
Green River Ferry
Ride a historic paddlewheel ferry, one of the last rural ferries in operation, for a quick, free journey across the Green River in Mammoth Cave Nation...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy a peaceful ride.

Green River Ferry
Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy a peaceful ride.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride a historic paddlewheel ferry, one of the last rural ferries in operation, for a quick, free journey across the Green River in Mammoth Cave National Park.
"A really neat little paddlewheel based ferry on the Green River. Only holds up to 3 cars per trip but it is very quick so there is little delay."

✅ It's Free!
Enjoy a scenic ride across the Green River at no cost. A budget-friendly addition to your park visit.
⏰ Check Operating Hours
Hours can vary, especially on weekends and holidays. Confirm daily schedule to avoid disappointment.

Quick Facts
Rating
3.9 · 26 reviews
Type
Ferry Terminal
Address
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Paddlewheel Ferry
Green River
Ride a charming, historic paddlewheel ferry, one of the few still operating in rural America. A quick, scenic journey.

Echo River Spring Trail
South side of Green River
Access this scenic trail and the White's Cave entrance for a rewarding hike after your ferry crossing.

Scenic River Views
Green River
Enjoy picturesque views of the Green River and surrounding natural beauty during your short ferry trip.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Beyond the Ride
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
✅ It's Free!
Enjoy a scenic ride across the Green River at no cost. A budget-friendly addition to your park visit.
⏰ Check Operating Hours
Hours can vary, especially on weekends and holidays. Confirm daily schedule to avoid disappointment.
🚗 Limited Capacity
The ferry holds only 2-3 cars. Arrive early, especially during peak times, to minimize wait.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Ride
Leashed dogs are welcome aboard the ferry, making it a great option for furry travel companions.
Tips
from all over the internet
✅ It's Free!
Enjoy a scenic ride across the Green River at no cost. A budget-friendly addition to your park visit.
⏰ Check Operating Hours
Hours can vary, especially on weekends and holidays. Confirm daily schedule to avoid disappointment.
🚗 Limited Capacity
The ferry holds only 2-3 cars. Arrive early, especially during peak times, to minimize wait.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Ride
Leashed dogs are welcome aboard the ferry, making it a great option for furry travel companions.
🚶♀️ Access More Trails
Use the ferry to reach trailheads like Echo River Spring Trail on the other side of the river.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find the Green River Ferry to be a charming and historic experience, offering a quick, free ride across the river within Mammoth Cave National Park. Its accessibility to additional trails is a major plus. However, some find its limited capacity and early closing times inconvenient, and one review detailed a concerning safety incident.
"A really neat little paddlewheel based ferry on the Green River. Only holds up to 3 cars per trip but it is very quick so there is little delay. With excellent parking to access the Echo River Spring Trail with the White's Cave entrance and several easy to medium trails it is a simple 2 miles of a loop. All located on the grounds of the Mammoth Caves National Park. Take the dog (on a leash) and enjoy the 2 mile walk."
John Thompson
"How can you not give this a 5 star rating? Stay in your car and get across the Green River. Maximum 2 cars on ferry per trip. If their are kids in the car they emwill love it like blowing a car horn in a tunnel."
Ken Gibson
"Cool little ferry across the Green River. Used it going from Nolin Lake State Park to the Mammoth Cave Visitor center. Free to use, takes about 2 minutes. Wasn’t a wait, we used it during mid December so definitely off tourist season. Kids thought it was awesome!"
Radcliffe Brown
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Green River Ferry is located within Mammoth Cave National Park. Access is typically via park roads. It's a short drive from the main visitor center. Many visitors use it to connect to different parts of the park for hiking and exploring.
Yes, there is parking available at the ferry landing. However, capacity can be limited, especially during peak season. It's advisable to arrive early if you plan to use the ferry.
Absolutely! The ferry is designed to transport vehicles, including cars, and can hold up to 2-3 cars per trip. It's a convenient way to move between different areas of the park.
The ferry ride itself is very quick, taking only about 2 minutes to cross the Green River. The main 'wait' is usually for boarding, not the actual transit.
The ferry has a limited capacity for vehicles, typically holding 2-3 cars. Larger RVs or multiple vehicles might need to wait for subsequent trips or consider alternative routes if available.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Green River Ferry is completely free to use! This makes it an excellent way to access different parts of Mammoth Cave National Park without any additional cost.
Operating hours can vary. Generally, it's open from Monday to Friday, 6 am to 6 pm, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 8 am to 6 pm. However, it's crucial to check the official park schedule as these can change seasonally.
The ferry is generally open daily, except for Christmas Day. However, operating hours are subject to change based on weather and seasonal demand. Always verify the current schedule.
No reservations are needed for the Green River Ferry. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arriving early is recommended during busy periods.
If the ferry is closed due to weather or maintenance, you will need to use alternative park roads to access areas on the other side of the river. Check with park rangers for the best alternative routes.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Crossing the ferry opens up access to more hiking trails, including the Echo River Spring Trail and White's Cave entrance. It's a great way to explore less crowded areas of the park.
Yes, children often find the ferry ride exciting, especially the novelty of being on a boat and the car horn experience. It's a short and safe journey.
Certainly! The ferry accommodates hikers and bikers, making it a convenient option for exploring the park's cycling routes on both sides of the river.
Surprisingly, there is an outhouse on the ferry, which some visitors find unnecessary for such a short ride. It's available if needed, though most people don't require it.
Trails like the Echo River Spring Trail are generally well-maintained, offering easy to medium difficulty. Always wear appropriate footwear and check trail status with park rangers.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the historic paddlewheel in action, the scenic river views, and the unique experience of driving onto the ferry. Drone shots can also offer stunning perspectives.
Yes, the riverbanks offer excellent vantage points to photograph the ferry as it traverses the Green River. Consider the angles from both sides of the landing.
Early morning or late afternoon light can provide beautiful golden hour shots. Midday can be harsh, but the ferry's operation itself is a compelling subject.
Standard national park regulations apply. Drones may have specific restrictions, so check with the park service. Photography for personal use is generally encouraged.
From the ferry, you can capture unique perspectives of the river, the ferry operator, and the approaching or departing shorelines. It's a dynamic shooting environment.







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