Green River Ferry in Mammoth Cave National Park

The Green River Ferry is a small ferry that transports up to two to three passenger vehicles at a time across the Green River, providing quick access to the backcountry of Mammoth Cave National Park where the backcountry campsites, the Maple Springs Group Campground, and the longer hiking and equestrian trails are located. Vehicles and trailers cannot exceed 12 tons, and trailers cannot be longer than 16 feet. Large RVs are generally not allowed.

The ferry typically operates from 6 AM to 4 PM during the week and 8 AM to 4 PM on the weekends. It only takes a couple minutes to get across the river, and there usually is only a few cars in line at any given time. There is no charge.

While the ferry does operate year-round, it is often closed when water levels are low. In fact, it is as likely to be closed as open on any given day. I made three trips to the park during the summer and early fall, and on two of them, one for ten days and one for two days, the ferry was closed. On a third trip, it was running for the first two days and was closed on the third day.

In truth, even if the ferry is working, the only backcountry area that you can reach quickly is the Maple Springs area, which is just up the road from the ferry landing. The Lincoln, First Creek, and Temple Hill trailheads may only be 10 miles away, but because the road is a winding, inner-park road with a low speed limit, it takes about 45 minutes to get to them. If the ferry is not operating, it is a 30-mile drive along state highways, which also takes about 45 minutes.