Wildcat Hollow Gorge Technical Loop
Sandstone gorge with serious ledge work
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.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Rock |
| Features | Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | 4-6 hours |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1240 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | New Lexington, Ohio |
| Land manager | Perry County Parks |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler or 4Runner handle this trail, or do I need lockers?
A stock high-clearance 4WD can get through, but the sandstone ledge sections will punish an open diff — lockers or at minimum a limited-slip rear will save you a lot of grief. Lift and skid plates are strongly advised given the ledge drops and creek rock.
What's the trail like after heavy rain — are the creek crossings passable?
After significant rainfall the crossings can run fast and deceptively deep; the sandstone bottom gets slick and offers poor traction. Best season is April–October but always check recent rain totals before you go — 48 hours after a heavy storm is the minimum wait most experienced runners give it.
Do I need a permit to run Wildcat Hollow Gorge, and is there a fee?
Perry County Parks manages this area — check directly with them before your trip as access rules and any day-use fees can change without much public notice. No federal permit is required.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The sandstone ledge drops in the gorge section are the crux — you're looking at stacked ledges with limited line choice and loose rock on the exits. Wheel placement matters here; a bad line can put a rocker or control arm on sandstone fast.
Is there cell service on the trail, and how far is the nearest fuel from the trailhead?
There is zero cell service on this trail — download your maps offline and let someone know your plan before you head in. New Lexington is your last reliable fuel stop, roughly 10–15 minutes from the trailhead, so fill up there.
Trail track
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