Trail Run Project Logo

See the best of Mammoth Cave National Park... above ground.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

10.8

Miles

17.4

KM

96%

Runnable

894' 273 m

High

546' 167 m

Low

863' 263 m

Up

885' 270 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

22%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs Leashed

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

Overview

This has been one of the best-loved trails in the park. Often busy, and recently opened to horses, the lure of the Sal Hollow still is hard to resist.

The 10-mile trail loop utilizes the Sal Hollow Trail and returns on Buffalo Creek Trail to the Maple Springs parking lot.

Miles 5-6 feature a sustained, rocky downhill that is especially tough after a rain. It becomes a sloppy mess that will wreck your knees and ankles.

Need to Know

There are many areas of poison ivy and tick activity is heightened in the summer, so bring some bug spray and wet wipes to clean up afterwards.

Runner Notes

The Sal Hollow has recently been opened to horses and all the things that come with that. Watch your feet. Several sections of the trail have become very swampy, especially after a rain.

I'm sure miles 5-6 are a blast dry, but I ran just after a rain and it was a sloppy nightmare, and my knee is still recovering.

Description

Set out from the Maple Springs parking lot and begin your adventure by catching the Sal Hollow Trail to the left. The first few miles are quite enjoyable, with a well-trodden path and enough twists and turns to keep things interesting. The forest varies from rather open with airy clearings to Jurassic Park overgrowth, where just finding the trail is fun. There are several small creek crossings and a few small waterfalls to explore just off-trail.

The midway point of the Sal Hollow Trail is the intersection with the Turnhole Bend Trail, around mile 3.8. That is the perfect spot to rest and take in a gel.

Continuing on the Sal Hollow Trail from that point becomes an adventure. The second half seems to be less used and more overgrown. The trail itself is mostly good, with typical roots and rocks, but there are more sections of swampy footing which tend to swallow shoes and/or be very slick. Especially note miles 5-6, that are a sustained rocky downhill. At the bottom of the hollow are a couple of creek crossings, then the trail heads uphill for a bit. Passing the Sal Hollow Campsite just past mile 6, the trail still trends uphill, but the running becomes much smoother and more fun as you approach the end.

The Sal Hollow Trail ends at mile 8 at the intersection with the Buffalo Creek Trail. Turn right on this trail for an easy recovery-welcoming pace back to the parking lot. Enjoy!

Flora & Fauna

Typical Kentucky forest with maple & oak trees, ferns, vines and poison ivy. Lots of wild turkey and deer can be seen, too.

History & Background

For many years, the Sal Hollow was open to mountain bikers as a test project on allowing MTB in the park. In 2013, construction started on the Big Hollow Trail, a mountain bike specific trail, and horses were allowed on the Sal Hollow.

Contacts

Shared By:

Clinton Lewis

Trail Ratings

  3.7 from 7 votes

#2

in North Side

#4025

Overall
  3.7 from 7 votes
5 Star
14%
4 Star
57%
3 Star
14%
2 Star
14%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in North Side

#34

in Kentucky

#4,025

Overall
10 Views Last Month
3,858 Since Jun 3, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
0%
50%
38%
13%
0%

Photos

Great light makes for a beautiful run on the Buffalo Creek Trail.
Feb 21, 2017 near Brownsv…, KY
Creek crossings are best with style.
Feb 21, 2017 near Brownsv…, KY
Fun exploring just off-trail
Jun 3, 2015 near Brownsv…, KY
November Sunset
Nov 6, 2022 near Brownsv…, KY
Starting the gradual, soon-to-be sudden drop down to the creek.
May 9, 2016 near Brownsv…, KY
Enjoy this great section of Sal Hollow.
Feb 21, 2017 near Brownsv…, KY

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.