Prevent digit damage and stay warm in the stand.
I’ve watched a nice buck walk by without putting the gun on him because my hands were too frozen to feel the trigger. It wasn’t fair to the deer to take a poor shot with frozen hands. I won’t underestimate Minnesota hunting conditions again.
Keeping Warm
Enjoying time out in the deer stand or blind becomes impossible when the stand begins shaking from all of the shivering. I love being out in the stand come November, but I have frozen my fair share of toes. It’s one thing to stay warm out hiking in the woods, it’s an entirely different game when you plant your tush and wait for the deer to come in. The lack of movement takes it’s toll without proper preparation.
Hands
Hands are the first to freeze in the stand. Being sedentary in the stand means that the heart isn’t pumping that precious warm blood out to the extremities as hard as when a person is on the move. Hands are often the first to feel the effects of being sedentary in the stand.
Mittens/Gloves: Layer up those gloves. A thin mitten should be warn under thicker, warmer gloves.
Mitts with Magnets: Mittens with a flap that folds back are great so full removal of the glove isn’t necessary when more dexterity is required. Say “No” to Velcro. It’s loud and sticks to everything. Find mitts with a magnet in place of the Velcro, they are amazing.
Toe Warmer: Yes. Toe warmers, not hand warmers. Hand warmers are too large to fit in gloves and they slide around making it difficult to complete other tasks, like getting the gun ready. Toe warmers on the other hand, have a sticky backing and are smaller. They can slide right in the flap of a mitten flap or in the palm area of other gloves. They are perfect.
Muff: An alternative or addition to the mitts is having a muff to sling over your neck. Keeping a hand warmer in the muff will allow for warm relief when hands are not in use. It also doubles as a giant pocket for snacks.
Feet
Feet are the second body part to freeze in the stand. It goes back to the sedentary body problem again. The body is trying to hold it’s blood in the core to keep the vital organs toasty.
Boots: First things first, wear a good quality boot rated for winter temperatures. You do not want this boot to be snug. It should fit, but not be snug. There should be room for warm socks and wiggling toes. When are boots are too tight they restrict circulation. Many of us ladies already struggle with poor circulation. Boots should be dark in color. Black, dark grey, camouflage. Not blue, deer can see blue.
Socks: This is so important. Do not wear six pairs of socks. Same idea behind the not-too-snug boots; don’t cut off circulation. The most I would ever wear is two pairs of socks. A short, thin set of socks underneath a thick, tall, warm pair of socks. Invest in a good warm pair of socks, wool would be best but synthetics work too. Due to sensitive skin, I use synthetics but have been keeping my eye out for a wool sock with a synthetic lining.
Hand Warmers: Yep, here we go again. Hand warmers in the boots rather than toe warmers. The reason behind this is that they are moveable. Maybe you don’t like to have something loose in your boot, but I like being able to move the warmer from one end of my foot to the other. All I need to do is tip my foot to go from warming my heel to my toes.
Core
I’ve had warm toes and toasty fingers while still freezing my core. Don’t forget to layer up that core. It takes longer to get cold but once it settles in, it chills you to the bone.
Base Layer: A solid set of thermals will serve you well in the stand. Check the temperature rating before purchasing. Search for a temperature rating lower than the temp you are anticipating.
In-Between Layers: Add some fleece layers and warm clothing between your base and shell. I always have at least one dark colored sweatshirt in between, sometimes more if I’m anticipating a colder day.
Shell: Your shell is likely to be orange or camo with an orange vest over it. Whatever your shell style preference is, ensure that your shell is thick and warm. I have my mom’s old hunting outfit, orange jacket, orange pants. It’s basically a giant orange marshmallow outfit. But it’s within regulations and it keeps me warm.
Wind Block: On a warm, calm autumn day the wind is no problem Without the proper layers that wind will cut right through you in no time. Be sure to have a wind resistant layer.
Fight Scent
Deer have an amazing sense of smell. Significantly better than ours. Shampoo, body wash, deodorant, body spray…. all things to keep us smelling fresh and clean are going to alert the deer that we are in the woods. There are multiple ways to combat our peoplish stench and keep the deer unaware of our presence.
Clothes: There are brands such as “Scent Killer” and “Dead Downwind” that make laundry detergent and dryer sheets. Running the clothes that you plan to wear through the wash with either detergent or nothing but water and the dryer with one of the dryer sheets will keep your clothes from smelling like your home, dog, and regular detergents.
Many hunters also hang their apparel outside to pick up the scents of the great outdoors.
Body Wash & Shampoo: Of course there are body washes and shampoos made specifically to mask the smell of hunters. If you’re wanting to go that extra mile, give them a try. Otherwise, wash with warm (not hot) water using no soap or shampoo. Wash off the the smell without adding more perfumes on.
Long Hair: Keep long hair tied back in a low pony tail or braid. This way, your hair can be tucked inside a neck gator or inside a sweatshirt. In the stand is not the time to have hair blowing in the wind and getting in the way.
Feminine Products: It’s a real bummer when the “red tide” comes along during hunting season. Keep your feminine products unscented. Simple as that.
Scent Spray: Once you’re ready to head out to the stand, use a scent killer spray to get any stink that you may have left on you. This can be sprayed on boots and clothing.
Of the 18 miles of hiking trails in the park, the hiking club trail covers the most interesting and most picturesque views in the park. From river views to pine forests, this hike has all the features.
Distance: 2.2 miles
Level: Easy
Time to go: Spring-Autumn
Dog Friendly: Yes, on Leash
Fees: Yearly State Park Pass $35, Daily $7
Parking and Trail Head
Follow the main entrance road all the way to the farthest parking lot. There is a small building available for gatherings and restrooms available.
State Park Pass: Parking passes may be obtained at the park office (if the office is open) upon entering the park or online at the MN DNR website.
The trail begins at the informational stand, there is a map available. The hiking club trail is well marked with small “Hiking Club” signs and there are maps posted throughout the trail.
Two Rivers Meet
Possibly the second most beautiful spot in the park (the first is Chippewa Overlook). See where the two rivers, the Crow Wing and Mississippi, converge. These calm waters come together as one and make their way along the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico. Visit in early morning to watch the mist rise off the water. Wait quietly and long enough, you may just see a beaver or muskrat working along the rivers edge.
Old Crow Wing Village
The old town once catered to travelers and fur traders on the river. When the railroad passed through Brainerd, the town fizzled out and was abandoned. A little spooky, but so neat! Check out the old building and boardwalk. It’s a neat splash of history in the forest. There are signs posted in the area describing what kind of building and business stood in different locations in the area.
Ox Cart Trail
The Ox Cart Trail is part of the hiking club trail and travels the path that was used for ox carts, imagine that! The trail leads along the riverbank of the Mississippi and is part of the hiking club trail. You won’t need to watch for ox droppings these days though, but do check out the spot where they crossed the river.
Chippewa Lookout
The most beautiful and picturesque location in the park. If you don’t have the the time to hike the entire hiking club trail on your visit, you can access this overlook by parking at the boat ramp access on the Mississippi. It’s so worth the hike though. There is a set of steps leading up to the overlook from the access. If hiking, there is a slight incline giving views of the Mississippi along the way.
Church and Grave Markers
An old, restored church stands in a small clearing in the pine forest. There is a memorial and burial sites. This eerie resting place is actually a quite peaceful place along the hike.
Also Check Out:
Paul Bunyan State Trail: The Paul Bunyan State Trail encompasses 115 miles of paved bike trail. This trail runs from Bemidji State Park to Crow Wing State Park. The trail begins or ends at Crow Wing, depending on which direction one is heading. It’s neat to see a section of this long trail.
Say “Hi” to Paul: Zip across MN-371 after visiting the park to say “Hello” to Paul Bunyan. Paul is waiting outside of the area visitor’s center to greet visitors. A great spot for a photo in Minnesota.
Wildlife: Slow down and observe the wildlife in the park. Search for tracks along the riverbank, watch the chipmunks and squirrels, there are a number of animals who call this park home.
In September of 2022, we hit the road on a birthday trip for our kids. We had a goal of hitting at least two National Parks on our road trip to North and South Dakota. It was going to be tight, but Sandy (11), Killian(2), Scott and I were on a mission to get it done.
Why September?
We chose late September for a few reasons. First, it’s right between our kids’ birthdays, so it’s a dual birthday trip. Second, the summer crowds are winding down, parks are more enjoyable with fewer people. Third, the elk rut would be starting, increasing our chance of elk activity. Finally, the temperatures would be reasonable. I do love all of the summer activities that the Midwest offers, but I am a cold weather person. Camping and travel is most enjoyable without the salty sweat brought on by intense temperatures.
Day 1
The Pathfinder fully loaded with camping gear, we hit the road from our small Minnesota town on a Thursday morning in late September. We were in Fargo by noon. It’s amazing to see how the landscape changes from central Minnesota to Fargo, North Dakota. The hills flatten, trees become more sparse, and the distance that can be seen grows.
Worlds largest bison
It’s about an eight hour drive from our home to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. A great pitstop along the way is at the “World’s Largest Buffalo Monument” in Jamestown, ND. The perfect place to stretch legs and learn a bit more about bison. This attraction is conveniently located just off of interstate 94. There are several restaurants and gas stations to choose from, refuel the vehicle and the kids.
First Destination: Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Our arrival at Theodore Roosevelt National Park was just before dark. As we entered the park, a lone bison roamed the hillside. It was quite a welcome and great first impression of the park. The Cottonwood Campground was a short drive into the park on the left hand side of the road.
The campground has a simple loop drive and finding our site was a snap. After setting up our tent and making sure our site was set for the evening, we headed back to Medora in search of firewood. We found some at a local gas station/convenience store.
Night one was a s’mores night. Camping isn’t complete without the sweet smell of burning sugar. After a game of cards and a story from Sandy out of her new National Parks book, it was lights out for rest before a busy day.
Day 2
Sunrise
Be warned; that sunrise will make your heart skip a beat. It’s just stunning the way it sneaks up the ridge and shines down on the valley in which the campground is situated. An amazing start to the day and the perfect setting to get a scrumptious breakfast of hot cocoa and country omelet sausages going.
Morning Wildlife on the Scenic Drive
If you’re goal is to see wildlife at TRNP, morning is your best bet. We witnessed the most activity during the early hours. Wild horses and bison littered the scenic drive. It’s amazing how undisturbed these creature are by the presence of visitor vehicles. The road was under construction while we were visiting, so we weren’t able to see the entire park, but we did see a great deal of it. I guess that means, we get to go back.
Hiking & Overlooks
There are numerous hiking trails, both long and short, that begin at different locations on the scenic drive. We stuck to shorter trails and overlooks. With our little hikers along, it was best to have frequent stops with shorter distance and more free exploring. These Short Hikes and Overlooks in Theodore Roosevelt National Park were the best.
North Unit Exploration
After we cruised the portions of the South Unit scenic drive that we could, we headed to the North Unit. It’s an hour drive along 85. Most visitors to TRNP stick to the South Unit. We wanted to see more than just the South, I would absolutely say that it was worth the drive to the North Unit. There we were able to see a more rugged landscape and more geological features that are missing in the South Unit. One of the kids’ favorite spots in the park was at the North Unit, the Cannonball Concretions. More details on it here.
Dinner & Tenting
After we explored the day away in both the South and North units, we found a great place for dinner. The Little Missouri Saloon and Dining Room has amazing food. We devoured our elk burger and bison steaks with a ravenous appetite. I highly recommend this restaurant for anyone visiting Medora. The ground floor has a saloon/bar and grill feel to it while the dining area on the upper floor hosts a more family friendly atmosphere. For fine weather dining, the balcony is also an option.
On night 2 of our stay in TRNP, the elk graced our ears with their calls. It was so majestic and peaceful. The best part, we were listening to them sound after the kids fell asleep. It was accompanied by an owl’s hoot. One of the best outdoor evening experiences so far. Our experience Tenting in TRNP was one for the books, a great first step into camping at National Parks.
Day 3
TRNP Visitor’s Center & Teddy’s Cabin
This is a stop that can’t be missed. We started our morning out by eating a quick breakfast, packing up camp and heading to the Visitor’s Center at the Park Entrance. Inside, there is a film that plays with great information on our incredible conservationist president, Theodore Roosevelt (my favorite president). There are a number of Native American artifacts, Teddy relics, and animal remains to learn about in the center. The greatest part of this area is Teddy’s cabin, the Maltese Cross Cabin, which has been relocated to the backyard of the Visitor’s Center.
It was inspiring to stand where he stood, see what he saw and know that this land is what drove him to protect much of America’s wild lands. He will always be my favorite president for the work he did for our natural world.
Medora
Medora is a petite town sitting at the entrance to TRNP South Unit with gift shops, steakhouses and cafes. For breakfast, we stopped in at the Cowboy Café. This was not a fancy joint by any means, but a very homey, welcoming homestyle café with classic American style breakfast.
So many little shops sit in Medora, some had closed for the season already. We were prepared for that being that our stay was late in the season. Even so, we had plenty to see and do for a morning. Sandy and Killian were most intrigued by the multiple candy stores, a fun stop! The kids were able to find a couple of souvenirs at the shops. The Visitor’s Center at the NP had a few items, but the Medora shops had a plethora of knickknacks to choose from.
Dakota Steakhouse
With our Teddy Roosevelt and Medora adventure wrapped up, it was time to hit the road again for our next stop; Rapid City, South Dakota. The four hour drive to Rapid City seemed like a piece of cake after the 9 hours from home to Medora. To pass the time, Killian napped and Sandy wrote a post card to a friend back home.
During our drive, Killian suddenly needed to potty, NOW. We were near a little town and were trying to find a place to have him potty. Ultimately, we pulled over and he peed in the grass by a baseball field. A parent has to do what a parent has to do.
When we finally reached Rapid City, it was time for a refuel. Refueling people that is. We had a restaurant in mind that was due for a revisit, we enjoyed it so much the last time were in Rapid City. Dakota Steakhouse. The bison steak is one of the best steaks that I have had, ever. Even the kids menu items are fantastic. Sandy ordered grilled cheese and it came out looking like a gourmet meal. The Dakota Steakhouse has landed itself a permanent spot on our list places to dine when we’re in the area.
Rapid City Water Park
Of course, a birthday trip for Sandy must include a water feature. She is basically a fish. We had a one night stay at the Watiki Waterpark. The kids had a blast running around this aquatic playground. After hours of soaking fun, we cleaned up and got into jammies. That didn’t mean bedtime just yet. We went to the arcade on the second level overlooking the water park and played games late at night, jammies and all. Killian loved playing the pirate ship game and driving a little car.
After two nights of camping, it was refreshing to be clean and in an actual bed. The kids slept hard after all of their adventures. It was a night of much needed rest. They were going to need it for their next day of exploration.
Day 4
We packed a lot into our final day in the Dakotas. It was our last push to get as much adventure in as we could!
Dino Park
Early in the morning, we set out to find the Dino Park. It was in an unexpected area and when we arrived the gift shop wasn’t quite open yet. We walked up the steep path and steps to the dinosaurs. Killian had an obsession with the prehistoric beasts at the time and was amazed by their size. He and Sandy crawled around on their tails and feet. They had a great time. The statues are a bit dated and need some love, but this was a fun attraction for the little guy. We headed to the gift shop for some South Dakota souvenirs and Killian rode the miniature ride at the front door. It was still somewhat functional.
Wind Cave National Park
With the Dino Park excursion out of the way, it was time to head south to Wind Cave National Park. Cruising down Hwy 79, we passed exits for Mount Rushmore and Custer. Both amazing stops if you haven’t been. Though Custer is absolutely a must if you haven’t been. Custer is more than just a stop, you’ll need a good chunk of time or a night for camping.
The drive into Wind Cave is so neat. Right off the bat, we drove up to a prairie dog village, they were chatty and entertaining as they scurried about. After taking time to enjoy them, it was off to the visitor’s center. We checked in for our cave tour and still have time to kill, so we went off for a hike on Rankin Ridge. I highly recommend this hike that takes visitors to the highest point in the park. There are numerous other stops along the way.
One cannot visit Wind Cave without a cave tour. We went on the Garden of Eden tour, this was the perfect duration and distance for a 2 and 11 year old. There are stairs, guard rails and lights throughout. Sandy thought this was a pretty neat experience. More on things to do at Wind Cave here.
Backroad Adventure to Nowhere
After our adventure in Wind Cave, the plan was to make our way home with a pitstop at Badlands National Park. It was my turn to drive and I punched in Badlands into the trusty GPS to get me there. DON’T DO THAT! Check your route before you take off. I thought that the GPS was taking me onto the main roads and we’d pull off of Interstate 90 at the main entrance of the park. Nope!
We followed the GPS onto a turn that seemed a bit too early but we were in an unfamiliar area so we went with it. At first I was thinking that maybe it had found a shorter route, no. No, it did not. When the roads turned to gravel is when we knew we should have turned back. It was too late, we had already gone too far. So the dirt road is what we followed. We saw a total of 2 trucks in about 2 hours.
The fuel tank was running low, very low. The concern was starting to run high, and there was no cell service. After a time, about when we were on E, we happened upon a ghost town with a functional fuel pump. It took a few tries to get the card reader to work, we were able to get it to work and added a few gallons. The shack next to the pump was closed. There was a handful of other buildings scattered about, they looked like they were all about 100 years old and on their last legs.
While I was filling the tank we noticed some scurrying nearby. It was cats. There were NO people in sight, just cats. They didn’t come close, but watched us. Scott and Sandy decided to toss some left over chicken strips to them. The cats snatched up the scraps and took off. This was the most bizarre “town” I have ever encountered. An experience for sure.
Oh my goodness. We made it! We ended up at the White River Ranger Station, this is NOT the entrance you want. We had to drive a long way yet before we got to the other side of the park, which was our original goal. And the White River Ranger Station was closed upon our arrival.
If using a GPS, make sure the route goes along the I-90, otherwise you’ll be in for a wild, dirt road ride. We should have entered in the Pinnacles Entrance Station or the Northwest Entrance Station, not the White River Ranger Station.
Badlands Pitstop
Killian had fallen asleep, so Sandy and I explored a bit while Scott waited with the napper. After he woke up, we explored all together. We didn’t have much time before dark, but we did have some time to explore some of the park. It was beautiful! The pastel skies and vast landscapes are immaculate! Photos don’t do it justice, it must be seen with your own eyes.
Going Home
As the sun set and it was time to load up, we said goodbye to the Badlands. On the road once more, we drove until we were tired and found a hotel when we wanted to stop. We call this method “Motel 6ing It.” We don’t usually stay at a Motel 6 but that’s how the original method started.
Every place we visited (except the backroads of South Dakota) is worth another visit. Every place we saw was beautiful and grand. I would do this trip all over again if given the chance. On small change… don’t trust the GPS on South Dakota backroads.
Dogs love adventures, too! Mammoth Cave National Park is one of the few National Parks that are dog Friendly. Take advantage of this opportunity to adventure with your dogs and visit Mammoth Cave. Know where to go and what you can do at Mammoth Cave with your pup.
**This post does not pertain to service animals.
Climate Considerations
Being a southern state, Kentucky has some higher temperatures during the summer months. Check the forecast before your excursion to ensure that you are prepared for both yourself and your adventure dog. Even in late September, when temperatures are dropping in my home state of Minnesota, the temperatures in Kentucky were in the upper 70’s and 80’s.
Water: Keep water available for your adventure dog while at camp. Offer it frequently while out hiking to keep that pup hydrated. Be sure that your pup is drinking clean water. Reduce the risk of parasites by keeping your dog from drinking river water.
All of Mammoth Cave’s above ground hiking trails are open to dogs. That’s pretty amazing considering most National Parks do not allow dogs. Keep Mammoth Cave NP dog friendly by following basic Trail Etiquette for Adventure Dogs.
Horse Trails: Mammoth Cave has many trails that are horse friendly. When encountering a horse on trail, step aside and keep you dogs calm as the riders pass.
Bag It: Clean up after your pet immediately and dispose of waste in a trash can asap. There are many throughout the park. Don’t leave the bagged waste on the side of the trail to pick up on your return. The presence of a bagged poo will tamper someone else’s trail experience.
Caves
Dogs are not allowed in the cave systems. They may cause damage to the cave and there are areas that dogs simply wouldn’t appreciate in the caves, such as grates, slick areas, and tight dark spaces.
Kentucky has a large number of ticks. It’s a good idea to visit your veterinarian before your excursion to Mammoth Cave to evaluation which tick prevention is right for your dog. See Tips for Ticks: Adventure Dog Safety for more info on tick prevention. Remember to visibly check yourself and you dog frequently during and after a hike in the woods.
Kentucky Ticks:
Lone Star Tick
American Dog Tick
Black Legged Tick (deer tick)
Wildlife
Wildlife is abundant in Mammoth Cave National Park. A scurrying squirrel or bounding deer is pretty enticing for our canine companions. Keep you pup on leash and do you best to keep them from barking at and disturbing wildlife.
Wildlife in Mammoth Cave:
Black Bear
Deer
Turtles
Squirrels
Turkey
Bats
Coyote
Frogs & Salamanders
Venomous Snakes
Tip: Keep treats handy in a treat pouch to distract dogs from wildlife. Offering a treat for a successful “Leave It” cue or simply diverting their attention away with a lure is effective in keeping that prey drive in check.
Venomous Snakes: Mammoth Cave is home to the Timber Rattlesnake and the Eastern Copperhead. Keeping dogs on leash will help keep them from stumbling upon or disturbing animals that may cause them harm. Teaching a strong “Leave It” command is important for adventure dogs in any environment.
The snake above is a non-venomous water snake slinking around Sloan’s Pond.
Buildings
While dogs are allowed on park trails and in campgrounds, dogs are not allowed in any park buildings. The visitor’s center is a really neat spot in the park to visit, but you may have to take turns venturing inside while one person waits outside with the pup. Alternatively, there is short-term boarding available.
Lodging
Adventure dogs are welcome in all of the campgrounds, backcountry camping, and at the Woodland Cottages. The Woodland Cottages are the only lodging accommodations in the park that allow dogs. They are not allowed in the Sunset Terrace rooms or the Historic Cottages.
Boarding
The Lodge at Mammoth Cave offers a small boarding kennel for hourly use. The kennel spaces are outdoors with some shade. The fencing is chain link. These kennels are a nice option for those wishing to attend a cave tour, where dogs are not allowed.
Be Aware: This is NOT an overnight boarding area. This is a day use kennel rented by the hour, only during daylight hours.
Rates: $3.50 First hour, +$1 per hour after
What to bring:
Water Dish (spigot nearby)
Toy/Chews
Lock (limited locks available for rent)
Collar with Tags (Dogs should always have identification on them)
Vaccination Records Required (Rabies, Bordetella, DAP Shots)
Do not leave your dog unattended inside or out at the park. Do not leave dogs in you vehicle.
These short hikes offer great views of Mammoth Cave while catering to the hiker with the shortest legs. Hiking with junior adventurers can be a lot of fun, but the distance can get to them, especially when they’ve been losing sleep and are out of routine. Shorter hikes can help ease the pressure on them and still have a great time in the woods.
We hit Mammoth Cave in late September of 2023, it was still hot! We Minnesota hikers don’t do so well in the heat, our northern blood is too thick for the southern heat. We chose some of the shorter hikes in Mammoth Cave to adventure on. We also had to take into consideration that our son, Killian (3), broke his foot over the summer. It hardly slowed him down! The boot came off the week of our trip, we wanted to be careful not to put too much strain on the recovering foot.
Sand Cave Trail
Distance: .3 miles one way (out and back trail)
Level: Easy, boardwalk
Dog Friendly: Yes, on leash
Fees: No Entrance Fee
This is possibly the shortest trail in the park. It’s all boardwalk and has a unique trail ending. At the end of this mini-hike, there is a cave entrance. This cave entrance has a bit of dark history.
HistoryStory from our Tour Guide: Cave explorer, Floyd Collins, entered this cave and managed to get a distance inside. The area was tight, he accidentally kicked the wrong spot causing a cave in, trapping himself in the cave.
Fortunately, he had a habit of leaving his coat hanging on a tree branch near cave entrances, family knew where to start looking. He was located, still alive, but the extraction process proved quite difficult as rescuers couldn’t risk any further damage to the cave. It might crush Floyd. They were able to talk with him and send down food and water.
Unfortunately, after 14 days, Floyd succumbed to the elements and passed away in the cave. They recovered his body shortly after. The rescue mission gained much media attention, paving the way for Mammoth Cave to finally be declared a National Park.
Sloan’s Crossing Pond
Distance: .4 mile loop
Level: Easy, boardwalk
Dog Friendly: Yes, on leash
Fees: No Entrance Fee
Sloan’s Crossing Pond is the perfect trail for hikers who love amphibians and reptiles. The snapping turtles and snakes were very entertaining here and abundant. We spent a decent amount of time observing the wildlife here with the kids. It’s pretty obvious the visitors have fed the turtles, please don’t, it’s not good for them. We also heard a lot of frogs singing and birds chirping. Such a neat place for the kids to explore.
Doyel Valley Overlook
Distance: 0 miles
Level: Easy
Dog Friendly: Yes, on leash
Fees: No Entrance Fee
This overlook is about 2 miles south of the visitor’s center on Mammoth Cave Parkway. The overlook is right at the parking area, no hiking necessary. This site has two informational signs, a rock wall and wooden fence, trash/recycling bins, and a picnic table. We found it to be the perfect location to whip up some BLTs and have a picnic lunch with a view.
Turnhole Bend Nature Trail
Distance: .5 miles, Loop
Level: Easy
Dog Friendly: Yes, on leash
Fees: No Entrance Fee
This peaceful stroll through the woods leads to an amazing overlook over the Green River. There is a small viewing area on the way to the overlook, this area overlooks a sink hole and the cliffs surrounding it. This loop views a few different sink holes, it’s a really neat area and a great prelude for the Cedar Sink Trail.
We hit one snag on this trail with an easy fix, a downed tree lay over a small portion of the trail. It made for a fun experience to maneuver under it with the kids.
Cedar Sink Trail
Distance: 1.5 miles, Needle out & back
Level: Moderate, steps
Dog Friendly: Yes, on leash
Fees: No Entrance Fee
This needle loop is such a unique hike in Mammoth Cave NP. The stroll to the sink hole is a pleasant walk in the woods with wildflowers and ferns. Some passing streams, too, depending on the time of year. The drastic landscape change near the sink hole is neat! The path leads around the sink hole with an option to venture down into the sink. Of course, we ventured into the sink hole!
Bonus Restaurant! After a hot day of hiking, we hit up the local ice cream shop. This is a great little treat after a day at Mammoth Cave. Double bonus; they have an assortment of caffeinated beverages.
This short trail through Mammoth Cave’s forest features one of the parks most intriguing features (aside from the caves), the sink holes! There are sink holes throughout the park, but this short trail places hikers up close to the action.
Distance: 1.5 miles
Level: Moderate, steps
Dog Friendly: Yes
Fees: No Entrance Fees at Mammoth Cave NP
Location & Parking
From the Visitor’s Center, head south on Mammoth Cave Parkway. Take a right on Brownsville Road and watch for signs for Cedar Sink Road. Take a left onto Cedar Sink Road. The parking area will be on the left, hard to miss. At the parking area, there is an informational sign about the area. The parking area isn’t large, but we didn’t have any issues finding a parking space.
Needle Trail
A needle trail starts with a trail that leads out on a single path then splits into a loop. The loop leads back to the original path to be followed back to the beginning to complete the hike. Simple enough.
Terrain: The trail is well maintained and the path is smooth. The gravel and packed dirt path is pretty easy. The reason for the moderate rating is due to the steps involved around the sink hole. There is a great deal of steps both descending and ascending 150 feet one way in and out of the sink hole.
Straight: The straight portion of this trail is very pleasant with a mild incline. Check out the streams flowing under the trail during times of higher water.
Loop: The loop is where things get interesting. We went to the left, per our 3 year old’s request, and were met with a steep incline. The loop goes around the sink hole and meets back at the main trail for the return hike.
Wildflowers
Cedar Sink Trail is one of the best places in Mammoth Cave NP to view wildflowers. Take time to admire the wildflowers in the area along the trail. My little photographer made many stops to snap photos of the flora along the way. This trail truly did have the most wildflowers that we saw in the park.
Above the Sink Hole
The ridge above the sink hole offers views of the Cedar Sink hole from above, revealing it’s vast size. There is a look out area on the south side of the sink hole. It’s a small deck leaning over a small section. Hikers can make a loop around the hole and venture inside.
Inside the Sink Hole
On both the south side and north side of the sink hole, there are steps giving access to the lower sections of this massive sink hole. What’s wild is that there are overlooks inside of the sink hole, it’s that deep.
Shelf: Upon descending the steps on the south side of the loop, hikers are brought to an overlook trail along a rocky cliff. At the end of this cliff overlook, hikers can see across the sink hole to the other side and have a view of the slop below while standing below the shelf.
Sink hole Bottom: After viewing the shelf, the trail leads further into the sink hole. It’s very cool how much life is inside the sink hole. Trees are growing, critters are roaming. Its a whole ecosystem. There is an informational sign explaining about Cedar Sink Hole and Cedar Creek at the bottom, just before ascending the steps on the other side.
Dogs on Trail
Bringing dogs on our adventures makes the experience that much more memorable! There are a few things to be aware of at Mammoth Cave National Park when traveling with your dog.
Leash: Dogs must be on leash
Ticks: Be aware, ticks are abundant in Mammoth Cave NP.
Heat: The temperatures can be brutal much of the year in Kentucky. Brutal from a Northerner standpoint. Be sure to bring water along for your canine hiking partner.
Follow Trail Etiquette: Follow trail etiquette with your adventure dog to keep everyone having a great time. For more on trail etiquette see Trail Etiquette for Adventure Dogs.
