McCoy Hollow Trail

McCoy Hollow Trail is a 6.4-mile, one-way walk from Temple Hill Trailhead to a junction with Wet Prong Trail. The route follows wooded ridges above creek ravines; it is a rough backcountry traverse, not a loop. Allow about three to four hours one way. The far end is another trail junction, not a parking lot, so arrange a ride or return along the same path for a 12.8-mile day.

The trail drops through a narrow, rocky gully near Temple Hill, then rises and falls along ridges around several ravines. Expect uneven tread, short steep climbs and eroded edges. A 2024 trail account describes a sharp left turn near a rock ledge around mile 4.25, while an unofficial path continues straight. A 2021 inventory counted 123 visitor-made paths in this corridor, some hard to distinguish from the marked trail. Carry the current park map and stay on the designated line.

The hike-in McCoy Hollow campsite branches off the route about 4.3 miles from Temple Hill, including its short spur. It is a separate, single campsite rather than a trail facility; check current backcountry and reservation rules before planning an overnight.

The park's current backcountry list still describes the full Temple Hill–Wet Prong corridor as 6.4 miles. A 2024 trail-plan draft proposed retiring 2.3 miles, and I could not confirm which changes have been completed on the ground. Check the latest park map before relying on the entire route. Leashed pets are allowed on park surface trails; keep them on a leash no longer than six feet, and give horseback riders room to pass.