TRAIL BUILDING & MAINTENANCE:
THE KNOBSTONE TRAIL

The Knobstone Trail (KT) is a " through" or linear trail which begins 10 miles north of Louisville, Kentucky, extending northwestward. In its original 1970s conception, the Knobstone Trail was to be Indiana's premier footpath, extending approximately 140 miles along the full length of the knobstone escarpment to Martinsville. Here the escarpment peters out at the north end of the Morgan-Monroe State Forest, where it is cut by the White River. The first (original southern) 45-mile section was completed in 1981. State Department of Natural Resources planners and interested citizen hikers met in 1995-96 to plan the extension forward. Since that time, the HHC has helped plan and complete the northern third of the KT through trail, the 42-mile Tecumseh Trail. The DNR continues to buy property to improve the trail. The Hoosier Hikers Council is dedicated to helping finish the central section, which we have named the Pioneer Trail.

This is not simply a dream; the HHC is working hard to make this a reality! We have done a lot, and have a lot yet to do.

The 140-mile Knobstone Trail was recently thru-hiked for the first time ever from Oct. 30 - Nov 8, 2009.

Original Knobstone Trail

The DNR has been trying to maintain the KT with summer staff, but this has been difficult because of problems stemming from design flaws in the original layout. See the HHC's KT Condition Report for an evaluation of trail problems, HHC completed rehabilitation projects, and work remaining (updated annually since initial 2002 review)..

The HHC is helping with the needed maintenance and rehabilitation of the original trail. To adopt a section of the original KT, go to the HHC's Adopt-A-Trail webpage. To find out when the next spring or fall HHC KT improvement session is scheduled, contact the HHC at hikers@hoosierhikerscouncil.org.

The DNR's Knobstone Trail Information website www.in.gov/dnr/knobstone/ will tell you:

• All you need to know about finding the KT, surviving it, etc.
• Sales source for the DNR's waterproof topographic 45-mile KT map.
• How to download a free color topographic map of the KT.

Want more miles of foot trails or completion of the KT extension as a foot trail (no horses or bikes on the middle section)?
Tell the DNR's Division of Outdoor Recreation Director, Steve Morris: SMorris@dnr.state.in.us

Tecumseh Trail (Knobstone Trail North)

This section will encompass approximately 48 miles when it is completed. In 2001 the approximately 42 miles of trail in Morgan-Monroe State Forest were connected. Fine-tuning of trail sections will continue for several years.

Pioneer Trail (Middle Knobstone)

The Pioneer section will include approximately 15 miles of Hoosier National Forest trail. This will cross from Miller Ridge, adjacent to Brown County State Park, to Browning Mountain, across Monroe Reservoir, pass over Nebo Ridge, cross the county road near Houston, then lead south to end near Route 58 at Kurtz. The final route is being negotiated with the Hoosier National Forest, to ensure that it remains a footpath and not a multiple-use trail. Register your support for a footpath route in the HNF by e-mailing them or by visiting the HNF website.

The Pioneer Trail lies in Jackson and Washington Counties, and apart from the HNF acres, must cross mostly private land. The process of route surveys, talks with landowners, and acquisition and donations of property and easements is underway. Residents of Salem, Sparksville, Brownstown, Seymour, and smaller towns in the area are getting involved. Join us!

The HHC's Jackson County coordinator may be reached at: 812/966-2272. Our Washington County coordinator may be reached at: 317/254-1592.