Jefferson County Coal Hollow Jeep Trail
Coal mining heritage meets reclaimed wilderness
Follow century-old coal haul roads through Jefferson County’s reclaimed strip mines, where draglines once moved mountains to reach Pittsburgh coal seams. The 14-mile route connects Cross Creek Wildlife Area to Yellow Creek State Forest via abandoned railroad grades and reclamation roads that climb 600 feet through mixed hardwood forests. Mine subsidence creates sudden dips and washouts, while the old Coal Hollow tunnel entrance marks the route’s most technical section with loose shale slopes and seasonal mud.
High-clearance 4WD essential for rocky climbs and subsidence areas — stock trucks struggle with the steeper grades. Spring brings serious mud; summer and fall provide ideal conditions. No permits required on public lands, but respect private property boundaries marked by yellow blazes. Several established camping areas exist near Yellow Creek. This route reveals Ohio’s industrial heritage while showcasing how nature reclaims scarred landscapes.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Mixed, Rock |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote |
| Length (miles) | 14 mi / 22.5 km |
| Duration | Full day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1240 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Wintersville, Ohio |
| Land manager | Ohio Department of Natural Resources |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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