Paddling Options in Cave Country
Nolin River & Lake
Barren River Lake State Resort Park
Nolin River & Lake
Nolin River Lake is a 5,795-acre lake created from the impoundment of the Nolin River. There are four boat launches operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers and one launch maintained by Nolin State Park.
Drakes Creek
Barren River Lake State Resort Park
Nolin River & Lake
Two creek forks flow into Warren County where they meet the main stem of Drakes Creek that drains into Barren River near Bowling Green.
Barren River Lake State Resort Park
Barren River Lake State Resort Park
Barren River Lake State Resort Park
Barren River Lake State Resort Park is home to a boastful 10,000 acre lake. There is one boat launch maintained by the state park.
Beaver Creek
Green River in Mammoth Cave National Park
Barren River Lake State Resort Park
The Beaver Creek Blueway Trail highlights a 3 mile section of the stream.The Blueway page is linked below.
Green River in Mammoth Cave National Park
Green River in Mammoth Cave National Park
Green River in Mammoth Cave National Park
Canoeists & kayakers may float the Green River right through the heart of Mammoth Cave National Park & witness one of the most unique geological areas on Earth. Mammoth Cave National Park is a World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve - recognition of the ecosystem’s international importance.
See Mammoth Cave Press Release below
Green River in Hart County
Green River in Mammoth Cave National Park
Green River in Mammoth Cave National Park
There are over 12 miles of paddling on the Green River in Hart County. You can find Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife info about this section of the river by clicking the button below.
Warren County Blueways
Warren County Blueways
Warren County Blueways
The Warren County Blueways is a resource to the rivers in Warren County Kentucky mapping out several access points on the Barren, Drakes, Gasper, and Green Rivers.
Upper Barren River
Warren County Blueways
Warren County Blueways
This portion of the Barren River is comprised of abundant riffle/run habitat, narrow, braided channels and shallow pools that help support fishable populations of striped bass, channel catfish, white bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill and rock bass.
Lower Barren River
Warren County Blueways
Lower Barren River
Lower Barren River flows 81 miles from the Barren River Lake Tailwater downstream to its confluence with the Green River near Woodbury, KY., winding its way though Allen and Warren counties and the city of Bowling Green. There are two dams on the Lower Barren.
MAMMOTH CAVE NATIONAL PARK News Release
Release Date: September 2, 2020
Contact: Molly Schroer, Molly_Schroer@nps.gov, 270-758-2192
Green River Ferry Improvement Projects: September 8 Temporary Closure of Ferry Service and River Access
MAMMOTH CAVE, Ky. September 2, 2020– The Green River Ferry in Mammoth Cave National Park will close vehicle ferry operations on Tuesday, September 8 in order to complete the last steps of a vehicle ramp extension project. The ramp work will require a three month closure of all river access points at Green River Ferry and at Dennison Ferry which is located 7.6 miles upstream from Green River Ferry.
River users may still utilize the Green River through the park but are advised that the only river access point will be at Houchin Ferry. Access to the Green River outside of the park, upstream in Munfordville, KY and downstream in Brownsville, KY, will remain available for use.
As part of the construction project, the Green River Ferry Road will be closed from the north side of the Green River, beginning just south of Maple Springs Campground, to the south side of the river at the entrance of the Green River Ferry parking lot. Day use parking in the Green River Ferry parking is already temporarily restricted because of ongoing construction to install a canoe and kayak river access ramp and 200 ft. pedestrian bridge over the Echo River.
Hikers may access the first third of the Echo River Springs Trail at Green River Ferry with two accessible parking spaces remaining open for visitors with accessibility needs. Parking for all other trail users will only be allowed along the south side of Green River Ferry Road in areas where vehicles can safely pull off the roadway
The Green River Ferry serves as a river crossing location, river access for canoes and kayaks, boat ramp for fishing boats, and parking area for trail and river users. The ramp extension project will extend the current vehicle access ramps into the Green River by 30 feet which should allow the ferry boat to operate during periods of low water levels.
The ramp extension project is being coordinated by the park with assistance from the Federal Highway Administration Eastern Lands Highway Division.
For more information on the Green River Ferry improvement projects and the Green River Ferry and road closure, please visit the park’s website www.nps.gov/maca or call the Green River Ferry Hotline at 270-758-2166 for current ferry operating status.
-NPS-
