Sal Hollow Trail

Sal Hollow Trail is an 8.6-mile one-way backcountry route from Maple Springs Trailhead to a junction with Buffalo Creek Trail. It is not a loop. Allow about four to five hours for the one-way walk; retracing it makes the day about 17 miles. The separate Sal Hollow–Buffalo Creek Loop is a shorter, different itinerary that turns back much earlier. If you take the full corridor, plan your return before setting out: the western end is a trail junction, not a confirmed vehicle pickup.

The access is across the road from Maple Springs parking. At the first fork, take the left branch for Sal Hollow; Buffalo Creek goes right. Maple Springs also serves a picnic area and group campground. Carry water for the full route; no drinking-water source is listed along the trail. Dogs are allowed on surface trails but must stay on a leash no longer than six feet. Horse riders use park backcountry trails, so step aside and keep dogs close when they pass.

The path is narrow and mostly smooth dirt through the trees, with gentle hills and a few ruts. One short, steeper pitch is about 50 feet long; most of the described eastern section is gentler. Blue blazes and quarter-mile tree markers help with navigation, though some markers may be missing. Bring the current backcountry map for a walk this long.

About 1.5 miles in, a small stream crossing can become deeply muddy and hoof-rutted, especially after rain. A little farther along, a bridge crosses a larger creek, with a small cascade beside it. Slow down through the wet ground and pause at the bridge for the water; it's a welcome change from the wooded tread.

The corridor continues beyond Turnhole Bend to the Buffalo Creek junction, but the detailed walk description covers mainly the eastern miles. I found less ground-level detail for the west section, so check the current park backcountry map and follow the marked route. The endpoint is still in the backcountry, so don't assume it puts you back at Maple Springs.