Nolin River reopens to kayaks and canoes

For the first time in two years, the Nolin River will be open to kayaks and canoes, but it doesn’t come without danger.

“We just completed the clearing of Nolin River,” Mammoth Cave National Park Spokeswoman Molly Schroer says, “We worked with the Army Corps of Engineers to get that done. That removed hundreds of trees along that route that had fallen across the river and basically made that river impassible.”

Mammoth Cave National Park closed Nolin River in 2016 after the failure of Lock and Dam 6, which lead to unstable, decreased, and sometimes hazardous waters.

“As the waters lowered, the waters picked up in speed a little bit and there are still some hazards out there and that’s anytime you go out on the river—you should look for trees that are slightly submerged under water or branches that are sticking out that you’d have to navigate around.”

Schroer explains although the water is re-open to kayaks and canoes, it still isn’t suitable for everyone, especially novice paddlers.

“You need to probably have some experience in a canoe and how to navigate, to go on the Nolin at this time and especially once they start releasing water like they do in the fall, that speed will pick up even more so a novice kayaker and canoer might not want to go on the Nolin at that time.”

Paddlers are cautioned to check river levels before heading out the door.

“Check ahead to see what the river levels are going to be, check ahead to see what the weather conditions are going to be, and remember that inside the park they don’t allow alcohol use on the river and everyone must wear they’re PFD [personal flotation device.]”

Schroer says they’re excited to have the Nolin River open to paddlers again, but your concern is still the number one concern—don’t risk it.