Tar Hollow South Loop

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This is the clockwise southern loop that has a northern counterpart that is just a couple of miles shorter - combined they make up the 17.9-mile Logan Trail. It is mostly double-wide path, with lots of rocks and roots to add technicality. The bigger climbs are made easier by switchbacks while ascending. Camping is available within steps of the trailhead. The trails a very well-marked with signs throughout denoting the trail and mileage between sections. Red blazes designate the Logan Trail as well as some concurrent Buckeye Trail segments with light blue blazes.

Be careful to mind the red trail markings that designate the Logan Trail. The Buckeye Trail doubles in certain sections as well.

The trail as described starts after crossing a cement bridge at the spillway along a nice singletrack with a gentle ascent, which is very manageable. Make a left turn onto the "South Loop" at point "M" (if you end up at the fire tower you have missed your turn and can choose to hike the loop in the counterclockwise direction).

After a couple of miles have passed, you begin a very aggressive descent of 300 feet downhill in about 0.2 miles. Mile 3.7 is the first road crossing you'll encounter, and the trail abruptly punishes you on the other side with a 390-foot climb with numerous switchbacks. Two more very hike-able miles pass and you start to descend again, however, not quite as steeply as the first descent.

The final big climb begins at about mile 8.3 and goes up 300 more feet. You'll pass the fire tower at about mile 10 (camp bathrooms) where you'll begin the descent back to the spillway parking lot, repeating your first 1.5 miles.

Chipmunks galore.