Green River - Green River Ferry to Houchins Ferry

Estimated Length: 12 Miles                             

Date: June 23, 2012

Weather: Sunny and Hot

Time on River: 6 Hours           

River Conditions:  Low and Slow 

Distance from Nashville: 2 1/2 hours

Close By: Mammoth National Park        

Put-In: Green River Ferry

Take-Out: Houchins Ferry

Put in at Green's Ferry

Water level so low Ferry's were not even running

 The first paddle of our two day trip down the Green River in Mammoth Cave NP was beautiful but long!!! We went up to KY on Fri night and after finding a camping spot on our third try, we settled down for the night at Wax Campground. I had called Nolin State Park before leaving Nashville and was told they would have lots of space and did not need a reservation. What they failed to mention was the Festival that was going on this weekend complete with fireworks and carnival rides right close to the campgrounds. Needless to say we moved on. 

 












Saturday morning was sunny and clear and we headed out to the Green River. We tackled the 12 miles between Green River Ferry and Houchins Ferry which is a gorgeous stretch of river. All 12 miles are with in the park, so there are no cows,” private property keep out” signs or traffic noise. This section of river is wide and deep.

After spending all spring looking for a river with water in it here in TN it was nice to see an abundance of water. This really is a wonderful stretch of river but after about 4 miles into the trip the water slows down considerably. If you do this part of the Green expect to paddle a lot. The farther down stream you go the slower it gets due to the dam backing up with water. The scenery is beautiful and our only complaint was the flow of the river which needed to be stepped up a bit. Give yourself at least 6 hours to paddle this part of the Green.

 
 

 The put in and take out for both the Green and Houchins Ferry locations is easy, with lots of available parking. The shuttle between the two is about a 25 minute drive with most of it being in the park. Do not speed as the park police officers are very vigilant which I can attest to.

Tomorrow we are off to paddle the upper part of the Green also located in Mammoth Cave NP.