Delaney Creek Park
Delaney Creek Park is
directly adjacent to and connected to The Jackson / Washington
State Forest.
Hikers from all over
come to this area to travel the Knobstone Trail. The KT is the
longest continuous hiking trail in Indiana- a total of 58 miles
passing through a rugged, forested part of Indiana highland known
as the Knobstone Escarpment. The trail intermittently follows
the crest of this escarpment, rising to heights of 500 feet above
surrounding forests and farmlands before plunging down to the
bottom again, many times over. From Delaney Park near Plattsburg
to Deam Lake State Recreation Area southwest of Henryville, the
trail passes through a corridor of State forest and Nature Conservancy
land that is never short on scenery.
The KT passes through
Clark State Forest, Elk Creek Public Fishing Area, and Jackson-Washington
State Forest. These state resource properties contain nearly
40,000 acres of rugged, forested land. The trail presently extends
from near Deam Lake, just north of S.R. 60 in Clark County, to
Delaney Park, just east of SR 135 in Washington County. The Knobstone
Trail may eventually be developed northward to connect with the
Hoosier National Forest, Yellowwood State Forest, and Morgan-Monroe
State Forest.
Allowed Uses
The Knobstone Trail is developed and managed for foot traffic
only. Because of erosion, damage to structures, and the safety
of hikers, horses, bicycles, and motorized vehicles are not allowed
on the trail.
Caution
Because the trail follows the Knobstone Escarpment, there are
many steep climbs and descents. It can be regarded as a rugged,
difficult trail to hike. It is managed and maintained at back
country standards, and structures are limited to primitive steps
and waterbars. Maintenance responsibilities fall to a two-person
field crew, occasionally assisted by volunteers.
The trail crosses several
roads, varying from state highways to gravel country lanes. Use
caution when crossing these roads.
Our thanks to Mr.
M. Averill of Zionsville School system for his compilation
and contribution of information for this page.
Free maps of the KT can
be obtained from the Division of Outdoor Recreation, 402 W. Washington
St., Room W271, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
State of Indiana Knobstone Trail page
Indiana Outfitters Knobstone Trail page
home