Kelly Hollow Short Loop Trail

Parking is available at the trailhead. An old cemetery, containing graves of Civil War soldiers, is situated near the road at one of the trailheads, which can help you locate the starting point.

Yes, the trail is generally dog-friendly. However, it's always best to keep your dog on a leash to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all hikers.

The trail is enjoyable year-round. Spring offers lush greenery and rushing streams, while autumn provides vibrant foliage. It's also a designated cross-country ski trail in winter, popular for snowshoeing, offering a different kind of beauty.

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to hike this trail, as it is located within the Balsam Lake Mountain Wild Forest, which is generally open to the public without charge.

As part of a Wild Forest, visitors should practice Leave No Trace principles. This includes packing out all trash, staying on marked trails, and respecting wildlife. Primitive camping is allowed in designated areas or with specific regulations, such as at the lean-to along the trail.

The short loop, which is approximately 1.9 miles, can typically be completed in about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery.

The terrain primarily follows old logging roads, offering a mostly double-track path with excellent footing. You'll encounter gentle uphill inclines and cross several streams, often via charming footbridges. The path transitions between towering spruce and hemlock forests and areas of deciduous trees.

Absolutely. This trail is considered one of the easiest and most picturesque in the Catskills, suitable for hikers of all ages and skill levels, including beginners and families. Its easy grades and excellent footing make it very accessible.

You'll wind through a gorgeous pine forest, hear rushing streams, and pass a tranquil Beaver Pond (though water levels can vary). A notable feature is a Norway Spruce forest planted by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. There's also a lean-to for resting or primitive camping, and an old cemetery with Civil War graves near the trailhead.

Yes, the trail is multi-use. It is a designated cross-country ski trail in winter, marked with yellow ski-trail markers, and is also popular for mountain biking and snowshoeing year-round.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Kelly Hollow Cross-Country Ski Trail. For those interested in more challenging hikes, the Kelly Hollow area is also near the Dry Brook Ridge trail, which leads to the Balsam Lake Fire Tower.