Department of Parks
State Parks Sponsoring Overnight Canoe Trip On Green River

FRANKFORT, Ky. – You’ll be able to enjoy the fall colors, get some exercise and see some wildlife during one of three overnight canoe trips along the Green River sponsored by the Kentucky State Parks.

Rough River Dam and Barren River State Resort Parks are sponsoring the overnight trips on Sept. 30-Oct. 1, Oct. 14-15 and Oct. 21-22. Participants can leave from either Rough River near Leitchfield or Barren River near Glasgow. The trip will be on a 20-mile stretch of the Green River in Mammoth Cave National Park.

The cost is $75 per person. This includes all food and drinks, camping and sleeping gear, and canoe. There is an 8-person maximum on each trip. You must be at least 16 and those ages 16-20 must be accompanied by an adult 21 or older. Registration, waiver of liability and fee must be turned in 15 days prior to the date of departure.

The trips will start at either state park Saturday morning with an orientation session and a van trip to the river. The canoeing portion will start at Dennison Ferry and end at Houchins Ferry about 2 miles east of Brownsville. Vans will return participants to the state parks Sunday afternoon.

This section of the Green River is flat with no whitewater or rapids. The trip is considered moderate and some sections will require prolonged periods of paddling. You may use your own gear. There are regulations for doing so and you should check with the parks in advance.

Both Rough River and Barren River have lodges, cabins and campgrounds for those interested in staying Friday night.

To register or for more information, contact Shawn Pickens, recreation director at Rough River Dam State Resort Park, at 270-257-2311 or 1-800-325-1713 or email Shawn.Pickens@ky.gov  You can also contact Lisa Deavers, recreation director at Barren River Lake State Resort Park, at 270-646-2151 or 1-800-325-0057 or email Lisa.Deavers@ky.gov

--30--

The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 52 state parks plus an interstate park shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Commerce Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges -- more than any other state. Each year, Kentucky parks draw 7 million visitors and contribute $317 million to the economy. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our Web site at http://www.parks.ky.gov