River Valley Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Historical Significance · Wildlife

There are no services along the trail. The closest restrooms are either at the Green River Ferry parking lot or at the Mammoth Cave Visitor Center/ Lodge. The trail is relatively well shaded, but there is no water along the trail so bring plenty of water with you.

The River Valley Trail is a connector trail that connects the Mammoth Dome Sink area with the trails that run along the Green River. To access the trail from the visitor center area, take the Heritage Trail to the Mammoth Dome Sink Trail. After about 1/3 of a mile, you'll see signs for Mammoth Dome Sink on the left hand side of the trail while the River Valley Trail drops downhill to the right. The trail is narrow singletrack dirt trail that descend the hillside above the Green River. Around you, birds can be seen flying between the trees, and deer feeding in the mornings and the evenings. The trail approaches a small house/hut on the right hand side of the trail known as "The CCC Chlorinating House, " which served as a state of the art sewage treatment facility at the time it was built. The building was abandoned by 1995 and can't be visited today, but serves as a reminder that the CCC played an important role in creating the park that we enjoy today. Shortly after passing the house, you arrive at the junction with the Two Springs Trail. You can take a left to head toward Echo River Springs Trail and the Green River Ferry parking area or take a right and head toward the River Styx Spring and Trail where you can get back to the visitor center.