A change in ferries takes place at Mammoth Cave National Park on Tuesday, as the Green River Ferry heads for dry dock and maintenance work and the Houchin Ferry is put back into service.

Superintendent Patrick Reed says the Green River Ferry will close beginning at
8:00 a.m. Tuesday for scheduled maintenance. Dependent on river levels, the ferry will be removed from the river and will be out of service for four to six weeks, he said.

Maintenance to Houchin Ferry is complete, the superintendent added. It will reopen on March 1, running 6:00 a.m. to 9:55 p.m. while the Green River Ferry is out of service.

“This is scheduled maintenance that is required every five years,” said Superintendent Reed. “The ferryboat at Green River crossing will be moved to the adjacent parking lot on the south side of the river. About half of the parking spaces will be closed to make room for the ferry and workmen.”

Green River Ferry will operate for two hours (6:00-8:00 a.m.) on the morning of March 1, but then will not run again until the repairs are complete.

“Taking the ferryboat out of the river is dependent on the level of the river,” said the superintendent. “The moving operation requires a depth of about ten feet.”

You can call 270-758-2166 for current information on ferry operations.

While the Houchin Ferry Campground was closed through the winter months, it will reopen March 1 when the ferryboat is returned to the river.

Maple Springs Group Campground also will reopen for the season on March 1. Campsites are designed for groups of up to 24 people, four of the sites accommodate campers with horses, two of which have electrical and water hook ups. The reservation period for Maple Springs is March through November.

To make campground, picnic shelter, or cave tour reservations, call 877/444-6777, or go online at www.recreation.gov.