Big Hollow Trail North Loop

Big Hollow Trail North Loop is a 5.3-mile backcountry loop on narrow dirt singletrack. It starts at Big Hollow Trailhead, follows a short shared access leg to the circuit, then returns along that same leg. Allow about 2½ to 3 hours on foot from Big Hollow; this is a woods-first hike rather than an overlook walk. Expect roots, rocks and rolling hills, with the route shared by mountain bikers.

The eastern side trends downhill through the woods for about a mile before a short steeper drop reaches a small creek and footbridge. Beyond it, the trail follows a ridge above ravines, with short ups and downs instead of one long climb. The singletrack is narrow and uneven, so the rocks and roots take more attention than the grade alone suggests.

A separately marked North Loop Shortcut cuts across part of this route, and the 3.7-mile South Loop branches away at its own junction. Follow the main North Loop line if you want the full circuit; don't combine the South Loop into this map. One route account found the signs confusing at the eastern junction; check the route line before choosing a branch.

Maple Springs Trailhead is the practical parking access, with a restroom reported at the lot. The 5.3-mile distance begins at Big Hollow Trailhead, about one mile farther along the connector. A detailed route account counts about 1.3 miles from Maple Springs to the loop entrance because it includes the short Big Hollow access leg, which is already part of the route here. Walking from Maple Springs and completing the full North Loop makes the outing about 7.3 miles.

Big Hollow was built as mountain-bike singletrack and is also open to hikers. Expect riders on the same narrow tread; park rules require cyclists to yield to hikers and horseback riders. The loop is a good fit if you want a longer forest hike and are comfortable sharing the trail.

Trail Dynamics builder Ed Sutton began work on the trail in May 2013, with the Southwest Kentucky Mountain Bike Association later becoming its primary caretaker under an agreement with the park. It was named IMBA's 2014 Gateway Trail of the Year. That history explains the tight singletrack design: this is a purpose-built bike trail that hikers can also walk.

Leashed pets are allowed on the park's surface trails, with a maximum six-foot leash. Ticks are a common backcountry concern here; check yourself and your dog after the hike.