Head of the Crow Hiking
  • view of sunset from cliff hidden behind trees showing landscape
    • girl hiking in forest wearing a backpack and sun shining on her

    Hiking at Head of the Crow

    Head of the Crow State Park has multiple trails for both seasoned and beginning hikers to enjoy the park's incredible views.

    IMPORTANT: Throughout the trails, hikers should note the significant changes in elevation and prepare with proper equipment, including plenty of water, appropriate shoes, and bug repellent.

    Trails

    • Buggytop Trail

      Head of the Crow State Park
      Distance
      2.05 mi.
      Difficulty
      Difficult
      Surface
      Natural
      This in-and-out trail is 2.05 miles (4.10 miles total) and winds through an oak-hickory hardwood forest with small cedar groves and limestone openings, terminating at the Buggytop Cave entrance from which Crow Creek flows.
      Availability
      Open
      Use
      Hiking

    • Natural Bridge Trail

      Head of the Crow State Park
      Distance
      0.10 mi.
      Difficulty
      Easy
      Surface
      Natural
      This one-acre State Natural Area features a 25-foot high natural sandstone arch with a span of 50-feet that provides a scenic overlook of Lost Cove.
      Availability
      Open
      Use
      Hiking

    • Pack Hollow Trail

      Head of the Crow State Park
      Distance
      1.60 mi.
      Difficulty
      Moderate
      Surface
      Natural
      This trail has 1.6 miles open to the public. The open segment follows along bluff lines slowly descending into Tom Pack Hollow.
      Availability
      Open
      Use
      Hiking

    • Sherwood Day Loop

      Head of the Crow State Park
      Distance
      2.85 mi.
      Difficulty
      Easy
      Surface
      Natural
      This trail covers mostly level ground with a few stairs. Along this trail you will pass through a forested ridge along many rock formations. There are several overlooks offering long views of Crow Creek Valley and a natural bridge.
      Availability
      Open
      Use
      Hiking

    Trail Definitions

    • Cross Slope 

      Describes the degree of incline from one side of the trail path to the other; measured as a percentage. Cross slope aids in water drainage and impacts the overall trail stability.   

    • Grade  

      Describes the rise in elevation over a horizontal distance on the trail; measured as a percentage.  Higher percentages represent a steeper grade indicating a more challenging ascent or descent for hikers.    

    • Standard Ramp Grade

      Serves as a reference guide for the grade of the trail.  Standard Ramp Grade is 8.3% across all trail assessments.  

    • Surface 

      A characteristic of the trail expressed in terms of material type, grading, compaction, and roughness of the path. Possible surface types include soil, gravel, paved, and mulch.   

    • Tread Width    

      Represents the horizontal distance from one edge of the trail path to the other; measurements can vary.  Tread width helps to determine the amount of space a hiker has to pass through. Obstacles on the trail can alter the remaining tread width.   

    • Trail Types: Loop

      Trail returns at or near the point from which you started. 

    • Trail Types: Network 

      Offers multiple route options within one trail, and each route is connected

    • Trail Types: Out and Back

      This type of trail travels out to an endpoint where hikers turn around and travel back to the starting point.   

    • Trail Types: Stacked Loop

      A loop trail contained completely within another trail.   

    Learn More About Trail Accessibility Information

    Need a Map?

    Explore our collection of printable and digital trail maps, organized by park. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or paddling, you’ll find the resources you need to navigate confidently.

     

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