There are many ways to explore Mammoth Cave: above ground on hiking trails, below ground in caves, and by water on the Green River. While writing A Canoeing & Kayaking Guide to the Streams of Kentucky, I had the opportunity of paddling the Green. This can be an adventure by day or as an overnight canoe camping trip.

The paddling is Class I+ and fishing for bream and bass can keep you busy between flowing over riffles. This section of the Green River is popular. Scenery of beautiful forests pocked with wildflowers in the spring rise above occasional gravel bars good for camping or picnicking. Wildlife is abundant in this area with great variety visible to the careful observer. Channeled by the steep surrounding hills, the river averages 70 to 100 feet wide until it reaches Mammoth Ferry where it broadens to 130 feet as it encounters the backwater pool of the Brownsville Dam. This point also marks the end of any current or riffles for this section. Needless to say, the Green River here runs through cave country, and at least two caves can be scouted at water's edge. A small cave located a half mile downstream of Dennison Ferry on the left bank can actually be paddled into for approximately 40 feet.

Further downstream, about a mile beyond Mammoth Ferry and 200 feet off the river to the left, is a small cave with a beautiful, clear pool of icy water. Canoe camping is allowed throughout the park, but a backcountry fire and camping permit must be obtained from the park rangers (at no charge). Access to the river is good. Deadfalls are the only navigational hazards. This section is runnable all year, when Green River Lake Dam is releasing. Shorter runs can be made from Dennison Ferry and Mammoth Ferry, access points within Mammoth Cave National Park. Outfitters also operate along this stretch of river. Dennison Ferry access is on the east side of Mammoth Cave National Park. It is seven miles from Dennison Ferry to Mammoth Ferry and 12 miles from Mammoth Ferry to Houchins Ferry, which is the last access inside the park. Houchins Ferry has a good campground.

Shuttle: To reach the take-out from Exit 48 on I-65, take Park City Road north to KY 70. Turn left and follow KY 70 west to Brownsville. Once in Brownsville, take Houchins Ferry Road right to Houchins Ferry Campground. To reach the Dennison’s Ferry access, backtrack east on KY 70 to Mammoth Cave Parkway and the park visitor center. At the visitor center, turn right on Flint Ridge Road and follow it to the left turn to Dennison Ferry.

Gauge: The USGS Gauge is Green River at Munfordville, also the water release information for Green River Lake Dam can be obtained by calling (270) 465-8824. The minimum runnable level should be at least 280 cfs. Also, Mammoth Cave National Park operates a water information line, (270) 758-2166. Here, they note whether or not the water level at Green River is above 10 feet, at which level the park discourages the launching of self-propelled watercraft.

Editor's Note: A Paddler's Guide to Everglades National Park and Beach and Coastal Camping in Florida are just two of 22 outdoor guidebooks written by Johnny Molloy. To order these books or learn more about Johnny, please visit www.johnnymolloy.com.