Dry Prong Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Wildflowers

Seldom used trail, but horses have ridden when wet, leaving big stretches of hoof prints in the dried mud.

The Dry Prong Trail is a nice 2-mile diversion from the Buffalo Creek Trail, main access trail to the Mammoth Cave backcountry.

From the Maple Springs Trail and parking area, hop on the trail by taking a right at the intersection of Buffalo Creek Trail and Turnhole Bend Trail. Much of the trail is drainage routes for the Dry Prong Creek and uses the blue blazes that mark many of the trails in the park. You are greeted by a steady, but low-angle climb at the start. As you gain the top, the trail levels out for a bit before a few small descents. About a third of the way through the trail, you'll pass the access trail for the Homestead Campsite off to your right.

Passing the campsite, the trail points downward, including a mildly technical descent with lots of rocks and roots to keep you on your toes. Of course, what goes down, must come up. Another steady climb out of the hollow and you are on your way. Along the narrow singletrack are several downed trees.

The trail ends at the Buffalo Creek Trail, near the access trail to the Bluffs Campsite. Turn left to return to the main fire road section of Buffalo Creek Trail. Take another left and run the wide trail back to the parking lot. Dry Prong can be done in reverse, but the trailhead is tricky to find from the narrow section of Buffalo Creek Trail.