Pine Hollow

Overview

Pine Hollow sits atop the Kendall Hills and works as a one‑stop launch pad for several of the park’s best loops. Expect broad, grassy slopes, big‑sky views, and quick access to miles of forested singletrack. It’s lively year‑round—picnics and wildflowers in warm months, sledding when snow hits.

Trails from Here

• Salt Run Trail (3.3 miles): Find it to the left of the parking area when you’re facing the hills—rolling terrain and fewer crowds than the lakeside paths.
• Wetmore Trail (4.5 miles): Start across Quick Road from the lot; a straightforward road crossing gets you into a longer loop option.
• Connectors: Short paths drop from Pine Hollow to the Lake Trail (1.0 mile) and the Cross Country Trail (2.3 miles), making it easy to build custom loops without moving your car.

Scenery & Wildlife

You’ll move between open meadows, hardwood forest, and marshy pockets. In spring and summer, expect wildflowers and butterflies along the hillsides; marshes can hold bullfrogs and ducks. The mix of open and wooded edges draws plenty of songbirds. Fall paints the hills in color, and winter turns them into a sledding playground.

Amenities & Logistics

This is a well‑equipped trailhead: ample parking, full‑service restrooms, picnic tables, benches, trash cans, and an info kiosk. Drinking water is available seasonally, so bring extra if you’re hiking shoulder seasons or winter. Note that reaching Wetmore requires crossing Quick Road from the lot.

Best Time to Visit

• Weekdays and early mornings are the sweet spot for quieter trails and easy parking.
• Saturdays, especially mid‑morning through mid‑afternoon, get busy.
• The lot is generally open 7 am–9:30 pm (to 10 pm on Saturdays), which makes golden‑hour walks easy.
• For photography, aim for late afternoon light across the grassy hills or peak‑color weekends in fall. Winter sledding is best right after fresh snow.

A Bit of Backstory

The Kendall Hills landscape reflects a long recreation legacy—people have been coming here for play for generations, with remnants of an old toboggan run still along nearby routes. The rolling terrain itself is classic glacial country, with ravines and open ridges shaping the views and the hiking.