See all 8 routes on Green River
Kentucky | Mammoth Cave
Green RiverDennison Ferry to Green River Ferry
Popular Mammoth Cave Green River day from Dennison Ferry to Green River Ferry. NPS and KDFWR still document the public 7.5 to 7.6-mile segment, exact access coordinates, and a direct in-park USGS gauge with conservative NPS stage guidance.
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Route location
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Route overview
Trip details
Access rules, camping and seasonal notes.
Permits, camping and season
Access and shuttle
Launch at Dennison Ferry and take out at Green River Ferry for the park's popular scenic Green River day trip. The direct Mammoth Cave gauge is in the same park corridor, but the current July 14 reading sits above the broad beginner-friendly band and should be treated as experienced-water caution rather than a casual green light.
Access map
Put-in
Dennison FerryDennison Ferry is day-use only with a carry-down launch. Do not plan to camp or leave gear spread across the access.
Take-out
Green River FerryNPS says canoe and kayak users should use the access ramp just upstream from the ferry on the south side when finishing at Green River Ferry.
Road shuttle
Stage the take-out at Green River Ferry, then drive back to Dennison Ferry Day Use Area. Check the current Mammoth Cave road and ferry status before committing the shuttle because access conditions and operating hours can change without notice.
Additional access notes
- The ferry status can change without notice. Check current conditions or call the ferry hotline before shuttling.
- Cell service can be limited in the park, so do not rely on last-minute online rerouting once the group is on the road.
More route and safety guidance
- Do not launch in the park at or above 20 ft on the Mammoth Cave gauge; treat 15 to 20 ft as experienced-water territory, not beginner conditions.
- Expect swift current, submerged trees, rocks, drifting debris, logjams, steep or muddy carry-downs, limited cell service, and slow rescue response inside the park.
Plan this paddle
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Conditions
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Recent trend
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Gauge source
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Weather
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Plan ahead
Tomorrow and the weekend
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Station details and river cameras
Station observations
USGS measurements
Measurement notes and coverage
These are observations at the station. Water depth and current can differ along your trip.
River camera · USGS
View at the gauge
Green River at Mammoth Cave, KY. This view may be outside your paddling reach. Images are periodic and do not establish safe conditions.
Photos and recent reports
Look for recent access, obstruction and hazard observations. Context photos may show a different part of the river.
Paddler reports
Recent notes from paddlers
A few quick notes from people who were on this route recently.
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Sources and methodology
Review source dates and published guidance below. We have not inspected this trip in person.
Why this scoreData reliability: checking
This rating reflects whether the gauge measures this part of the river, whether published water-level guidance is available, and how recently the data was updated.
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Data behind the scoreWater levels, published guidance and update times
These readings and published water-level limits help explain today’s score.
| Gauge site | Green River at Mammoth Cave, KY |
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| Preferred range | 9.00 ft to 15.00 ft |
| Low threshold | 9.00 ft |
| High threshold | 20.00 ft |
| Evidence strength behind the range | Official data source |
| Gauge observed | Checking |
| Paddle Today updated | Checking |
| Main source behind this score | Mammoth Cave NPS Green River skill-level stage guidance |
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NotesPublished evidence and verification notes
These notes cover the access details, route quirks, and source caveats most likely to matter once you get there.
- Official route segmentDennison Ferry to Green River Ferry, about 7.5-7.6 mi
KDFWR lists Dennison Ferry to Green River Ferry as a 7.5-mile Pool 6 segment, and NPS separately publishes the same Mammoth Cave trip as 7.6 miles with an estimated 2.5 to 4 hours of travel time.
- Official stage model9-15 ft broad audience, >=20 ft closed
NPS says beginner Green River conditions in the park are about 9 to 15 ft, experienced paddlers may continue higher, and launching in the park is prohibited at or above 20 ft. Paddle Today uses that as a conservative public-facing stage model.
- Put-in accessDennison Ferry, 37.2174, -86.0493
KDFWR identifies Dennison Ferry as a free carry-down access inside Mammoth Cave National Park with gravel parking and day-use-only rules.
- Take-out accessGreen River Ferry, 37.1795, -86.1123
NPS notes canoe and kayak users should use the access just upstream on the south side of the ferry, and KDFWR still identifies Green River Ferry as a public paved park ramp with year-round availability.
- Gauge check during route review · July 14, 2026USGS 03309000 at 3950 cfs / 16.15 ft
This reading was saved when we checked the guide. It is not today’s water level. Check the current gauge and local conditions before paddling.
- Route characterScenic flatwater, gravel bars, islands, back channels
NPS describes this as a popular scenic flatwater Green River trip with gravel bars, islands, back channels, riverside caves at lower water, and abundant wildlife.
Verify it yourselfCheck the source links
Use these links to double-check the gauge, route details, and access notes before you head out.
Other routes nearby
More on Green River
All 8Nearby routes within 75 miles
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