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A forested trail in the heart of the Mammoth Cave backcountry.


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Map Key

4.5

Miles

7.2

KM

97%

Runnable

907' 276 m

High

596' 182 m

Low

374' 114 m

Up

391' 119 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

14%

Max Grade (8°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Wildlife

Runner Notes

This trail sees frequent horse use. Many long stretches (50+ yards) of quicksand-type mud and wet slop.

Description

From the First Creek TH, the Wet Prong starts off pretty mellow on gravel doubletrack for about the first mile & a quarter before narrowing down to singletrack for the remainder of the trail. The trail loosely follows its namesake, the Wet Prong of the Buffalo Creek, making for a few fun creek crossings.

While the creek crossings were fun, this was one of the least fun trails in the park. Due to the creek and horse use, there are large sections of waterlogged soft mud that are challenging to navigate. For instance, the trail swallowed my right leg up to the knee. In most cases, there are faint bypass trails on the right (mostly), so keep an eye out for those. Additionally, the Wet Prong and McCoy Hollow trails are pretty overgrown during the summer, which hide numerous rocks and root obstacles.

The best section, however, is the mile leading up to the Collie Ridge Trail. At the intersection of the McCoy Hollow Trail, the Wet Prong continues uphill to it's official end on Collie Ridge. The first half mile is pretty steep (~10%), but quickly mellows out as you gain the ridge and end at a perfect rest stop (complete with a trash can!). The trail is in much better condition with fewer soft spots and rocks.

Flora & Fauna

The forest contains many hardwood trees and underbrush. Keep an eye out for wild turkey and deer.

Contacts

Shared By:

Clinton Lewis

Trail Ratings

  2.9 from 7 votes

#9

in North Side

#27321

Overall
  2.9 from 7 votes
5 Star
14%
4 Star
14%
3 Star
29%
2 Star
29%
1 Star
14%
Trail Rankings

#9

in North Side

#284

in Kentucky

#27,321

Overall
2 Views Last Month
565 Since Aug 3, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
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86%
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14%
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Photos

I can't stress enough to look for the bypass trails.
Aug 3, 2015 near Brownsv…, KY
The start of the Wet Prong is pretty good!
Aug 3, 2015 near Brownsv…, KY
The biggest creek crossing on the trail
Aug 3, 2015 near Brownsv…, KY
Pretty fun, semi-technical descent.
Aug 3, 2015 near Brownsv…, KY
Several areas open up under the canopy to provide a nice view of the forest.
Aug 3, 2015 near Brownsv…, KY
After 5 minutes of work to free my leg.
Aug 3, 2015 near Brownsv…, KY

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