A Hiker’s Path: Knob scrambling to Pinnacle Peak in southern Indiana

I recently hiked on one of my favorite trails: the Knob Lake trail.

The trail is located in the Jackson-Washington State Forest. The forest encompasses nearly 18,000 acres in Jackson and Washington counties in the heart of southern Indiana. 

The majority of the land that now makes up this beautiful forest was purchased by the state in the 1930s and the 1950s. This part of the state contains unique topography know as the “knobs”. The region provides scenic views and offers some breathtaking hiking opportunities.

The Knob Lake trail is no exception.

The trail combines three trails to make a loop and is 4.3 miles in total length. It’s considered very rugged in ease of hiking mostly due to the knobs one must climb. 

It was a fantastic day weather wise when I hiked this trail. The temperature was in the upper 70s and it was sunny with a blue sky overhead. I decided to hike the whole loop of the trail which consists of trails 1-3.

The path follows a ridge top made up of several knobs. The knob hills must be ascended and descended. It’s a straight up and down path on each one. No switchbacks to make it easier. And some of them are pretty steep. I started my hike on trail 2.

The late summer forest was beautiful.

Last week’s column: Hiking among the treetops in Pine Hills Nature Preserve

The trail was marked, but it would have been hard to miss the high knobs that I ended up climbing in succession. I think I counted 10, but lost count in between breaths. The climbs were steep. I have found that most of the trails in the southern part of the state are like that. It makes them all a very fun challenge.

The goal was to reach Pinnacle Peak, the highest point of the trail. The highest elevation I could find on the trail was 976 feet. All of the knobs neared the 900-foot mark.

So the path finally intersected with the Pinnacle Peak trail, which is a spur trail that goes off the main loop and up to Pinnacle Peak. I had more climbing to do, but I knew I was almost there. Never mind that it appeared to be steeper and there was loose gravel to be found on the trail in places.

I finally reached the top! I must say, the views were fantastic on top of the peak. There were lots of large rocks scattered about and some of the rocks had etchings on them that dated back over 100 years.

It was a special moment for me on that high peak. Quite serene.

Soon it was time to head back. I still had a bit of hiking and climbs to make, but for the most part, it was downhill and then back to the car. It had been a wonderful hike.

To get to this place: From Brownstown, take Ind. 250 East for approximately 2 miles. Turn left at the state forest sign. Knob Lake will be approximately 1 mile on right. Be sure to pick up a map at the gate!

A quote for your week: “A lake carries you into recesses of feeling otherwise impenetrable.” — William Wordsworth, English poet, 1770-1850

Until the next trail,Susan