Near Buffalo Creek Trail
Great light makes for a beautiful run on the Buffalo Creek Trail.
Near Buffalo Creek Trail
November Sunset
Near Buffalo Creek Trail
Taking on the Buffalo Creek Trail
Near Buffalo Creek Trail
Mammoth Cave National Park on the Buffalo Creek Trail
Near Buffalo Creek Trail
Trail native at the start of the Sal Hollow Trail

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Buffalo Creek Trail

3.6 (5 Ratings)
A widely used trail to access the Mammoth Cave backcountry.
4.2
mi
Distance
380
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingFall ColorsFamily FriendlyRiver/CreekWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
4.24mi
Distance
380ft
Elevation Gain
402ft
Elevation Loss
20%
Max Grade
787ft
High Point
467ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
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.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
Anonymous Adventurer
Some Issues
Downed Tree
Anonymous Adventurer
Some Issues
Downed Tree
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Contributors
Clinton Lewis