Mammoth Cave National Park seeks public comment on proposed rule for bicycle and horse use

MAMMOTH CAVE, Ky. — The National Park Service is inviting public comments on a proposed rule that would amend special regulations for riding bicycles and horses within Mammoth Cave National Park.

The proposed rule would allow the superintendent to authorize the following, according to a release by Mammoth Cave National Park:

• Bicycle use on approximately 37 miles of multi-use trails, including existing trails and new trails that will be constructed.
• Horseback riding on the 5.4-mile Houchin Ferry North/Ollie Ridge Road.

The Land and Rivers Trails Management Plan identified these changes as the preferred alternative and an assessment found no significant impact to the changes, according to Mammoth Cave National Park.

In addition to the proposed rule, park officials say the park has signed a written determination stating that bicycle use on trails identified in the rule and certain administrative roads that would open to bicycle use under the selected alternative is consistent with protecting the park’s natural, scenic and aesthetic values, safety considerations and management objectives. The determination also confirms that these uses would not noticeably disturb wildlife or park resources, the park states.

The comment period is open from Feb. 9 to April 10 through the Federal Register website.