Martin County Coal Hollow Historic Mining Circuit
Coal mining ghost towns and flooded strip pits.
Coal Hollow Road winds through Martin County’s scarred landscape where underground mines once fed the Ohio River barge traffic, leaving behind a moonscape of strip pits now grown over with Virginia pine and sumac. The route connects ghost towns like Trinity and Crane through a network of coal haul roads and railroad grades that serviced operations from the 1920s through the ’70s. You’ll thread past flooded strip pits that reflect limestone cliffs, and the old company store foundations at Hindostan where miners once traded scrip for supplies before the seam played out.
Easy to moderate depending on seasonal conditions — the gravel and dirt mix handles well in dry weather but gets soupy during spring melt. Stock high-clearance vehicles work fine, though 4WD helps in the muddier sections near the strip pit areas. Best tackled May through October when the back roads aren’t washing out. No permits required on the county roads, but respect private property around the mining sites. It’s a genuine piece of forgotten Indiana industrial history, with decent camping spots around the old quarries if you don’t mind sharing space with the ghosts of coal camp families.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 24 mi / 38.6 km |
| Duration | Full day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 720 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Shoals, Indiana |
| Land manager | Martin County |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Wrangler handle this trail without any mods?
Yes. The trail is rated easy on gravel surface with only 450 feet of elevation gain. Any stock high-clearance vehicle handles it fine — you don't need a lift or lockers.
When is the trail passable and does it close in winter?
Best window is May through October. Winter and early spring bring soft ground and muddy gravel that can swallow low-clearance rigs — Martin County doesn't formally close it, but conditions can get ugly fast after rain or freeze-thaw cycles.
Do I need a permit or pay any fees to run this trail?
No permit required and no fees as of current information. It's managed by Martin County — just don't leave trash and respect any private property boundaries along the route.
What's the hardest section of the trail and what should I expect?
The water crossings are your main variable — they're typically shallow and manageable, but after heavy rain they can deepen quickly. There's no single gnarly obstacle; the challenge is more about soft gravel edges near the flooded strip pits than anything technical.
Is there any cell service on this loop and how far is the nearest gas from the trailhead?
Cell service is nonexistent on the circuit — plan accordingly and let someone know your itinerary. Shoals, Indiana is your closest fuel stop, so top off before you head out; the loop itself is 24 miles but factor in the drive in and back.
Trail track
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