Indiana's longest continuous footpath: 58 miles of steep, narrow ridgeline through Clark and Jackson-Washington State Forests. No permit, no fee; the DNR just asks overnight hikers to call in.
“Traverse Knobstone Trail Thru-Hike (IN) on the Knobstone Trail.”
Plan your Knobstone Trail Thru-Hike (IN) trip here, then get your permit from the agency.
Walk-up permit
How to get Knobstone Trail
Knobstone Trail is issued by the agency rather than through a booking calendar. Their page has the current process and any dates.
More about Knobstone Trail Thru-Hike (IN)Planning another trip? See the permits we alert on.
Knobstone Trail permit season
- route distance, point to point
- 54mi
How to get a Knobstone Trail permit
As of September 2026, Knobstone Trail in Knobstone Trail Thru-Hike (IN), Indiana requires a permit issued via walk-up. Knobstone Trail rates 4/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. The Knobstone Trail route covers 54 miles, rated strenuous.
- Type
- Thru-Hike
- Location
- IN
How this permit is issued
Get this permit in person at the trailhead or ranger station, or by phone.
Step 1: Check the agency page for the process
This permit is not sold online. Confirm where and when it is issued (and any fee) at the managing agency's website before your trip.
Step 2: Arrive early
Walk-up permits are issued first-come, first-served. Where the agency sets a daily quota, popular trailheads can run out on weekends and holidays.
Step 3: Have backup plans
Popular trailheads fill fast. Know alternate routes or dates.
More on Knobstone Trail: Live availability activity
The Knobstone Trail hike
- Distance
- 54 miles
- Route Type
- Point to Point
- Duration
- 3-5 days
- Difficulty
- Strenuous
Knobstone Trail landmarks
- 1Deam Lake State Recreation Area (south terminus)
Southern end of the Knobstone Trail, about 20 miles northwest of Louisville, Kentucky, per the Hoosier Hikers Council.
- 2Camping-prohibited zone start
Primitive backpack camping is forbidden from mile marker 0 to mile marker 2, per Indiana DNR trail rules.
- 3Camping-prohibited zone (mile 30-34)
A second stretch, mile marker 30 to 34, where backpack camping is not allowed, per Indiana DNR trail rules.
- 4Clark State Forest crossing
The trail's southern miles run through Clark State Forest, one of three properties the Knobstone crosses.
- 5Elk Creek Public Fishing Area crossing
A public fishing area the trail passes through between the two state forests.
- 6Jackson-Washington State Forest crossing
The trail's northern miles run through Jackson-Washington State Forest.
- 7Spurgeon Hollow Lake access
An alternate northern access point that shortens the through-route to about 43.5 miles, per the Hoosier Hikers Council.
- 8Delaney Park (north terminus)
Northern terminus of the Knobstone Trail, just east of S.R. 135 in Washington County, per the Indiana DNR.
How hard the Knobstone Trail hike is
- Physical DemandFitness and endurance required5/5
- Technical SkillClimbing, scrambling, or specialized skills2/5
- NavigationRoute finding and trail clarity2/5
- CommitmentDifficulty of bailing out mid-route4/5
Best for: Experienced hikers with excellent fitness and relevant technical skills.
Recommended experience: Should have completed 10+ mile day hikes with significant elevation gain.
When to hike Knobstone Trail
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,000 ft)
Today
77°
48°
Mon
78°
52°
Tue
82°
53°
Wed
87°
59°
Thu
91°
65°
29%
Fri
71°
57°
41%
Sat
60°
52°
42%
Knobstone Trail rules, gear and safety
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Knobstone Trail.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Knobstone Trail · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
Some links may be affiliate links. Purchases support PermitSnag at no extra cost to you.
Knobstone Trail FAQ
Do I need a permit to backpack the Knobstone Trail?
No. The Indiana DNR states no fees, reservations, or permits are required, though overnight hikers are asked to call in with DNR Law Dispatch.
How long is the Knobstone Trail?
60 miles, from Deam Lake State Recreation Area to Delaney Park, per the Indiana DNR.
Where can I camp on the Knobstone Trail?
Anywhere on public land along the trail except miles 0-2 and 30-34, at least a quarter mile from roads and trailheads and 100 feet from the trail.
Is there water along the Knobstone Trail?
Do not rely on it. Streams are unpredictably dry, per the Hoosier Hikers Council.
How difficult is the Knobstone Trail?
Strenuous. It follows narrow, steep ridgelines and is used as training for bigger mountain trips.
Can I bike or ride horses on the Knobstone Trail?
No, it is foot traffic only.
Do I need to register before an overnight Knobstone Trail hike?
The DNR asks you to call Indiana DNR Law Dispatch before an overnight trip, though it is not a formal permit.
Knobstone Trail trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
Sign in to report trail conditions.
Questions
No questions yet
Be the first to ask about Knobstone Trail.
Trip Reports
Write ReportAlternatives to a Knobstone Trail permit
Plan the full trip, not just the permit
Build your full itinerary start to finish
Add your dates and get a day-by-day plan: what needs a permit, what gear to bring, and one link to share with your whole group to coordinate every step.
No permit needed to start
One tick helps us more than you’d think
Google lets you pick the sites it highlights for you. Add PermitSnag and our permit pages get marked as one of yours in AI Overviews and AI Mode.
Takes less than a minute.