Near McCoy Hollow Trail
The climber part of my brain was very excited
Near McCoy Hollow Trail
Another nice creek crossing
Near McCoy Hollow Trail
On the rocky descent
Near McCoy Hollow Trail
Working a small uphill section.
Near McCoy Hollow Trail
Enjoying the run

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Hike Trail

McCoy Hollow Trail

3.0 (3 Ratings)
A winding trail through dense forest.
6.1
mi
Distance
950
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
Fall ColorsRiver/CreekWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
6.14mi
Distance
950ft
Elevation Gain
714ft
Elevation Loss
30%
Max Grade
818ft
High Point
455ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
I did this trail as a continuation of the Wet Prong Trail, but you can easily start at the Temple Hill trailhead and parking area. The McCoy Hollow Trail is very similar to the Wet Prong Trail with narrow singletrack, fairly rocky terrain and overgrowth, especially in the spring and summer months. The one saving grace is that there are not quite as many soft spots in the trail, and the bypass trails around the problem areas are easier to find. McCoy Hollow also follows the Wet Prong of the Buffalo Creek and a few smaller creeks and meanders alongside the Green River. With the dense forest and my concentration on my footing, I didn't notice how close I was until I looked at the map. Perhaps the river will be visible in the winter months! The majority of the trail is moderately flat, with one climb in the middle and a fairly steep climb to the trailhead. Of note, there are sections that have large downed trees and thick overgrowth hiding rocks and other hazards, so be sure to stay alert. While this trail and all others in Mammoth Cave have blue blazes, there are a couple of spots where route finding was difficult. There appears to have been some winter ice damage or work on the trail, but the actual trail was obscured or hard to find due to other false trails or fallen trees. That's the main reason for the Int./Difficult rating.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

Nearby Hike Routes

First Creek Trail

Hike Route

First Creek Trail

Birding
moderate
6.37 mi
+766 ft
Sal Hollow & Buffalo Creek Loop

Hike Route

Sal Hollow & Buffalo Creek Loop

Birding
moderate
10.66 mi
+739 ft
Buffalo Creek - Collie Ridge - Mill Branch Trails

Hike Route

Buffalo Creek - Collie Ridge - Mill Branch Trails

Birding
strenuous
8.95 mi
+881 ft
Turnhole Bend Nature Trail

Hike Route

Turnhole Bend Nature Trail

Birding
moderate
0.54 mi
+96 ft
Cedar Sink Trail

Hike Route

Cedar Sink Trail

Fall Colors
moderate
1.81 mi
+312 ft
Green River Bluffs Trail Loop

Hike Route

Green River Bluffs Trail Loop

Views
easy
3.6 mi
+495 ft
Contributors
Clinton Lewis