Can I fly a drone at Mammoth Cave National Park?
The world's longest known cave system (420+ miles mapped). The surface forest above the cave is managed as the national park, and the NPS drone ban applies above ground.
Why drone pilots want to shoot here
Surface views of the Kentucky Karst landscape. The Green River. Forested ridges at fall foliage time.
Where you CAN fly nearby
Adjacent USFS, BLM, and state-managed land that typically permits drone use with appropriate rules.
Daniel Boone National Forest (KY)
USFS land further east in Kentucky. Drones allowed in non-Wilderness areas.
Adjacent KY state forests (with permit)
KY State Forests Drone Permit available.
FAQ — Mammoth Cave National Park
Can I fly drones above Mammoth Cave NP?
No. The surface land is part of the national park and the NPS drone ban applies above ground.
What about the cave itself?
Drone use inside caves is essentially impossible due to no GPS signal — but obviously also not permitted.
Where can I shoot Kentucky karst?
Daniel Boone NF has karst features outside the NP boundary. Drone-permitted on USFS land with rules.
Other national parks
Park boundaries can be irregular. Verify the boundary of any alternative location before flying — adjacent USFS / BLM Wilderness areas have their own drone ban under different statute. Altoa is not the FAA or NPS.