See all 8 routes on Green River
Kentucky | Mammoth Cave
Green RiverGreen River Ferry to Houchins Ferry
Longer Mammoth Cave Green River stretch from Green River Ferry to Houchins Ferry. NPS and KDFWR still document the public 12.3 to 12.4-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 below Green River Ferry and continue downstream to Houchins Ferry for a quieter, longer Mammoth Cave Green River run. The direct Mammoth Cave gauge anchors the route, but the current July 14 stage sits above the broad beginner-friendly band and should be treated as consequential experienced water.
Access map
Put-in
Green River FerryLaunch and load on the downstream side of Green River Ferry so you do not interfere with ferry operations.
Take-out
Houchins FerryHouchins Ferry has the easiest overnight support in this route family, but the ramp and campground still sit inside a managed park setting with posted quiet-hour and facility rules.
Road shuttle
Stage the take-out at Houchins Ferry Campground, then drive back to Green River Ferry. Build in extra shuttle time for park roads and verify current ferry and road status before leaving vehicles.
Additional access notes
- On-route camping requires a valid riverside permit and is flow-dependent. Use only legal gravel-bar or low-bank sites allowed by park rules.
- This longer stretch is less traveled than Dennison-to-Green River Ferry, so groups should be more self-sufficient about shuttle, weather, and emergency planning.
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 for this longer, less-traveled section.
- Watch for swift current, submerged trees, rocks, drifting debris, logjams, shifting gravel bars, limited cell service, and rising overnight water if camping with a permit.
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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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
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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 |
| Gauge source | Checking |
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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 segmentGreen River Ferry to Houchins Ferry, about 12.3-12.4 mi
KDFWR lists Green River Ferry to Houchins Ferry as a 12.3-mile Pool 6 segment, and NPS separately publishes the same park trip as 12.4 miles with an estimated 4 to 6 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 and park launching is prohibited at or above 20 ft. Paddle Today uses that as a conservative public-facing stage model.
- Put-in accessGreen River Ferry, 37.1795, -86.1123
KDFWR identifies Green River Ferry as a free single-lane paved park ramp with year-round availability, picnic tables, and access near Mammoth Cave Campground.
- Take-out accessHouchins Ferry, 37.2024, -86.2376
KDFWR identifies Houchins Ferry as a free paved park ramp with year-round camping, restrooms, picnic facilities, and ferry-side access support.
- 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.
- Camping contextPermitted riverside camping plus Houchins campground
NPS says this route can support gravel-bar or low-bank camping at lower water with a valid riverside camping permit, and Houchin Ferry Campground itself offers developed endpoint camping.
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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