Green River Ferry

Green River Ferry is a cable ferry that carries cars, walkers and cyclists across the river. It is the park’s only active ferry, linking areas on either side of the Green River and still serving nearby communities. The crossing itself is brief; it makes the most sense as a way across or as part of a longer stop at the river.

The ferry parking area is also the start of the one-mile wheelchair-accessible Echo River Spring loop. It winds through the woods, with benches and viewpoints along the way and river views in the mix. Picnic tables are at the trailhead, so this is an easy place to stretch the stop beyond the crossing. Bird-watchers have another reason to linger.

A small-boat launch sits beside the parking area, just upstream of the ferry. It gives paddlers a place to put in or take out on the Green River without having to find a separate access point.

The ferry was first developed in 1934 and is the last active river ferry in the park. It is still a practical link for local residents, not just a novelty for visitors crossing the river.

High or low river levels can suspend service, so check the current ferry status before making a cross-river drive. When it is closed, the nearest road alternative is Highway 70 through Brownsville. Vehicles and trailers must be no more than 12 tons and 16 feet long; larger vehicles should call ahead before relying on the ferry.