Maple Springs, Raymer Hollow Trail, and Mill Branch Trail Loop

This is a 12.5-mile round-trip loop from Maple Springs Trailhead. It is a long, moderate backcountry day; allow about seven hours. The route takes the Maple Springs access trail to Mill Branch, follows Mill Branch to Collie Ridge, uses a short Collie Ridge connector to reach the north end of Raymer Hollow, then follows the full 6.2-mile Raymer Hollow Trail back to Mill Branch. The lower Mill Branch section is repeated on the way back, and the Maple Springs access is walked in and out.

Mill Branch is a dirt trail shared with horses. The section near Collie Ridge is the roughest, with horse-worn ruts, rocks and mud that can slow your pace. The route crosses the stony beds of Dry Prong and Mill Branch; flow varies, so the rock steps may be dry or wet. Near Mill Branch, a turn at the creekbed is easy to miss when the tread blends into the rocks.

Raymer Hollow is a smoother, wider path through forest, with a handful of short hills. It crosses Dry Prong in a ravine and has a small footbridge over another stream. Quarter-mile posts help track the distance, though some are missing. A short signed spur leads to Raymer Hollow Backcountry Campsite; overnight stays require a backcountry permit.

Pick up the backcountry map at the Visitor Information desk or Mammoth Cave Campground kiosk before setting out. There are several junctions, and some distance markers are missing. Leashed pets are allowed on the park's surface trails, with a six-foot leash limit. If horses approach, move yourself and your pet aside and keep the dog calm while they pass. Ticks and poison ivy are backcountry hazards.