Collie Ridge Loop

The Collie Ridge Loop is located within Mammoth Cave National Park. Parking is typically available at designated trailheads within the park that provide access to the Collie Ridge Trail. It's always a good idea to check the official park website or visitor center for the most current parking information and directions.

As the Collie Ridge Loop is located within Mammoth Cave National Park, there may be an entrance fee to access the park itself. Backcountry camping permits are required if you plan to stay overnight at the Collie Ridge Backcountry Campsite or any other backcountry site. Always check the official Mammoth Cave National Park website for current fee schedules and permit requirements before your visit.

The full Collie Ridge Loop, which covers approximately 15.2 km (9.4 miles), typically takes around 4 hours and 7 minutes to complete. This duration is an estimate for continuous hiking and can vary based on your pace, breaks, and trail conditions.

The Collie Ridge Loop is generally considered to be between easy and moderate in difficulty, making it suitable for beginning backpackers looking for a relatively easy outing. While much of the trail is gently undulating, be aware of a steep descent to the Collie Ridge Campsite, which can be challenging.

The trail primarily follows an old dirt road, making it generally wide and smooth. It features gently undulating terrain with grades typically not exceeding 4%. However, there are some slightly hillier sections at the beginning, and a notable steep decline to the Collie Ridge Campsite, with grades reaching -15% and even -28% in the final 150 feet. You might encounter ruts, loose rock, and muddy sections, especially where horses travel.

The Collie Ridge Loop meanders through beautiful old-growth forest, offering a particularly colorful experience in the autumn. Its elevated position along Collie Ridge provides hikers with scenic views of several creeks and hollows. The forest is generally thick, creating a shaded and immersive natural environment.

The trail offers a colorful experience, especially in the autumn, making it a popular time to visit. Spring and early summer also provide pleasant hiking conditions with lush greenery. While winter hiking is possible, be prepared for potentially colder temperatures and varying trail conditions.

Mammoth Cave National Park has specific regulations regarding pets on trails. Generally, pets are allowed on paved roads, in campgrounds, and on some surface trails, but not inside the caves or on most backcountry trails. Always check the official Mammoth Cave National Park pet policy before bringing your dog to ensure compliance.

Yes, the Collie Ridge Trail serves as a key access point to over 60 miles of backcountry trails within Mammoth Cave National Park. The route itself also passes through sections of the Wet Prong Trail, the Blair Springs Hollow Trail, the Buffalo Creek Trail, and the Mill Branch Trail, offering numerous possibilities for longer loops and extended backcountry adventures.

While much of the trail is moderate, the descent to the Collie Ridge Backcountry Campsite is notably challenging. The last tenth of a mile to the campsite, after the dirt road portion ends, features a steep decline with an average grade of -15%, and the final 150 feet can be very steep, approaching a -28% grade. This section is considered one of the steepest hills in the park.

Yes, the trail leads directly to the Collie Ridge Backcountry Campsite. This is one of a dozen designated backcountry campsites in Mammoth Cave National Park, offering a centralized basecamp option for those looking to explore deeper into the park's extensive trail system. Remember that a backcountry camping permit is required for overnight stays.