Mammoth Cave: Green River Ferry Out of Service Due to Low Water

If you're planning a trip to Kentucky's cave country, note this before you map out your route. The Green River Ferry, which lets you cross the river inside the park, isn't running right now. It's down because water levels are too low to make the crossing safely.

In practical terms, the small ferry that carries vehicles from one bank to the other is staying put until further notice. There's no reopening date, and for good reason. It all hinges on the weather and on the river coming back up. Until the flow returns to a level considered safe, the ferry stays docked. The call gets made day by day, based on the real conditions out on the water.

Here's the bottom line for your visit. Don't count on this crossing to reach the other side of the park by car during this stretch. Plan a route by road, even if it adds a bit to your drive, and leave some slack in your schedule if you're heading to an area beyond the river. The caves themselves and the guided tours aren't affected by the suspension, which only touches the river crossing.

To keep tabs on how things develop, the park points visitors to the official river forecast published by the U.S. weather service (water.noaa.gov, gauge 03309000). A quick look at the water level the day before you leave will spare you an unpleasant surprise when you arrive.

For everything else about planning your time there, access, hours, and the highlights, lean on the Mammoth Cave park guide, which we keep up to date. You'll easily fit in a visit that doesn't depend on this ferry.