Claustrophobia at Mammoth Cave National Park

As part of our Fall Foliage road trip, we decided to break one of the long drives to Indianapolis with a stop at Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky. Mammoth Cave is the world’s longest known cave system, with more than 400 miles explored. Its vast chambers and complex labyrinths have earned its name – Mammoth. There are 7 cave tours to choose from, and after consideration, we chose the Historic Tour. The thing is, I have claustrophobia (the fear of confined spaces), so I knew this was going to be a challenge. However, as you will soon read, the tour was amazing, and I’m glad I pushed through Claustrophobia at Mammoth Cave National Park!

Disclaimer: We were guests of Mammoth Cave National Park, however, as always, all opinions are my own.

The Historic Tour

This classic Mammoth Cave Tour visits many of the historic areas that originally made Mammoth Cave famous. Going through tunnels that humans have used for thousands of years, this tour not only explores huge rooms that gave Mammoth Cave its name, but also descends to much tighter places deep inside the cave. Please note that this tour ascends and descends hundreds of stairs and several steep inclines, which can be difficult for many visitors, as there are no alternative routes. This tour is ideal for people with an interest in history and a sense of adventure.

Portions of this tour are also seen on the Violet City Lantern, Star Chamber and Gothic Avenue Tours. It is seen in its entirety on the River Styx Tour.

Duration: 2 hours
Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km)
Total Stairs: 540, including 155 at Mammoth Dome
Difficulty: Moderate
Ticket Availability Per Tour: 110
Price: $17 Adults, $12 Youth, $8.50 Special Access
Tour Times: 10:00 Daily
Want to make a reservation? Click here

Being claustrophobic, I noticed the words in the description “descends to much tighter places deep inside the cave”, but I also thought to myself, this cave is MAMMOTH, it can’t be that bad.

I will admit, it was not the first time that I was wrong.

Be prepared (I was not)

Due to multiple traffic accidents, road construction, and changing back to central time on the 3 hour drive from Indianapolis, we were running way behind schedule. Our tour was to begin at 10am and we rolled into the parking lot at 9:57 and still had to pick up our tickets from the desk and use the restroom. There was no time to unload camera equipment or prepare anything. I grabbed my entire back pack as we ran to the entrance. We made it just as our tour guide began giving instructions. I found myself standing there listening to the warnings of tight places, low ceilings, long stretches with little to no room while wearing a sweater, a thick winter coat, and carrying a 20lb camera bag.

The temperature of the cave remains around 52 degrees Fahrenheit, but being claustrophobic I could already feel myself getting nervous. Payton on the other hand, was giggling with excitement. The walk to the entrance of the cave is beautiful and I found myself trying to calm down before we began the descent.

I am telling you all of this as fair warning that the photos from inside the cave are probably the worst I have ever taken and do not do the cave justice. During the “tight places” my hands were sweaty, my breathing was fast, I was shaking, and the pictures show it...

The Rotunda

Mammoth Caves were instrumental in the 1812 war between the United States and Great Britain. Much of the saltpeter used to make gunpowder was mined here at Mammoth Caves. They would collect the dirt, and wash the Calcium Nitrate out using leaching vats in the Rotunda area of the caves (a large central hall of sorts). It was then pumped out of the caves by hand and processed to form saltpeter crystals for use in gunpowder. We learned so much during this tour. It was an excellent history lesson for everyone, not just the kids.

‘Fat mans squeeze’

Payton is a very narrow person and 5 feet tall in this photo. Notice how close the ceiling is to her head and also the walls to her hips. Most adults must turn sideways and bend over in order to squeeze through here and it continues for quiet a distance. They have named it the ‘fat mans squeeze’ for good reason! My heart was pounding and I had to talk myself into carrying on every time my claustrophobia reared its head at Mammoth Cave. Having Payton there helped!

I am not showing you these pictures to scare you away from Mammoth Cave. In fact, it is the exact opposite. I encourage you to visit the caves, but read the descriptions and choose the tour best for you. Payton, and other adventurous souls, LOVED this tour.

I, on the other hand, would have enjoyed one of the other tours more!

The History

There were also some open places that were gorgeous. My favorite part was learning about the early explorers and the contributions each of them made in the discoveries here. I can not imagine exploring the vast darkness in the cave with only a lantern. Our guide gathered everyone together and had us all agree to stand really still. At that point, he turned off the lights in the cave and lit only a pocket lighter – what a visual! You could only see inches around you. I can’t imagine the bravery of those, such as Stephen Bishop, who explored miles of this cave before flashlights and spotlights! Bishop’s adventure over the “bottomless pit” is fascinating….

In 1838 Stephen set a wooden ladder across the Bottomless Pit, shinnied across it with his lantern in his teeth, and became the first human being to behold the wonders beyond, opening the gates to further exploration. By 1839 he had discovered the Echo River and Roaring River, and the bizarre eyeless fish living in their waters, and in 1840 he found what he would later consider his greatest discovery, the 192-foot high Mammoth Dome…

~ Mammoth Cave NPS website

In our homeschool we are still learning about these amazing people and their discoveries, sparked by our visit to the cave!

Leaving the caves

Our 2 mile tour was coming to an end when we reached these stairs. As much as I enjoyed the history and the sights, I have to admit I have never been so happy to see the stairs going up! We ascended the narrow staircase and returned to the vast areas where we began the tour and the walkway leading to the daylight outside. There are 540 stairs on this tour – every one you descend, you must also ascend. You definitely feel accomplished when it’s over.

Claustrophobia at Mammoth Cave

Back outside, I took a moment to take a deep breath and enjoy the sunlight. Not to mention remove my coat and backpack – my claustrophobia in Mammoth Cave had caused me to sweat profusely. In the words of Payton, “Mama, you look like you just stepped out of the shower.” I was drenched in sweat, my hands were still shaky, but I survived.

In no way did I overcome my claustrophobia (it’s not that easy), but I met it head on and pushed my way through in order to experience an adventure I will never forget.

Have you ever pushed aside your fears in order to experience something new? Have you visited Mammoth Cave? If so, which tour do you recommend?

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