Knobstone Trail Condition Evaluation and
Progress Report of Hoosier Hikers Council Improvements
INITIAL SURVEY: 2002, by the HHC (Revised 7/05, 4/06, 2/07)
To help: 765/349-0204 or hikers@scican.net

In 2002 the Hoosier Hikers Council began a program of rehabilitation of Indiana's landmark Knobstone Trail. As it was initially conceived of as a 140-mile footpath following the Knobstone escarpment, in 1996 the HHC had began a program to complete its extension from 45 miles to the full 140-miles in length. Hoosiers owe a debt to those whose vision of the trail helped create it in the 1970s. The HHC was founded in order to improve the state's trails; the KT deserves its attention in order to preserve this treasure

Maintenance of the Knobstone Trail has been a chronic problem for years. This is due to the way in which the footpath was originally laid out. The task was given to enthusiastic but largely untrained volunteers. As a result, most up and down hill segments follow bee-line routes (the fall line, which collects and channels rainfall onto, instead of off, the trail). This has inevitably resulted in eroded, often totally destroyed trails and slopes. These segments are extremely unsightly, but more importantly, they represent destruction of the resource. The eroded conditions include the total removal of all topsoil and growing plants, and the creation of ditches, trenches, or gullies, some more than waist deep.

These improperly designed and drained trails have also made the KT unnecessarily difficult and stressful to hike. This has greatly limited the appeal and usefulness of the trail for the citizens of Indiana. Perhaps more importantly, the eroding, steep slopes with loose soil and stones and sloping, improperly designed steps (slippery when wet) represent serious safety hazards to users.

The eroding hillsides have often been treated with the installation of steps, instead of the redesign of the trail to ensure better drainage and longevity. Steps are ordinarily used only as a last resort where ownership restricts the use of contour or switchback designs (the reason for some of the KT steps). Steps are costly, and require considerable skill to install properly. Some KT repair crews have not been experienced enough to do this well. Contour trails allow best drainage, and best views.

The HHC has begun redesigning the eroding fall-line trails. This will take many years. When completed, the KT will become a low-maintenance, sustainable route.

(***)In the following table, the level of threat to the resource is marked by asterisks (*). One asterisk (*) indicates inevitable potential for harm, due to inadequate drainage. Two (**) indicate presence of active erosion, significant damage such as ditching and trenching, and conditions which can result in permanent environmental damage. Three asterisks (***) indicate that permanent, irreversible destruction of the slope or ridge has already occurred, with removal of soil and plant cover and cracks in the soil structure and deep gullies. Active erosion is accelerating and should be halted at the first available opportunity. Four (****) is highest priority.

Mileages in the table are approximate, and calculated without the aid of a GPS device.

Adopting the Appalachian Trail practice of using blue blazes for all access trails would prevent confusion in several areas.