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Green and Nolin Rivers Blueway designated as Kentucky’s first National Water Trail

Kentucky’s Green and Nolin Rivers Blueway has been designated by the U.S. Department of the Interior as a National Water Trail. The designation is the first for Kentucky and further underscores the commonwealth’s reputation as a hot spot for outdoor adventure. 

The Green and Nolin Rivers Blueway includes 36 miles of navigable waterways and seven public-access sites. On its path through Hart County, the Green River includes stretches of springs, blue holes and the dramatic 300 Springs Waterfall, which is only accessible by boat. Kentucky’s first national water trail also flows through Mammoth Cave National Park and parts of Edmonson County. The Blueway offers paddlers the opportunity to explore the biological and geological wonders offered by the national park and surrounding area. 

The national recreation trails program is jointly administered by the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service, in conjunction with multiple federal and nonprofit partners. A database of recreation trails across the country is maintained through American Trails, a nonprofit organization working on behalf of all trail interests, including hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, water sports, cross-country skiing, trail motorcycling, ATVs, etc.

“When it comes to outdoor adventures, it doesn’t get much better than canoeing and kayaking in Kentucky, especially along the cool waters of the Green River,” said Horse Cave/Hart County Tourism Executive Director Sandra T. Wilson. “To help plan canoeing and kayaking experiences this summer on the Green River, Big Buffalo Crossing Canoe and Kayak and The Lone Wolf offer rentals, fishing supplies and planning advice.”  

River trip options may be found at www.kygetaway.com and www.cavecountrytrails.com