Echo River Spring Trail near the Green River Ferry in Mammoth Cave National Park

Length: .7-mile loop
Time:  30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy

The Echo River Spring Trail is a paved, wheelchair-accessible nature trail located at the Green River Ferry parking lot in Mammoth Cave National Park. Trailheads are located at both ends of the parking lot, with the one closest to the river being the most obvious. There are potable toilets in the parking lot and picnic tables at both trailheads.

Trailhead in the Green River Ferry parking lot for the Echo River Spring Trail, Mammoth Cave National Park

The Echo River Spring Trail can also be accessed after hiking some of the other trails near the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center including the Two Springs Trail (formerly the unpaved, traditional hiking trail called the Echo River Spring Trail), the Sinkhole Trail (aka Mammoth Dome Sink Trail), and the Whites Cave Trail.

Echo River Spring Trail Map (click to enlarge)

The terrain covered by the Echo River Spring Trail is almost completely level, and there are benches along the path for those who want to sit and relax.

Typical terrain on the Echo River Spring Trail in Mammoth Cave National Park

Located along the trail are various wayside exhibits about the nature and ecology of the area.

Nature-oriented wayside exhibit along the Echo River Spring Trail in Mammoth Cave National Park

There are observation platforms at two springs the trail passes, but don’t expect to see much. The Echo River Spring is the result of water that exits from Mammoth Cave via the Echo and Roaring rivers that flow through the cave. The Echo River itself actually continues from the spring and empties into the Green River.

Echo River Spring observation deck on the Echo River Spring Trail in Mammoth Cave National Park

View of Echo River Spring from the observation deck on the Echo River Spring Trail in Mammoth Cave National Park

The Echo River flows into the Green River near the Green River Ferry, Mammoth Cave National Park

The trail also passes Accessory Spring. This is connected to Echo River Spring, but scientists also believe it has an unknown second source of water.

Observation deck for Accessory Spring on the Echo River Spring Trail in Mammoth Cave National Park

View of Accessory Spring from the observation deck on the Echo River Spring Trail in Mammoth Cave National Park

While the springs themselves aren’t too impressive, the Echo River Spring Trail is an enjoyable hike for anyone who can walk or propel a wheelchair .7 mile. This is a high-traffic area, so expect crowds on a nice day.

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