STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
The Green River Ferry at Mammoth Cave National Park is scheduled to return to service Friday, March 5, after months of repairs and upgrades following flood damage in spring 2025.
The crossing is the quickest way for visitors to reach the north side of the national park. The ferry will operate daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., according to a press release from the national park.
Service had been suspended while crews worked on critical infrastructure that was damaged during high water on the Green River. The repair work included installing two 1,000-foot navigational cables that guide the ferry across the river. Crews also repaired or replaced four 20-foot towers that support those cables along the riverbanks.
In addition, a 15.5-ton concrete anchor that was dislodged during the flooding was replaced. The anchor is part of the system that keeps the ferry and its cables stable during crossings.
While the ferry was out of the water, the vessel itself underwent additional upgrades, according to the press release. it was sandblasted and repainted and received a new engine and generator. The ferry also completed its required five-year inspection and certification by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Ferry operations remain dependent on water levels along the Green River. Very high or very low water can still force temporary suspensions of service for safety reasons.
Key Facts
• Green River Ferry at Mammoth Cave National Park set to reopen Friday, March 5, 2026
• Service resumes after months of repairs to 2025 flood damage
• Ferry will operate daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central time
• New 1,000-foot cables, repaired towers and new anchor installed • Ferry received new engine, generator, paint and Coast Guard certification
• Operations can still pause when Green River water levels are too high or too low
