Mammoth Cave National Park

Fight the February Funk

Just when we think we’ve made it through the rough patches of January, February creeps in with its dreary haze. Wispy dampness seeps into your joints, fogs your mind, and blankets your joy. Many of us feel such winter gloom and have created strategies to ward off this seasonal threat to our souls. If not already in your arsenal, consider using the healing powers of a national park as a weapon to restore happiness.  February is a great time to visit a sunny, dry, glorious park with blue skies and tall mountains. Last February, however, I decided to do the opposite. Instead, I visited a park that mirrored the bleakness of my being. A park of vast darkness and no natural light. A park where without a guide, you could become lost forever. A park called Mammoth Cave.

Introducing ALMA

My tip to having a good time in a dark, cold cave is to take bright, warm people. Introducing my bright, warm people…Allene, Amy, and Michelle. Allene, Amy, Michelle, and I have been friends for almost 15 years. Our little group bonded first over kids, and then concerts, and now we enjoy our time appreciating the outdoors. Several months ago, we decided to refer to ourselves as ALMA (Amy, Lindara, Michelle, Allene). Unbeknownst to us at time, ALMA can mean “nourishing, spirit, and heart” with its Hebrew, Spanish, and Arabic roots. It is a word that perfectly describes these women. So grab your ALMA and head to Mammoth Cave.

Mammoth Cave – #9 of 63

All imagery and adjectives aside, Mammoth Cave was another early pick in my quest of the 63 due to its proximity to Atlanta– it is only a 5 hour drive. And for us Atlantans, there is another perk in the form of a detour. That detour is Nashville, Tennessee.

Detour – Nashville

We started our journey on a Saturday, leaving Atlanta in the early afternoon and arriving in Nashville in time for an early dinner and a little honky-tonk at the infamous “Tootsies” on music row. Our time was short, but it was a nice prelude for our trip. (Thank you, Allene, for the great suggestion!)

Touring the Caves

I understand that for some of you, Mammoth Cave might be in the same category as Everglades or Biscayne, the category that lacks the heart stopping grandeur of some other parks. To you people, I say… these caves are really impressive! The caves at Mammoth make up the longest cave system in the world and encompass an entirely unique and amazing ecosystem.

On this trip, the primary focus was exploring the caves. The only way to meander through them is by joining one of the national park tours. As you walk through the caves, your guide teaches you about their geologic formation, their discovery, and their development for public touring. In dim light, you follow your guide with hushed voices while surrounded by spectacular walls of limestone, shale, and sandstone. My favorite stories were of Stephen Bishop, a slave who was responsible for discovering many parts of the cave system and who acted as the first tour guide. The stories of Bishop, told in the almost dark, brought to life his adventurous, brave, and romantic soul.

There are several cave tours to choose from on the NPS website, but because February is not a busy season, our options were limited. We chose the Historic Tour on Sunday which provided us with fascinating and captivating stories while surrounded by the ancient formations. On Monday, we joined the Cleaveland Avenue Tour, venturing into the depths of the cave’s intricate passages. This tour was less crowded and allowed us to witness the grandeur of Mammoth Cave from a different perspective. Even if you are touring in the off-season, be sure to get your tour tickets in advance! They really do sell out.

Tour tickets –click here

Lodging

When visiting national parks, I try to stay in the park if lodging is available. Staying within the park means more time for fun and less driving. On this trip, there was only one option available at Sunset Terrace, a part of the Lodge at Mammoth Cave. Our room was… rustic (and not in the cute, pastoral way), although we did have a herd of deer that greeted us in the evenings. On my next visit, I would love to check out one of the cottages.

To-Do List

There is never enough time to do and see everything. Two attractions we had hoped to see were closed during our trip, The National Corvette Museum and Lost River Cave. Located in Bowling Green, just 40 minutes from Mammoth Cave, they both have good reviews and are at the top of my list for my return visit.

Put it on your list!

Even if you only have a day or two, Mammoth Cave is unquestionably worth the visit. I felt similar emotions while staring up at the walls of Cathedral Domes that I have when I look at the ocean, a feeling of wonder and awe that connects me to something bigger than myself; a feeling of peace and restfulness. I left Mammoth Cave last year feeling restored from the February Funk and hopeful for the spring.