Coming from Nashville,stopped at Kentucky Welcoming Center we were encouraged to stop at the Mammoth Cave National Park. That afternoon after setting up camp we drove to National Park and were able purchase tickets for the Historic Tour. The Caves were discovered over 10,000 yrs ago by Paleo Indians . From 4000 to 2000 years ago Early Wood Land Indians explored and mined minerals from Mammoth Caves.Cave exploration ceased,and not resumed until the cave was rediscovered in 1798 by European -American settlers. The cave served as a mine for Salt Peter,key to manufacture of gun powder. This was a 2 mile-2 hour tour entering through the natural opening entrance.The elevation change of 300feet,440 stairs including 155 at Mammoth dome which was the way out. People were asked to be vigilant about their personal health issues,for once inside the caves rescue would be greatly delayed.Some of the area's visited included-Rotunda(Nitrate Mine Works) Bottomless Pit,Giant Coffin,Batman's misery,"The Tower",Mammoth Dome to name only a few. If your ever in the area,highly recommended to stop in. We wished we had more time. We should also say the temp in Caves is 55 year round,the habitat living in Caves are eyeless ,with no coloring pigments -having adapted to complete darkness. Campground very well laid out.
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