How to enjoy Mammoth Cave National Park by boat.
The creation of the ‘World’s Longest Cave’ itself starts with water. Therefore, we’re going to help you enjoy the waterways via Mammoth Cave kayaking, canoeing, or boating trips near the National Park.
Often times people ask, “can you kayak in Mammoth Cave?” Moreover, is Mammoth Cave underground kayaking a thing? You can certainly kayak underground in Kentucky, just not within Mammoth Cave National Park. That’s usually followed up with, but I’ve saw an underground boat tour! That certainly exists as well, however it’s not within the official territory of National Park Service.
Cave Country has a long history of official and unofficial tours. Therefore, we’re going to outline everything you need to know to make kayaking near Mammoth Cave and the surrounding cave system as clear as possible.
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Mammoth Cave Waterways
Two rivers trace through Mammoth Cave National Park, so there are a wealth of recreational opportunities. That includes boating, fishing, and riverside camping. Roughly 23 miles of Green River flows right through the heart of the park system. Another 7 miles of Nolin River travels through the park, which eventually runs into Green River as well. Here’s a waterway map for you visual learners.
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Mammoth Cave Kayak Rentals
There are several options for Mammoth Cave Kayak Rentals in Cave City and the surround area. We’ve outlined them each of them below. From these local independent outfitters, you can rent a variety of watercraft including kayaks, canoes, and standup paddleboards.
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Canoe, Kayak, Boat Outfitters:
- Mammoth Cave Canoe & Kayak
- Cave Country Canoe
- Mammoth Cave Outfitters
- Green River Canoeing
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Mammoth Cave Kayak Tours
Official Mammoth Cave Kayak Tours don’t actually exist. We’re speaking technically here, meaning guided tours ran by the Park Service. However, as we mentioned above, there are several rental options. These third-party rentals operate inside the park, and you can always bring your own watercraft. To be even clearer, these “tours” aren’t accompanied by a guide from the outfitter. Therefore, this is a standard self-guided tour where you are dropped off and picked up downstream.
Due to the nature of the downstream floats however, you will still need a shuttle service which you can rent also. Otherwise, you’ll need to bring a second vehicle to shuttle yourself to and from the take-out and put-in locations on Mammoth Cave National Park kayaking trips.
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River Trips
The Green River which flows through the park is a dynamic river system that changes each year. Therefore, depending on the time and the water level at that moment, you could experience gravel bars, islands, and back river channels that may not have been present previously.
Dennison Ferry to Green River Ferry
This is one of the most popular Mammoth Cave kayak tours available. It is only a short distance from the Visitor Center, making it an ideal float for those trying to pack in a busy schedule of adventure.
On this kayak tour, paddlers are treated to the scenic flat waters of the Green River and its surrounding lush forest. Additionally, you will pass gravel bars, islands, and hopefully some wildlife if you’re traveling peacefully. We’ve certainly spotted Bald Eagles on more than one occasion on this trip. There are back channels to explore as well along this stretch of river. If you want to “pull off” for a moment and look around, you might get a chance to see riverside caves, accessible by paddle craft when the water levels are lower.
- Trip Distance: 7.6 miles (12.2 km)
- Approximate Travel Time: 2.5 to 4 hours
Green River Ferry to Houchin Ferry
The Green River Ferry to Houchin Ferry is a longer section for a kayak tour in Mammoth Cave. It is also less traveled than the popular Dennison Ferry to Green River Ferry tour for various reasons. One being the extended time on the water, however another is that it takes a bit more effort to shuttle between these locations.
Nonetheless, it is typically less trafficked but offers more of the scenic flat waters, gravel bars, and back channels to explore. On this section, there are also several riverside caves and springs accessible. It also makes a great opportunity for camping waterside. During low water levels, several gravel bars offer great backcountry camping opportunities. However, the Houchin Ferry location has an official campground as well.
- Trip Distance: 12.4 miles (19.9 km)
- Approximate Travel Time: 4 to 6 hours
Nolin River Dam to Houchin Ferry
This float trip will put-in location will start at the Tailwater Recreation Area below the Nolin River Dam north of Mammoth Cave National Park. Paddlers will travel down Nolin River for approximately 7.5 miles until they meet the confluence with the Green River. At this point, boaters will turn left, now heading upstream on the Green River. Expect to paddle upstream for 1.7 miles until you meet the Houchins Ferry take-out location.
Additionally, there is an alternate take-out opportunity for the Nolin River Dam trip which doesn’t require you to travel upstream. At the confluence of the Nolin and Green Rivers, you would simply turn right onto Green River and travel downstream for 3.2 miles. Your take-out spot would then become Lock and Dam #6 or the boat ramp in Brownsville.
- Trip Distance: 11.1 miles (17.8 km)
- Approximate Travel Time: 4 to 6 hours
Houchin Ferry to Brownsville
The Houchin Ferry to Browsville trip is one of the shortest options available. However, getting to these locations is not as easily accessible for folks looking to stay close by the Visitors Center. That could be the perfect scenario though, if you are bringing your own boat and aren’t on a schedule.
This boating trip travels the Green River from Houchin Ferry inside Mammoth Cave National Park onto the Brownsville boat ramp or the former site of Lock and Dam #6. While you are within park boundaries at the put-in location, about half-way along the journey it will become private land. Therefore, just be mindful if stopping along the river.
- Trip Distance: 3.6 miles (5.7 km)
- Approximate Travel Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Fishing
Fishing in Mammoth Cave may be the whole reason you’re looking to enjoy the waterways of Green River and Nolin River. These waterways bring an opportunity for anglers to pursue muskellunge, bluegill, catfish, bass, perch, crappie, and other game fish.
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