Trail Overview

Ugly Creek Road is a 3.5-mile one-way trail that is located within Mammoth Cave National Park. The trail begins off Green River Ferry Road (1352) and ends on Dennison Ferry Road. The trail can be run in either direction; however, there is a possible impassable water crossing closer to the Green River Ferry Road side if the water is covering the road. After heavy storms there is a possible chance of water covering the road, the park service does not recommend crossing due to the swift possible currents and the slick concrete dam you will be driving across. Since this trail is entirely within the park boundary be sure to check nps.gov/maca before going for any closures or alerts.

Photos of Ugly Creek - Mammoth Cave NP

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Difficulty

The trail is maintained by the park service; however, there are a few steep washed-out sections when winding down and out of Ugly Creek. It is not recommended to cross Ugly Creek if water is covering the concrete dam.

Technical Rating

Kyle Little

Nov 02, 2025

Open

Tim Mead

Oct 14, 2025

Open

Ran the trail from West to East. Creek crossing was bone dry. Some rutted areas that require 4x4.

Tracey Heidecker

Aug 16, 2025

Open

Down tree near the start of the trail

Christy & Becky

Aug 02, 2025

Open

Gary Walker

Jul 04, 2025

Open

Great time, trail was not bad but it was challenging enough to not be boring, there was a couple of spots that had a good incline or decline and some deep ruts you definitely need a lift and 4x4 for this one. You could possibly make it in like a stock SUV but you would likely scrape at a couple points on this trail. Overall this was a fun challenging (in like two spots) trail but nothing too harsh or hardcore ! I loved the scenery and views very very enjoyable trail !

Wendell houchin

Mar 16, 2025

Open

Colton Acree

Oct 12, 2024

Open

The creek was dry, but it was a beautiful drive through the woods. I did the whole road both ways in 2wd. I would say stock 4x4 friendly for sure, mostly just gravel with some minor washout in a couple of spots.

Joshua French

Jun 21, 2024

Open

Creek completely dry, 4 wheel drive needed once with loose gravel on steep hill.

James Thompson

Jun 14, 2024

Open

Pretty easy trail. Put Jeep in 4x4 once, probably could have stayed in 2 wheel drive. Creek bed was completely dry.

Evan Wiedling

May 04, 2024

Open

The impassible creek mentioned here is very passable, concrete is exposed and the creek bed is completely dry. Was able to go all the way through.