Nolin River facts for kids
The Nolin River is a river about 104 miles (167 km) long in central Kentucky, United States. It is a tributary of the Green River. This means the Nolin River flows into the Green River. The Green River then flows into the Ohio River, and the Ohio River joins the mighty Mississippi River. So, the Nolin River is part of a very large watershed that eventually reaches the Gulf of Mexico!
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The Legend of Nolin River's Name
Have you ever wondered how the Nolin River got its name? There's a cool legend about it! Long ago, a group of hunters were camping near the river. One of the hunters, named Benjamin Lynn, got lost. When the rest of the group returned to their camp on a small hill (a "knoll"), they noticed Benjamin was missing. Someone supposedly said, "Here is the knoll, but no Lynn!"
Don't worry, Benjamin Lynn was later found safe and sound! He was camping at a nearby place now called Lynn Camp Creek. The name "Nolin River" stuck, and the United States Board on Geographic Names officially decided on this name in 1933.
A Famous Swimmer
Did you know that a very famous American once swam in the Nolin River? When he was a child, Abraham Lincoln, who later became the 16th President of the United States, enjoyed swimming in these waters!
Where the Nolin River Flows
The Nolin River starts in western LaRue County. It is formed when two smaller streams, the North Fork and the South Fork, join together. Both of these smaller streams flow entirely within LaRue County. The North Fork even flows past the town of Hodgenville.
After forming, the Nolin River generally flows towards the southwest. It travels through or along the edges of several counties. These include Hardin, Grayson, Hart, and Edmonson counties. Finally, the Nolin River meets the Green River inside the western part of Mammoth Cave National Park. This meeting point is about 2 miles (3.2 km) northeast of Brownsville.
How Much Water Flows?
Near a place called Kyrock, Kentucky, the Nolin River carries a lot of water. On average, about 989 cubic feet of water flow past this spot every second. That's like a huge amount of water moving by very quickly!
Nolin River Lake
In Edmonson County, the Nolin River has a large dam built across it. This dam was created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The dam causes the river to widen and form a big body of water called Nolin River Lake. This lake is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities.
