Mammoth Cavefall foliage
No reports yet this season for Mammoth Cave National Park.
Right now in Mammoth Cave · September
- Summer and fall wildflowers · Jun–Oct
23days to the next fall foliage seasonOct 21–31, The National Park Service says color doesn't usually begin until late October
Next 7 days
No frost, strong wind or heavy rain in the forecast.
National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 2:25 AM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.
Frost near Mammoth Cave National Park
First frost usually in ~5 weeks
Oct 30Average first fall frost
Apr 9Average last spring frost
The day a 32°F night is as likely as not, 1991–2020, at NOAA's Mammoth Cave station (4.6 mi away, 760 ft). Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Mammoth Cave National Park through the year
- Spring wildflowersMar–May
- Wildflower DayApr
- Summer and fall wildflowersNowJun–Oct
- Busiest seasonJun–Aug
- Main campgrounds closedDec–Feb
Best spots around Mammoth Cave National Park
- Sunset Point0.6-mile round trip on the Heritage Trail to a view over the Green River Valley
- Historic churchesA drive to one of the park's three remaining historic churches
Trees this fall (Sep 15–21). Across the Southern Appalachians, every species with enough observations is close to a typical year. Which trees turn when →
How we know
National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · USA National Phenology Network, colored leaves observations (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Park Service, Mammoth Cave wildflowers (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · National Park Service, Mammoth Cave Wildflower Day (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (annual/seasonal) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · National Park Service, Visiting Mammoth Cave in fall (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Visiting Mammoth Cave in winter (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Heritage Trail (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Visiting Mammoth Cave in spring (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Visiting Mammoth Cave in summer (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26)
Questions people ask
When is peak fall foliage in Mammoth Cave National Park in 2026?
The National Park Service says color doesn't usually begin until late October: Oct 21–31. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
How is the fall color in Mammoth Cave National Park right now?
Not now: the fall foliage season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 23 days (Oct 21–31, The National Park Service says color doesn't usually begin until late October).
Should I book cave tours ahead in fall?
Yes: tour tickets often sell out in advance on holidays and during local schools' fall breaks. Tours run every day except December 25.Sources: National Park Service, Visiting Mammoth Cave in fall ↗ (opens in a new tab), National Park Service, Visiting Mammoth Cave in winter ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Mammoth Cave National Park?
Sunset Point: 0.6-mile round trip on the Heritage Trail to a view over the Green River Valley; Historic churches: a drive to one of the park's three remaining historic churches.
When is the festival in Mammoth Cave National Park?
Wildflower Day, usually in Apr.
Are there closures or permits to know about in Mammoth Cave National Park?
Main campgrounds closed (Dec–Feb).
What is Mammoth Cave National Park like through the year?
Spring wildflowers (Mar–May), Busiest season (Jun–Aug), Main campgrounds closed (Dec–Feb), Summer and fall wildflowers (Jun–Oct) and Wildflower Day (Apr).