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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.
At a Glance
| Operational Hours: | Open year-round |
|---|---|
| Fees: | Free |
| Usage: | Light |
| Restrictions: | Stay on the gravel surface when parking for hiking or dispersed camping at the Wildcat Hollow Trailhead. |
| Closest Towns: | Corning, OH |
| Water: | None |
| Restroom: | Vault |
| Operated By: | Athens Ranger District, 13700 US Hwy 33, Nelsonville, OH 45764; 740-753-0101 |
General Information
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".Activities
Dispersed Camping
Camping is allowed at the trailhead and along the trail for this backpack trail.| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
|---|
Day Hiking
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
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
|---|
Backpacking
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. |
| Difficulty Level: | Difficult |
|---|
Viewing Wildlife
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. |
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
|---|
Viewing Plants
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. |
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
|---|