Wildcat Hollow
Welcome to the Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail. This trail offers two options; a 17.2 mile loop of scenic trail along ridge-tops and stream bottoms, and a short 5-mile loop for day hikes. Both trails will lead through tall pine forests, open meadows, quiet streams, rock outcroppings, and down old roads overlooking miles of beautiful landscape. You will also pass some of our land management activities. Wildflowers are at their peak in the spring, but we ask that you not pick them so that others may also enjoy them. The hiker who treads softly can often catch glimpses of the wildlife who call the forest home. Bring your binoculars and enjoy your visit. This area is one of the recommended wildflower viewing areas on the Forest.
Dispersed camping is allowed at the Wildcat Hollow Trail and Trailhead. When parking, help prevent damage to the grassy areas by staying on the gravel surface.
General Information
Open 24 hours/day
Stay on the gravel surface when parking for hiking or dispersed camping at the Wildcat Hollow Trailhead.
No fees are required for this site
Address: 13700 US Highway 33 Nelsonville, OH 45764
Phone: (740) 753-0101
Hours: Open 8 am - 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 39.572303
Longitude: -82.032666
Directions
To access this trailhead, take State Route 13 north from Athens. Turn at the sign past Tom Jenkins dam. There are two exits, CR 16 (Irish Ridge Road) then take a right onto Township Road 298. The road curves around to the left and should take you to the parking lot which should be marked. GPS Lat/Long coordinates for the trailhead is 39 deg 34' 22" / 82 deg 01' 58".
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Recreation Opportunities
Viewing Plants Info
This is a favorite trail in the spring for its wildflowers and a hike is given each spring to highlight the native plants and their flowers.
Species
Various upland and bottomland species.
Special Feature
Spring wildflower hikes are offered each year.
Viewing Wildlife Info
This 17.2 mile trail traverses upland forests, stream bottoms, pine plantations, and meadows. Wildflowers are abundant during spring and summer, and autumn colors are vibrant. Bird watchers be sure and bring your binoculars.
Species
White-tailed deer, wild turkeys, forest songbirds and numerous reptiles and amphibians are likely to be seen along the trail.
Day Hikes Info
This trail offers two options; a 17.2-mile loop of scenic trail along ridge-tops and stream bottoms, and a short 5-mile loop for day hikes. Both trails will lead through tall pine forests, open meadows, quiet streams, rock outcroppings, and down old roads overlooking miles of beautiful landscape. You will also pass some of our land management activities. Wildflowers are at their peak in the spring, but we ask that you not pick them so that others may also enjoy them. The hiker who treads softly can often catch glimpses of the wildlife who call the forest home. Bring your binoculars, and enjoy your visit
Backpacking Info
This trail offers two options; a 17.2-mile loop of scenic trail along ridge-tops and stream bottoms, and a short 5-mile loop but can be combined for an even longer backpacking trek. Both trails will lead through tall pine forests, open meadows, quiet streams, rock outcroppings, and down old roads overlooking miles of beautiful landscape. You will also pass some of our land management activities. Wildflowers are at their peak in the spring, but we ask that you not pick them so that others may also enjoy them. The hiker who treads softly can often catch glimpses of the wildlife who call the forest home. Bring your binoculars and enjoy your visit.
Fire Information
You can build a campfire as long as you have a 10-foot clearance around it and put a ring around it with rocks. Fires must be extinguished before leaving camp. No bon fires are allowed. No standing or green trees may be cut. Check the bulletin boards to ensure no fire bans are in effect.