Last updated: May 25, 2022
Place
Green River Ferry
NPS Photo/ Deb Spillman
Quick Facts
Location:
Green River Ferry Road, Mammoth Cave, Kentucky, 42259
Significance:
The Green River Ferry is the only active river ferry in service at Mammoth Cave National Park. It provides shuttle service for vehicles, hikers and bikers from one side of the river to the other. It is also a link for community residents within the county to have an easier commute to local communities on the south side of the river.
Amenities
16 listed
Audio Description, Boat Ramp, Braille, Canoe/Kayak/Small Boat Launch, Ferry - Passenger, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board, Parking - Auto, Parking - Boat Trailer, Parking - Bus/RV, Picnic Table, Restroom - Accessible, Tactile Exhibit, Toilet - Vault/Composting, Trailhead, Wheelchair Accessible
The Green River Ferry was first developed in 1934 and is the last remaining active river ferry in the park. The ferry shuttles vehicles, hikers and bikers across the Green River 364 days a year. This area is also a popular location for visitors to launch their boats, canoes and kayaks for a day out on the water.
If your plan is to go boating, the cement ramp used to reach the ferry boat will be used as your launch. If you are canoeing or kayaking you should use the gravel launch provided in the corner of the parking area, upriver from the ferry. There are some boaters that launch further up river at Dennison Ferry or beyond the park’s boundaries who also utilize this area for taking their boats out of the Green River.
The Green River Ferry parking area also offers access to the Accessible Echo River Spring hiking trail, a one-mile wheelchair accessible path through the forest. This hike is a great destination for avid bird watchers or for those who just want to spend a day enjoying the river and woodland views. There are picnic tables at the trailhead and benches and viewpoints along the trail.