Green River Lake is located in Kentucky and covers over 8,000 acres, making it the largest project in the Louisville District when counting both land and water acreage (33,793 acres total). The lake is managed by the U. S.

Army Corps of Engineers and serves as a significant recreational destination in south-central Kentucky. **Access and Facilities** The lake features 10 boat ramps available for public use.

Four ramps are managed and maintained by the Corps of Engineers at Holmes Bend, Smith Ridge, Pikes Ridge, and Dam Area recreation sites, which require a launching permit (available daily or annually).

Additional ramps include one at Green River Lake State Park managed by the Kentucky Department of Parks, one at Green River Marina, and several others including Snake Creek (maintained by Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources), Butler Creek and Arnold's Landing (managed by local Adair County government).

Three full-service marinas operate on the lake: Emerald Isle Marina, Green River Marina, and Holmes Bend Marina, offering boat rental, slip rental, gas, bait, fishing gear, and other supplies.

**Lake Character and Geography** Green River Lake lies in the Highland Rim section of Kentucky, characterized by rolling terrain, steep bluffs, and flowing streams. The lake offers scenic vistas throughout its 8,000+ acres of water surface.

The project includes both Taylor and Adair counties, with the lake situated about 10 miles south of Campbellsville.

**Seasonal Considerations** The lake operates year-round for boating activities, though all ramps except Pikes Ridge Campground are subject to seasonal water level changes.

The lake experiences a drawdown period from September 15th through December 1st, with an initial half-foot reduction followed by an additional 6. 5-foot drawdown to winter elevation.

**Regulations and Safety** Boating regulations are administered by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife. High water ramp closures may occur, and current conditions can be checked via the Corps automated information line at (270) 465-8824.

Swimming is allowed in designated beach areas at Holmes Bend, Smith Ridge recreation areas, and within the State Park, though no lifeguards are provided at Corps-managed beaches.

**Nearby Paddling Opportunities** While Green River Lake itself offers extensive paddling opportunities, the area also provides access to the Green River system.

The Green River Paddle Trail begins at the spillway below Green River Lake Dam and extends downstream, offering additional canoeing and kayaking experiences on flowing water.

This trail includes parts of the Little Barren River and Russell Creek, with the Little Barren and Green River recognized as two of the top 25 recommended streams in Kentucky for smallmouth bass fishing.

**Amenities** The lake area includes three Corps-operated campgrounds (Holmes Bend, Smith Ridge, and Pikes Ridge), multiple picnic areas, beaches for swimming, and nearly 50 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

The Green River Lake Visitor Center, built in 1972 as the Louisville District's first Interpretive Center, offers educational exhibits and information about recreational opportunities.