Downstream from the mouth of Jennings Creek, the Barren is a huge river, definitely navigable but not particularly appealing for canoeists. Running over sand, rock, and clay banks through a deep bed, the river averages from 90 to 150 feet in width. Upstream from the mouth of Drake's Creek, the Barren River is especially nice and averages 40 to 60 feet in width. Along banks of varying steepness, tree roots are exposed by lateral erosion, and the river is more winding. Islands suitable for canoe camping at medium to low water levels are not uncommon.
Vegetation is often lush and many hardwoods are in evidence.
Occasionally the banks rise steeply with some exposed rock. Below Barren River Dam the river can be run all year with easy access at several points. Map of the Green River and its Tributaries. Photo Courtesy of Kentucky Dept. of Travel Drake's Creek Drakes Creek, along with its three feeder forks, comprises the drainage system for the area directly south of Bowling Green between U.S. 31W on the west and U.S. 231 on the east. Originating near the Tennessee border in Simpson and Allen counties, Drakes Creek finally empties into the Barren River just outside Bowling Green.