One of the best, yet under-appreciated, features of Kentucky is its diverse variety of landscapes, wildlife, and natural wonders. In a state that’s widely known for its horses and bourbon, we also have an incredible amount to offer anyone who has an appreciation for nature. Perhaps our biggest bragging right is Mammoth Cave, which is the longest cave system in the world, but the land around it is also packed full of biodiversity and incredible natural beauty. In fact, not far from the cave system in the town of Munfordville along the Green River, you’ll find Johnson Springs in Kentucky. The emerald Johnson Springs in Kentucky is hiding near a park, and it’s not only too beautiful for words; it has quite a story.

Green River is an incredibly interesting body of water that flows through Kentucky, right through Mammoth Cave National Park, and also through the small town of Munfordville. It's along this river and within the many springs that dot its banks, that you'll find an unbelievably diverse ecosystem, as well as some plants and animals that you won't find in many other places.
Flickr/Mike Goad
At 384 miles in length, Green River covers quite a bit of ground and provides a habitat to some 150 species of fish. Notably, this unique river is home to fascinating and endangered species of mussel. The river, in fact, perfectly fits the definition of a hidden gem in Kentucky.

This Kentucky river has always played an important role in the state's history, and it remains a vital part of its landscape. Many of the river's attributes have changed over the years, with the opening and closing of many dams, which many argue has altered the water and nearby lands in a less than admirable way.
The "less admirable" qualities of this region date back to circa the Revolutionary War era, when the river valley was nicknamed Rogue's Harbor in recognition of the rough and tumble people populating it.
Flickr/James St. John
Green River and all of its natural beauty and surprises can be experienced by anyone who wishes to step back in time and float on its waters.

There are a couple of different routes you can take (and rentals available) - you can learn more about them online. While you're digging around, look for info on historic locks in the area, and see if you can find any interesting hidden gems in Kentucky to explore.
However, one of the most intriguing aspects of this Kentucky river is actually hiding on the private property of Mr. Harry C. Wilson. The land has been in the Wilson family since 1952, but he has graciously shared a piece of it with the public by developing an easy hiking trail that leads visitors to a beautiful hidden gem in Kentucky.
Flickr/LouisvilleUSACE
The trail can be reached from Thelma Stovall Park in Munfordville. Once you take this foot trail, you'll find yourself emerging in a verdant little clearing with gorgeous rich waters.

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As you take this out-and-back trail, you'll begin to see signs of Johnson Springs. Once you reach the springs, you'll surely be mesmerized by its emerald color and magical appearance. Feel free to pack a lunch and stay for a spell... this pretty spot is paradise. You'll also find that the area is home to a vivid array of wildlife, so be sure to bring binoculars if you have a pair handy!
Flicxkr/J F
The incredible blue-green color of the spring is the result of karst, a landscape formed by the dissolution of limestone. You'll find many of these emerald springs in Kentucky, especially in this area near Mammoth Cave. The clear waters are more than just eye-catching; they are also home to rare wildlife, including more than 70 species of mussels.
As Mr. Wilson has been kind enough to allow guests to access this trail and Johnson Springs, it's of the utmost importance that visitors be respectful of his land.
https://fw.ky.gov/Fish/Pages/HH-Wilson-Park-Ramp---Johnson-Spring.aspx
Many people, including Mr. Wilson, have raised serious concerns about changes to the springs and the surrounding area due to the construction of a dam. As you can see in the photo below, the water level has a major effect on the health of the springs and the flora and fauna that call it home. When water is released from the dam, the water level rises and causes significant damage to the ecosystem over time. Be sure to minimize your own impact on the landscape by leaving nothing behind but footprints.
Public awareness of these issues is vital, as they have the potential to harm or destroy one of the most magical hidden gems in Kentucky.
https://fw.ky.gov/Fish/Pages/HH-Wilson-Park-Ramp---Johnson-Spring.aspx
Johnson Springs is one of the most mesmerizing natural wonders in our state, and we're lucky to have access to it, thanks to the generosity of Mr. Wilson and his family. These waters and the land that surrounds them have long been key components to Kentucky's diverse landscape, and we can only hope that they long remain just as beautiful as they always have been.

Johnson Springs is one of the most mesmerizing natural wonders in our state, and we're lucky to have access to it, thanks to the generosity of Mr. Wilson and his family. These waters and the land that surrounds them have long been key components to Kentucky's diverse landscape, and we can only hope that they long remain just as beautiful as they always have been.

If you are interested in the changes happening around Green River and Johnson Springs, be sure to dig into Kentucky conservation efforts and the Green River Facebook page.

Johnson Springs in Kentucky is a magical place that’s worth the effort of the hike to reach it – and is also worth the effort to preserve this hidden gem in our naturally beautiful state. Did you know about these emerald waters in Kentucky? Have you seen these emerald springs in Kentucky? Let us know in the comments and tag someone who would love to visit or would be interested in this story.

To locate the hiking trail to Johnson Springs in Kentucky, head to Thelma Stovall Park at 101 River Rd., Munfordville, KY 42765.

And for another beautiful waterway with a similar story, check out this stunning creek in Kentucky.

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