Last updated: February 7, 2022
Place
Houchin Ferry
NPS Photo/ Deb Spillman
Quick Facts
Location:
Ollie-Houchin Ferry Road, Mammoth Cave, Kentucky, 42259
Significance:
Houchin Ferry was used as a direct link for residents of Edmonson County to commute to Brownsville.
Amenities
8 listed
Canoe/Kayak/Small Boat Launch, Fire Pit, Parking - Auto, Picnic Shelter/Pavilion, Picnic Table, Toilet - Vault/Composting, Trash/Litter Receptacles, Water - Drinking/Potable
Houchin Ferry was once the site of a vehicle ferry that shuttled residents back and forth on their commutes across the Green River.
Houchin Ferry/Ollie Road had long been the most direct route linking the town of Brownsville to areas on the Northeastern side of Edmonson County. Some residents had long commuted from the rural northeastern part of the county to Brownsville by way of Houchin Ferry. Over the years, the ferry was closed now and then for various reasons which caused a hardship for the local commuters.
In 2013 the Houchin Ferry was put out of service and dry-docked. There was an uncontrolled breach in the Green River Lock and Dam #6 in November 2016 and subsequent removal which caused the river levels to drop 8-10 feet. The lower river levels make Houchin Ferry unreliable to use as a vehicle ferry crossing so residents are no longer able to commute to or from Brownsville using this route across the river.
Today, Houchin Ferry Campground is a popular area among local and out of town visitors for camping and river access. There are twelve campsites with a view of the Green River that offer picnic tables, fire rings and vault toilets. It is surrounded by dense woods on two sides of the campground with the third side sitting directly adjacent to the riverbank. This area is a nice spot for the active fisherman and camper seeking a quiet primitive experience. There are no designated hiking trails at this area.