Stetson Hollow

Stetson Hollow is a little-used up-and-back trail through a dense, lush forest, with surrounding meadows, and makes a perfect quiet getaway. While starting only a few hundred feet from Highway 38, the trail feels isolated and remote, with only the sounds of singing birds and the wind whispering through the trees. Trees embrace portions of the trail to form canopies and filter the sunlight to create dark passageways, enhancing the sense of remoteness. 

Along the trail, clearings and grassy meadows allow midday sunlight to beam in through the surrounding tall pine trees and provide excellent dispersed camping sites.  The trail starts very close to the highway, but the camp locations are far enough away not to hear any traffic noise. These sites have no fire rings as campfires are prohibited in the forest.

The Forest Service trail makers at the trailhead do not provide a difficulty level, and the road is moderately difficult with a rocky creek crossing, deep ruts, fallen trees, and large rocks to avoid or drive over. The road is not maintained, allowing bushes and trees to crowd the path, which can result in vehicle pin-stripping. A lifted four-wheel drive vehicle with ground clearance is required to navigate this road.