Work has begun on a $3.5 million rehabilitation project at Mammoth Cave National Park that will see one of its most popular trails upgraded to improve visitor experience and reduce maintenance requirements.

Jessica Cooper, park spokesperson, said the half-mile Heritage Trail currently consists of wooden boardwalks that will be replaced with more sustainable materials.

“It’s going to be like a cement surface that will be far easier to maintain and will require less annual maintenance and less annual replacement,” she said.

The Heritage Trail begins near the lodge building and takes visitors to the Old Guides Cemetery as well as an overlook on the cave’s historic entrance and a site where a full view of the Green River Valley can be seen.

Along with rehab of the trail itself, visual enhancements at the trailhead are expected to improve accessibility. An area behind the lodge will be leveled out, making finding the start of the trail easier.

A small amphitheater will also be added to the trail. Cooper said this will allow for 15 to 20 people to see ranger-led interpretive programs during their visit. Currently, no space for these programs is available near the visitor center.

She said these programs are done at different times of the year.

“We have special park programming throughout the year, for Black History Month (and) we have it for National Park Week, and that programming will vary,” she said.

The deck around the lodge will also be redone, Cooper said, replacing the current stone railing around it with one that will improve the views of the park for attendees.

Work on the whole project is expected to wrap up in September of this year. Cooper said with this project, the park is “really excited.”

“The Heritage Trail is one of the most popular trails around the visitor center. It’s also an accessible trail so any visitor who visits Mammoth Cave National Park can experience nature,” she said. “So we’re very excited for this project. It’s going to bring a lot of really good opportunities for our visitors.”