Blue Holler Offroad Park: Mammoth Cave (Guide & Review)

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The charm of Louiseville is like no other, and it is wonderfully reflected in Blue Holler Offroad Park. Established in 2014, this park is home to the famous sand cave and the endangered hellbender. The landscape and terrain captivate adventurers from all over, offering an exciting off-road experience.

There is plenty to explore at Blue Holler Offroad Park. Enjoy its scenic views, primitive campsites, and large sand caves. Off-road riders can take on their exciting trails that range from easy to difficult.

As one of the top outdoor parks in the region, Blue Holler Offroad Park is a top off-road destination for all ages. Read on to learn more.

Blue Holler Offroad Park

Blue Holler Off Road Park is a family-friendly off-road and ATV park in KY located 90 miles southwest of Louiseville. It is on 1,200 acres of forest land and offers approximately 35 miles of trails. The park welcomes all 4×4 off-road vehicle types from dirt bikes to dune buggies and riders of all skill levels.

The terrain is mostly shaded with blue spruce and consists of hard-packed dirt roads, steep inclines, chunky hills, and narrow ATV tracks. But the rest of the trails are wide enough to accommodate Tacomas and can get sloppy after some rain. Loose dirt, small jumps, scattered water crossings, and tons of scenic areas captivate guests. The Bounty Hill waterfall and a large sand cave serve as the venue’s main attractions. The cave is large enough for Jeeps and other vehicles to drive through.

Blue Holler ATV Park originally opened on October 11, 2014, with its entrance on Nolin Dam Road. It received a warm reception from ATV Kentucky locals due to its scenic trails and non-restrictive regulations. It shut down temporarily but reopened in March of 2018 with the entrance move to Ollie Road. Not long after, Holler Park topped the list of best off road parks in KY within the same year.

Camping and Open Hours

The property allows primitive camping, and large groups are welcome. Generators are permitted; however, there are no water or electric hookups. Amenities include shower facilities, restrooms, and a food truck that serves all meals from breakfast to dinner. The park office also sells tees and bagged ice.

The park only operates during daylight hours from 8 AM to 6 PM, Fridays through Sundays. It may also have shortened operating hours or may be closed during inclement weather. Among all of the Kentucky ATV trails, Blue Holler Offroad Park guarantees a good time. Make sure to grab a copy of the park map at the check-in office for the best wheeling experience.

Lodging and Nearby Attractions

The nearest convenience store and fuel station are five miles from the park. Nearby attractions include the Mammoth Cave National Park, the world’s longest known cave system. Lifted rigs will enjoy the multitude of fire roads and back roads within this area. The Nolin Lake State Park Campground is also close by if you prefer RV hookups or are looking for an RV disposal.

There are campsites, cabin rentals, and hotels near Mammoth Cave that offer spacious rooms. They offer A/C units, contactless keys, and breakfast. Here are a few of these accommodations closest to:

• Hickory Cabins – hot tubs, WiFi
• Mammoth Cave Horse Camp – 5-star rated, affordable rates
• Double J Stables and Campgrounds – proximity, affordable rates
• Cottages at Briar Creek – deluxe rooms, full kitchen
• Serenity Hill Bed & Breakfast – best value out of Mammoth Cave hotels, breakfast included
• Mammoth Cave Campground – primitive campsites, wildlife sightings
• Baymont by Wyndham Cave City – breakfast included
• Horse Cave Motel – spacious rooms, friendly staff
• Twin Lakes Ice Creamery & Inn – spacious rooms, scenic views
• SureStay Hotel by Best Western Bowling Green North – great location, excellent breakfast
• The Hotel SYNC – pristine rooms
• Towne Inn – reasonable prices, honest staff
• Cardinal Motel – courteous staff, clean rooms
• Super 8 by Wyndham Bowling Green South – extremely comfortable beds, breakfast included
• Econo Lodge Inn – modern rooms, excellent health safety protocols

If you prefer cheaper options, you may opt for non-chain motels within the park’s vicinity. There are also hotels further into Bowling Green worth mentioning: Fairfield Inn & Suites, Spongie Acres Bed and Breakfast, Hyatt Place, Tru by Hilton, and Courtyard Bowling Green Convention Center.

Admission and Special Rates

The park charges a flat rate of $15 per rider or passenger (regardless of the vehicle), and $10 per person per night going on primitive camping. Children 12 years old and below can enter the premises free of charge.

Admission fees for musical events vary depending on the event. For the Tracy Adkins concert, the ticket price was $80 per person for the lone Friday event. Guests who opted for the package deal paid $100, including concert admission, access to Bounty Hill on Saturday, and park access from Wednesday through Sunday.

Racing and night ride event participants pay $60 per person per event, which already includes admission fees. On the other hand, spectator fees are $20 per person. Children aged 12 years old and under still get access inside the park for free. Rates usually do not include food and freebies. But guests need not worry as there are lots of vendors on site.

Due to the massive number of participants, Blue Holler management usually charges a $5 re-entry fee during Redneck Rave events. This controls the in-and-out traffic, as thousands participate in this country party every year. This miscellaneous fee is separate from the actual ticket prices, ranging from $5 to $250. Attendees should secure their tickets ahead of the event schedule, as prices are subject to go up if purchased at the park gates.

Events

Since it reopened in 2018, this Kentucky Holler has hosted numerous sponsored events, racing competitions, fundraisers, and country music concerts. Here are some of them:

Trace Adkins Concert 

This musical event is only one of the many performances held on the park grounds and is part of the country singer’s 2020 US tour. A total of 768 guests graced this event hosted by Tennessee Full Throttle Magazine. His next tour date is on Halloween at Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

Back the Blue & Red SXS Ride

Blue Holler Offroad Park is not only all about fun but also gives back to the community. Last September 12, 2020, the park owners teamed up with one of their regular event sponsors to fundraise for the local sheriff and fire departments. All proceeds of the event went directly to the said beneficiaries.

Redneck Rave

Redneck Rave is perhaps the most sought-after event held in this section of off road trails in Kentucky. It is a weekend event where all Jeeps, trucks, crawlers, SxS, and other four-wheelers get to enjoy the different tracks and festivities on site. This autumnal edition, held from October 1 to 4, 2020, is the second encore of this party since the year opened. It is also the most infamous – due to the occurrence of deaths during the affair.

Customer Reviews

The public’s opinion of the park is generally positive. For many, it is a beautiful recreational area to unwind and spend time with family and friends. Visitors love the night rides and appreciate the friendliness of the staff. However, the park can do better in improving the state of its trails. Some sections have an overgrowth, making it difficult for riders to see signs near trees and intersections. A good fix is to add arrows to marked trails and make existing signage more visible, which would help prevent riders from getting lost.

Another complaint is how management regulates the conduct of guests. Although park guests are typically courteous and responsible, this is not always the picture that frequenters paint. Some folks drive their wheelers at high speed and take over the local and main roads without caution. This behavior has led others to think that there is no strict implementation of rules, and visitors are not reprimanded. As a result, visitors cannot enjoy simple things like taking pictures on the property due to litter everywhere.

Blue Holler Offroad Park Death

The park has earned and ominous reputation for the way it seemingly conducts events. Although speculated, negligence in some of these events has resulted in death. For one, the case of Adam Jones, who died in a fatal ATV crash. One side of the story is that the rider lost control of his vehicle due to an unlit trail. The other side is that the rider ejected from the vehicle because he was not wearing a seat belt. While it is unclear whether all three riders did not have seat belts on, only Jones died, while the second passenger was brought to a nearby hospital, and the third passenger suffered no injuries.

Another chief complaint of unimpressed folks is how these ATV trails in Kentucky have devastated the surrounding natural habitat that included natural blue spruce stands – one of the largest funds in the U.S. They do not appreciate how EPA has not yet intervened in the park’s operations, which has caused damage to the creeks and nearby ecosystems. Among the severely impacted water reservoirs is the Bylew Creek, which went from having crystal clear to sludgy water. The creek’s current state caused hellbenders (a species of salamanders) to become endangered, as these creatures could no longer safely inhabit the place.

General Park Rules

This customer feedback proves that the upkeep of and the discipline inside Blue Holler Offroad Park is a joint responsibility between the park owners and its patrons. That said, here are park guidelines for every guest’s strict compliance:

Guests Safety and Liability:

• Guests should always wear protective clothing like closed shoes and shirts.
• Proper equipment and seat belts are to be worn all the time.
• The park highly recommends having a 5th wheel hitch lock for safety.
• All vehicles operating inside the park must have proper insurance.
• All riders must follow manufacturer safe operating procedures.
• Double riders are not allowed on vehicles designed for only one rider.
• ATV/dirt bike/open-cockpit vehicle riders and guests below 18 years old must wear a DOT-approved helmet.

While at Blue Holler Offroad Park:

• All visitors must sign a release form.
• A parent or legal guardian has to be with anyone under 18.
• A speed limit of 5 mph is strictly enforced in staging and parking areas.
• No riding on unmarked areas, fields, and creeks.
• Creek riding and trespassing on unmarked areas are strictly prohibited.
• Strictly no illegal substances or alcohol inside the park.
• Pack out all your trash and debris – management will fine violators or bar them from the park.
• Target practice, hunting, or fishing is not permitted.
• Practice courtesy as all trails are two-way.
• Damage to trees is strictly prohibited.
• Be respectful and considerate of other guests.
• Report any illegal or unauthorized activity to management.

Make sure to read up on the Blue Holler Offroad Park when planning your trip. Print the release form, fill it out, and have it ready to speed up your check-in process. You can obtain the waiver from the park’s official website: blueholleroffroadpark.com. You can also view the rules and regulations. Take note that management will not be responsible for any damage, loss, theft of personal belongings, or visitors’ safety.

Conclusion – Blue Holler Offroad Park in KY

Blue Holler Offroad Park’s management and its avid following have plenty of areas to improve on. Rider mentality and discipline, trail system, habitat preservation, and owner accountability are but a few of them. That said, these flaws should not deter you from enjoying what this recreational park has to offer. 

So plan that trip and head out to Blue Holler. Expect to get scratches as you go night wheeling or ride through its woods. Drown in merriment and festivities year-round. Ride for a cause or race till your heart drops. Whichever you do, don’t forget to enjoy the ride! So if you’re looking for ATV trails in KY, head to Blue Holler Offroad Park.