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A widely used trail to access the Mammoth Cave backcountry.


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Map Key

4.4

Miles

7.1

KM

Point to Point

845' 258 m

High

572' 174 m

Low

318' 97 m

Up

287' 87 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (1°)

20%

Max Grade (11°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Family Friendly Though the full trail is a bit long, enjoying an out and back hike from the parking area is a great way to explore the Mammoth Cave backcountry on scenic and easy trail.

Description

This trail is the access point to many parts of the Mammoth Cave backcountry, so it sees lots of use. The first 2.4 miles from the Maple Springs trailhead are on an old service/fire road. There are interesting sinkholes and small cave openings to see along the trail, so keep your eyes open! The intersection with the Bluffs Campsite and the continuation of the trail to singletrack is easy to miss, so pay attention to the small signs.

The singletrack leg of the trail is not as heavily used, and that's a shame since it is the most fun. Around the 3-mile mark, be careful of the climb from the creekbed. Due to horse use, it is really sloppy and challenging. The trail continues uphill to the intersection of the Collie Ridge and Wet Prong Trail. There is also a connector trail to the Collie Ridge Campsite.

Contacts

Shared By:

Clinton Lewis

Trail Ratings

  3.5 from 4 votes

#6

in North Side

#24385

Overall
  3.5 from 4 votes
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Trail Rankings

#6

in North Side

#256

in Kentucky

#24,385

Overall
12 Views Last Month
1,074 Since Apr 9, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

November Sunset
Nov 6, 2022 near Brownsv…, KY
Dry Prong from the Buffalo Creek Trail
Sep 29, 2020 near Brownsv…, KY
Dry Prong Creek bed looking exceptionally dry.
Sep 29, 2020 near Brownsv…, KY
Mammoth Cave National Park
Apr 14, 2015 near Brownsv…, KY
Mammoth Cave National Park on the Buffalo Creek Trail
Apr 15, 2015 near Brownsv…, KY
Trail native at the start of the Sal Hollow Trail
Jun 3, 2015 near Brownsv…, KY

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