The Knobstone Hiking Trail is a 160-mile trail along the landmark Knobstone escarpment in one of the most rugged and scenic areas of the South Central Midwest, on the high bluffs of the forested corridor between Indianapolis, Indiana and Louisville, Kentucky. The KHT consists of four sections, Knobstone (south, 45 miles), Pioneer (South middle, 37.9), Hoosier National Forest (North middle, 28.4), and Tecumseh (north, 42.7-miles). The Knobstone has continuous trail from start to finish. The Tecumseh and Hoosier Nation Forest has minor county road walks. The Pioneer has 5 miles of existing trails with approximately 9 more miles in various stages of development. The extended road walks are nearly all on remote gravel and black top roads with great scenery. There is 2.5 miles of road walk along Hwy 135 with a wide grass strip at the edge. There is good access and parking at 10-20-mile intervals, ideal for day hikes and backpack camping. No fees, reservations, or permits are required.
The Knobstone Hiking Trail Association (KHTA) was formed in 2013 to become the steward of this great trail. The KHTA is a non-profit organization dedicated to completion, preservation, and promotion of the KHT. We depend on Association members and volunteers for its very existence. Only a part of it is on public land maintained by government agencies. Trail conditions are dependent on hiker reports and volunteer action in response to them. The KHTA is the only source for maps and information about the entire trail. Won’t you join us?
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Check Out A Guide To The Knobstone Trail: Indiana’s Longest Footpath
The KHTA Is Now Available on the FarOut App
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Check Out A Guide To The Knobstone Trail: Indiana’s Longest Footpath
Check Trail Conditions & Updates
View The 2024 End of Year Newsletter – Newsletter
2nd Annual Trailblazer 50
Saturday, April 11
On April 11, Trailblazer Running will sponsor its 2nd Annual Trailbalzer 50 mile run.
A rugged point-to-point 50 miler along Indiana’s longest footpath, the Knobstone Trail. The KT is often described as one of the most challenging trails in the state and is commonly referred to as “The Little AT” due to its steep, hilly landscape, reminiscent of the Appalachian Mountains.
The course travels Northward from Deam Lake State Park to Delaney Creek Park, accumulating roughly 10,000ft of elevation gain throughout. Join us on this scenic backcountry journey of steep climbs, sweeping vistas, and beautiful forested landscapes!
You can register to run or volunteer.
For further info, click on Trailblazer 50.
Trailblazer Running supports the improvement of the trail through generous donations to the KHTA and recruiting volunteers to maintain the trail.
Volunteering
Second Saturday Workdays – Gateway Trail Building In Morgan-Monroe State Forest
February 14, & March 14 – Join Us For The 2nd Saturday Workday – 9:30 am-3:30 pm
Help us as we continue to build this new trail in Morgan-MonroeSF. We will meet at 9:15 and sign the DNR volunteer forms, hike about a mile to where we’ve been working and continue building this trail. Work will consist of benching the new trail, smoothing out previously built sections, raking and pruning or other aspects if the temps allow. Not all work is labor intensive, there’s plenty to do without moving piles of dirt!
DNR requires those using chainsaws to have participated in their training, but hand saws can also be used along with helping to remove cut items. All tools will be provided, but bring some gloves, a favorite shovel or pruners if you’d like.
We take plenty of breaks, including a longer one for lunch. So bring some snacks or a meal, some water or hot whatever your preference and come out and be part of building a trail. Come out and build a foot of trail or 100 feet, it all helps us get closer to finishing!. Click Here for more info and to sign up on Meetup.
KHTA Volunteers & Adopters Workdays – February 7, February 21, and March 7
We had a great day on Dec. 20 with 9 participants clearing trail, building drains, and chainsawing blowdowns for about 3/4 of a mile.
We will continue maintaining the trail going north in the months ahead. Details will be posted here, on Meetup, and Facebook. We will continue to meet at the North Leval Ratt Road Parking Area.
We will park at the trail crossing of North Level Road Ratt Road. From the Elk Creek Lake entrance head west up the hill for about 1.3 miles. For Google directions click on North Leval Ratt Road Parking Area
Please bring a lunch and water. We will have large hand tools, you may bring any small tools you have such as clippers or a pruning saw. And a backpack is handy to carry everything in. Instructions will be provided for those who need them. We will finish at about 3:00.
Sign up on Meetup
Join us on our website at http://www.knobstonehikingtrail.org/ and on Facebook at KHTA Facebook Group.
Pictures From Section Hikes, Thru Hikes, & 2nd Sat Work Days
Check Out Our Facebook Page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Knobstone-Hiking-Trail-
Pictures From Hikes
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Volunteer To Build The KHT
Trail builders find it one of the most rewarding things they’ve ever done. Make your mark on this forever trail! Details about the next work date (no experience needed; work for all ages and abilities available):
Activities Update
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