STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
Mammoth Cave National Park says crews are upgrading the walking surface in Rafinesque Hall as part of a cave trail rehabilitation project. In an Oct. 23 update, the park said cave tours continue during construction, with some routes adjusted to avoid the work area.
Workers are hardening and leveling the trail with concrete and stone pavers. The park says the improvements are intended to create a safer, easier path for visitors while providing a more sustainable walking surface.
Crews are also adding lint rails to keep dust, dirt and hair from collecting on cave walls. Protecting cave resources is one of the goals described in the park’s Facebook post.
The project will extend the trail into an area known as Bunker Hill. That extension will provide additional space for the Discovery and Mammoth Passage tours, according to the park.
Construction does not mean the cave is closed, park officials emphasized. Several tours travel through different passages unaffected by the project, while some tour routes have been changed to avoid construction.
“So, pardon our dust,” the park said in its post. “We’re working to build a better trail through Mammoth Cave while keeping plenty of the cave open for you to explore on your next visit.”
Key Facts:
– Crews are rehabilitating the cave trail in Rafinesque Hall.
– Concrete and stone pavers will harden and level the walking surface.
– Lint rails are being added to protect cave walls from debris.
– The Bunker Hill extension will add space for Discovery and Mammoth Passage tours.
– Cave tours continue during construction, with some routes adjusted.
What’s Next:
The project will eventually move into the lower Historic Tour route passages, reaching River Hall and the Ruins of Karnak near the base of Mammoth Dome. The park says those improvements will create a smoother, more durable path for tours. A completion timeline was not provided.
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