Wildcat Hollow Gorge Technical Loop

Wildcat Hollow cuts deep into Perry County’s rugged sandstone terrain, where Hocking River tributaries carved dramatic gorges over millennia. This challenging loop threads through old strip mine reclamation areas and virgin forest, hitting the infamous Devil’s Backbone ridge section that’ll test your spotter’s patience. Key waypoints include the abandoned Shawnee Coal Company tipple ruins and the technical descent into Bear Creek bottoms where you’ll ford three separate stream crossings.

This is solid intermediate territory requiring high-clearance 4WD and rock sliders recommended for the ledge work. Best run April through October when creek levels are manageable. No permits needed but respect private mining claims scattered throughout. Fuel up in New Lexington before heading out — nearest services are 25 miles from the trailhead. You earn killer views of the Hocking Hills region and genuine technical challenges rare for Ohio terrain.