Buffalo Creek Trail
This trail leads you into the tangle of backcountry trails in the park, with access to several campsites.
Plan Around Buffalo Creek Trail
A good stop is not just something to read about. Once it belongs on the day, move into a saved trip and build the route around it.
Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Buffalo Creek Trail Details
Starting from the popular Maple Springs Trailhead, the Buffalo Creek Trail provides access to many of the backcountry trails in the park. Because of this, it gets heavy use by both hikers and horses. From the trailhead, follow an old service road for almost 2.5 miles past sinkholes and cave openings. The trail becomes singletrack after the intersection with the Dry Prong, Sal Hollow, and Bluffs Campsite trails, so keep an eye out for trail signs to stay on Buffalo Creek. The singletrack part of the trail is less heavily used and connects to the Collie Ridge and Wet Prong trails (and the Collie Ridge campsite) about 4.4 miles from the trailhead. This trail is open to bicycles. Passing can be difficult in narrow areas; hikers must always yield to cyclists, and downhill cyclists must yield to uphill riders.
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
8.8 miles
Estimated time
3.5 hours
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Buffalo Creek Trail
Compare nearby parks around Buffalo Creek Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Buffalo Creek Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Buffalo Creek Trail while the map context is still fresh.
0.0 mi away
Sal Hollow Trail
Sal Hollow offers several options for out-and-back or loop hikes, including overnight trips, on a fairly gentle trail.
0.0 mi away
Maple Springs Trail
This one-mile multi-use trail is open to hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders.
0.2 mi away
Maple Spring Campground
Maple Spring Campground offers campsites for equestrian and group use.
0.4 mi away
Mammoth Cave International Center for Science and Learning
The Mammoth Cave International Center for Science and Learning, or MCICSL, is a partnership with Western Kentucky University.
0.8 mi away
Big Hollow Trail
A great option for hiking or biking, this trail was built with beginner mountain bikers in mind.
