Frozen Niagara

The densest concentration of dripstone formations in Mammoth Cave; the giant flowstone “Frozen Niagara” is the most photogenic sight in the cave.

Most of Mammoth Cave's passages are dry because of the sandstone layers above, so dripstones are scarce. The exception is the area around Frozen Niagara in the southeast, where abundant dripping water has formed a flowstone curtain about 22 m high that looks like a frozen waterfall, along with stalagmites, stalactites and clusters of dripstones. The shortest route, the Frozen Niagara Trail, takes about 1 hour and covers under 1 km, making it suitable for older adults and children. The Domes and Dripstones Trail takes about 2 hours. It first descends about 280 steps, passes through deep domes, and then reaches this area. Both routes require a bus from the visitor center to the cave entrance, and tickets should be booked online in advance.

Frozen Niagara / Domes & Dripstones

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