Paddling the Green River
A scenic and biodiverse waterway
KENTUCKY HAS MORE MILES of running water than any state except Alaska. Creeks and rivers traverse the state like veins of gold. But unlike gold, which is hidden underground, Kentucky’s waterways are in plain sight and waiting to be explored.
One of the best waterways to paddle in Kentucky is Green River. Its 384 meandering miles, flowing through farmland, forests and towering limestone bluffs, offer plenty of options for your trip.
“The Green River is a great paddle for a day trip or overnight excursion,” says Nick Harrington, an avid hiker, paddler, beekeeper and YouTuber who lives in Independence. “There are plenty of gravel bars and islands to stop and have a break for lunch or to camp for the night. Most of the land on either side is private, so be sure to get permission before camping along the shoreline.”
Harrington, who shares his adventures on the YouTube channel Smokey Bee’s Natural, has paddled about 80 miles of the Green River, and he recommends the route for all experience levels.
Harrington says his favorite parts of paddling the Green River include bird sightings and scenery—especially the 300 Springs waterfall.
“It’s just an awesome sight,” he says. “You can only reach the 300 Springs Waterfall by boat, so it was very peaceful. It was the best part of the trip, for sure.”
Home to more than 150 fish species and more than 70 species of mussels, Green River is one of the most biodiverse rivers in the country. The Green River watershed also supports 42 species found nowhere else in the world, like the orangefin darter and the bottlebrush crayfish. You probably won’t see one of these rare species on your trip down the Green River, but you will know you are in a special place.
Harrington says paddlers should always check with the Army Corps of Engineers at (270) 465-4463 before a planning trip. Ask about the section you plan to paddle and check the water flow, measured in cubic feet per second, or CFS. You can also visit www.usgs.gov to get the current water level and flow.
One of the reasons for the river’s ecological success is water quality. The Green River is a national treasure, and all visitors can do their part to keep it clean. Remember the adage: “Pack it in, pack it out.”
