Wildcat Hollowwildflowers
National forestSpring ephemerals are at their peak in late April and early May, the Forest Service's recommended time for wildflower viewing: usually at their peak in late April and early May. Its usual window for this year has passed.
Sources for this timing ↓About Wildcat Hollow
- What it is
- A national forest in Ohio
- What you'll see
- Wildflowers · usual peak Apr–May
- Before you go
- Is there a fee, water or a restroom? No fee. The trailhead has vault toilets but no drinking water.
Right now at Wildcat Hollow
Right now in Wildcat Hollow · October
- Autumn colors · autumn
Next 7 days at Wildcat Hollow
- TodayMostly Sunny83° / 66°1% rain
- FriRain Showers74° / 48°90% rain
- SatSunny68° / 50°4% rain
- SunPartly Sunny71° / 48°12% rain
- MonSunny66° / 40°1% rain
- TueSunny62° / 40°–
- WedSunny69° / 47°1% rain
Today: sunrise 7:25 a.m., sunset 7:12 p.m., light until 7:39 p.m. · moon waning gibbous, 67% lit (our calculation)
Your guide to the area
Visitor points on this map: Burr Oak Cove Campground (2 mi) · Long Ridge Trailhead (9.2 mi) · Tecumseh Lake Day Use Area (9.8 mi) · Upstream Rock Run Interpretive Site (10.2 mi) · Monday Creek Trailhead (11.1 mi) · New Straitsville Trailhead (11.3 mi) · Stone Church Horse Campground (11.4 mi) · Old Stone Church Trailhead (11.8 mi)
Best spots around Wildcat Hollow, Wayne National Forest
- Entry road by the main parkingWalk back a short way along the road you drove in on: trout lily, toadshade, larkspur, sweet William and twinleaf, with large-flowered trillium up the hillside
- Eels Branch bottomland (start of the trail)Past the white pines, a rich stream-bottom forest with nodding trillium, Virginia bluebells, Dutchman's breeches and thick blankets of blue-eyed Mary
- Climb toward the ridge topMixed hardwoods with hepatica, rue anemone and bloodroot
Worth the drive
- Cuyahoga ValleyNational park118 milate March to mid-MaySatSunny
- Daniel Boone National ForestNational forest130 milate March to late AprilSatChance Rain Showers
- Stuart Memorial DriveNational forest131 mibloom in rapid succession from late March through early MaySatRain Showers Likely
- Dolly SodsNational forest150 mifrom May through JuneSatRain Showers Likely
- War Fork and Steer ForkNational forest178 mimost spectacular in mid-AprilSatRain Showers Likely
- George Washington and JeffersonNational forest202 milate March into April, then April into MaySatRain Showers
The year at Wildcat Hollow
- Spring ephemerals peak (late April and early May)Apr–May
- Wildflowers through the summersummer
- Autumn colorsNowautumn
Wildcat Hollow in pictures
Questions people ask
When is peak wildflowers in Wildcat Hollow, Wayne National Forest in 2027?
Spring ephemerals are at their peak in late April and early May, the Forest Service's recommended time for wildflower viewing: at their peak in late April and early May. That's the usual peak in the source's own words, not a forecast.
Is it blooming in Wildcat Hollow, Wayne National Forest right now?
Not now: its usual wildflowers window for this year has passed. Next time: at their peak in late April and early May, usually.
How long are the loops?
There's a short 5-mile day loop and a 17.2-mile loop along ridge-tops and stream bottoms; check the map so you stay on the day loop.Sources: USDA Forest Service, Wayne National Forest: Wildcat Hollow ↗ (opens in a new tab), USDA Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Wildcat Hollow ↗ (opens in a new tab)
What shoes should I wear?
Sturdy footwear with ankle support: the trail is rugged and crosses streams several times. Bring enough food and water for a full day, and be ready for changeable early-spring weather.Source: USDA Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Wildcat Hollow ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Is there a fee, water or a restroom?
No fee. The trailhead has vault toilets but no drinking water.Source: USDA Forest Service, Wayne National Forest: Wildcat Hollow ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Is it hunting season in spring?
Turkey hunters use this trail. During Ohio's turkey season wear orange, and avoid red and blue clothing.Source: USDA Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Wildcat Hollow ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Is there a guided wildflower hike?
The Forest Service gives a hike each spring to highlight the native plants and their flowers; call the Athens Ranger District in Nelsonville, (740) 753-0101, weekdays 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.Source: USDA Forest Service, Wayne National Forest: Wildcat Hollow ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Wildcat Hollow, Wayne National Forest?
Entry road by the main parking: walk back a short way along the road you drove in on: trout lily, toadshade, larkspur, sweet William and twinleaf, with large-flowered trillium up the hillside; Eels Branch bottomland (start of the trail): past the white pines, a rich stream-bottom forest with nodding trillium, Virginia bluebells, Dutchman's breeches and thick blankets of blue-eyed Mary; Climb toward the ridge top: mixed hardwoods with hepatica, rue anemone and bloodroot.
What is Wildcat Hollow, Wayne National Forest like through the year?
Spring ephemerals peak (late April and early May) (Apr–May), Wildflowers through the summer (Jun–Aug) and Autumn colors (Sep–Nov).