Two Springs Trail

Two Springs is a 0.6-mile point-to-point trail from the River Styx Spring Trail junction to the Echo River Springs Trail junction. The distance is one way; it does not include either approach trail or a return. Allow about 30 minutes for this leg. The two springs are places where underground streams emerge from Mammoth Cave and flow toward the Green River, so you see two points where the cave's water returns to the surface.

The north end starts with a short, steep climb above River Styx Spring. A wooden boardwalk crosses the spring area to an observation platform, then the path levels out. The overall climb is modest, but this opening rise is noticeably steeper than the rest of the walk. From the boardwalk, frame the water with the layered limestone ledges to show where the spring emerges.

Past the boardwalk, the trail follows dirt path through a wooded ridge, then gradually descends. A 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps chlorinating house stands beside the route. An unsigned T-junction with River Valley Trail is the point to check your map; stay on Two Springs for the final narrower stretch to the Echo River Springs Trail junction and the spring view.

For the north start, park at the Mammoth Cave Visitor Center, walk the paved path to Historic Entrance, then follow River Styx Spring Trail to the Two Springs junction. That approach is additional mileage. Retrace Two Springs for a 1.2-mile out-and-back on this trail alone, or arrange another return before setting off. Leashed pets are allowed on surface trails; keep the leash to six feet or shorter.