Paddling

Paddling the park's two rivers is a fantastic way to see the landscape, and can be made into a multi-day trips.

Plan Around Paddling

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Paddling Details

The Green and Nolin Rivers offer more than 30 miles of paddling within the park. The Green River is a tributary of the Ohio River and the Nolin a tributary of the Green, feeding into the bigger river just inside the park. The Green River flows through Mammoth Cave and drains the enormous cave system. It averages 200 feet wide and 10 feet deep. The Nolin River also runs about 10 feet deep, but with a narrower channel. The Green River runs about five miles per hour and the Nolin a bit slower. Canoeing and kayaking are popular on the park's rivers. For multi-day trips, you can camp on islands or along the floodplain: just be sure to set up camp at least 0.5 miles from designated campgrounds or ferry crossings. Free backcountry-use permits, obtained from the park's visitor center, are required for backcountry camping. For a front-country experience on your paddle trip, the Houchins Ferry Campground is accessible via the Green River; all campsites are first-come, first-serve. Green River access points include Houchin Ferry, Dennison Ferry and Green River Ferry. It is possible to do a longer paddle trip by starting outside the park, such as at Green River Park. On the Nolin River, you can launch below the Nolin River Dam and paddle to Houchin Ferry. Keep in mind that sudden rainstorms can cause rapid flooding along the rivers. When the rivers flood, the current picks up and can be very swift. If the water level at Green River Ferry is above 10 feet, it is not advisable to launch kayaks or canoes and floodplain camping may be prohibited. Always be alert to river hazards such as submerged trees and rocks, debris, and passenger ferries. Whenever taking out at a ferry landing, get the operator's attention and land downstream of the ferry. Always carry a PFD for each passenger in your boat, and do not leave boats unattended for more than 24 hours. Be aware that below Houchin Ferry, Lock & Dam 6 lies outside the park, and the approach is not marked.

Difficulty

Open

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