Snoopers Rock to Ransom Hollow Overlook

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Commonly Backpacked · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers

Parking is near Snoopers Rock, a good drive back on Tower Road, which is gravel the entire distance. No fees for parking and a primitive outhouse is near the parking area. Prentice Cooper is Central Time Zone and opens at dawn, closes at dusk. No permits needed per park rangers for backcountry camping, just need to sign the hiker logs.

This is a well-traveled trail beginning at Snoopers Rock in Prentice Cooper State Forest and follows the Pot Point Loop trail, white blazed) to end at the Ransom Hollow overlook (short blue blaze spur). The trail is fairly narrow with sections of rock and several seasonal creek crossings.

One section goes between two large boulders but is roomy for those who might feel claustrophobic. It's a pretty flat trail overall with gradual up and downhills. The trail passes by Hemlock Branch backcountry campsite, which is next to a seasonal creek; the creek was dry during this hike. There is some underbrush, but most of the trail was clear through established forest.

Lots of wild rhododendron, some poison ivy, old growth trees. Birds and small mammals were spotted. Deer can also be present.