TheGreen River is a major drainage of the Ohio River and is almost entirelycontained within Kentucky, except for its southern headwaters. The river is considered one of the mostbiologically diverse systems in the world and the portion of the Green Riverthat occurs within Mammoth Cave National Park(MCNP)is designated as a WildRiver. This section of river flowsthrough karst landscape and the mineral rich limestone contributes to the river’sgreen hue and offers habitat for many unique and rare plants and animals including Leaurio ortmanni (Kentucky Creekshell), a rare musselendemic to the Green River (pictured below). It is one of the best locations in Kentuckyto view bald eagles and contains the only known location in Kentucky for a rareplant species in the pea family. Theaquatic life within the river and the connected cave system is incredible and diverse,with numerous rare and unique species of fish, freshwater mussels and snails,crayfish, and shrimp that are found nowhere else in the world.
Conservationof these species isof high priority.Our staff, along with partners, are actively workingto monitor the aquatic species and to provide the.JPG "Green River Wild River- Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet (1)")
mostcurrent information to resource managers. In 2017, lock and dam #6 near the western edge of MCNP was removedfollowing a breach, which caused a serious safety concern to the public. The removal of the dam is considered a triumphfor public safety as well as for the aquatic life.Approximately10 miles of river was returnedback to free flowing conditions which will provide a morenatural setting for recreational purposes, as wellas returning habitat back for the aquatic species.The preliminary report of the ecological monitoringcan be found here (PDF 3.80 MB).
The River offers many recreation opportunities including boating, camping, picnicking, canoeing, fishing, dispersed hiking, andsightseeing. For more information about recreation and permits visit Mammoth Cave Plan Your Visit.See ourWild Riversprogrampage for information on what it means to be a Kentucky Wild River.
Access:
There are many access points forpaddling,fishing, boating, and canoe camping along theGreenRiver. Please see Mammoth Cave's BackcountryGuide map for more information.
Access Type: Open to Public
County: Edmonson
Region: Green River Region
Size: River mile 181.7 to 207.7
Owner: Mammoth Cave National Park
Manager: Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves
Purchased with Assistance of:
Lat: 37.1496
Long: -86.2957
