Turnhole Bend Trail

The Komoot route for the Turnhole Bend Trail is approximately 9.8 kilometers (6.1 miles) long and typically takes around 2 hours and 35 minutes to complete. This duration can vary based on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery.

While generally considered moderate, the trail has sections that might challenge beginners. It features a moderate uphill climb at the start, and a notably steep descent (around 23% grade) near the Turnhole Bend Trailhead and campsite. Hikers should also be prepared for potential mudholes with deep hoof prints, especially after rain, which can make some sections difficult to traverse.

The trail can be accessed from the Buffalo Trailhead or the Turnhole Bend Trailhead. Specific parking information for these backcountry trailheads within Mammoth Cave National Park should be confirmed with the park service, as access points can sometimes change or require specific directions.

The trail largely follows an old dirt road. You'll encounter an initial moderate uphill climb, followed by a predominantly downhill path towards the campsite, with some level and mild uphill sections. Be prepared for potential mudholes, especially in areas shared with horses. After the intersection with the Sal Hollow Trail, the path narrows and can become overgrown. The final stretch to the Turnhole Bend Campsite includes a very steep descent into a ravine.

Spring and fall are generally the best times to visit. In spring, the surrounding oak-hickory forest comes alive with wildflowers. Fall offers pleasant temperatures and vibrant foliage. Summer can be hot and humid, with dense vegetation potentially obscuring some river views. Winter hiking is possible but requires preparation for colder temperatures and potentially icy or muddy conditions.

Within Mammoth Cave National Park, pets are generally permitted on designated trails, including backcountry trails like Turnhole Bend Trail, but must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet (1.8 meters) at all times. Always pack out pet waste. Check the official Mammoth Cave National Park website for the most current pet regulations before your visit.

There is no entrance fee to enter Mammoth Cave National Park itself. However, if you plan to camp overnight at the Turnhole Bend Campsite or other backcountry sites, a backcountry permit is required. Always check the official Mammoth Cave National Park website for current regulations regarding permits, especially for overnight stays or specific activities.

As you descend along the ridgeline, you'll be surrounded by old-growth Kentucky forest. The trail offers various vantage points to observe hollows and catch glimpses of the Green River below. The route also leads to the highly regarded Turnhole Bend Campsite, which is uniquely surrounded by the Green River on three sides. You'll also pass the Turnhole Bend Overlook.

Yes, the Turnhole Bend Trail is an excellent option for connecting with other backcountry trails for longer loops. The Komoot route itself incorporates sections of the Turnhole Bend Trail, Buffalo Creek Trail, and Sal Hollow Trail. It also briefly touches upon the Dry Prong Trail and Maple Springs Connector Trail, allowing for various extended hiking possibilities within Mammoth Cave National Park.

The Turnhole Bend Trail itself is described as a 2-mile one-way trail connecting the Buffalo Creek Trail to the Turnhole Bend Campsite. However, the Komoot route provided is a longer, approximately 6.1-mile hike, suggesting it's either an out-and-back of this section or, more likely, part of a larger loop incorporating other trails like the Buffalo Creek Trail and Sal Hollow Trail, as indicated by the OSM data.

The Turnhole Bend Trail (the focus of this page) is a longer, backcountry trail (2 miles one-way) open to hikers and horseback riders, leading to a campsite. The Turnhole Bend Nature Trail is a separate, shorter (0.5-mile) family-friendly loop that focuses on karst topography, sinkholes, and wildflowers, with an accessible path and multiple overlooks.