Hikers will now be able to access the 58-mile Knobstone Trail in southern Indiana from a new, permanent trailhead inside Deam Lake State Recreation Area.
The new trailhead is at the parking lot for the Buzzard Roost shelter house, just west of the Deam Lake dam. It replaces a temporary trailhead previously located east of the dam on Wilson Switch Road.
The Knobstone, aka KT, is Indiana’s longest footpath. It winds through working forests, nature preserves, and fish, wildlife and state recreation areas. Managed by the DNR Division of Forestry, the trail runs from Jackson-Washington State Forest and Delaney Park near Salem, in the north, through Elk Creek Fish and Wildlife Area and Clark State Forest properties, to Deam Lake near Borden, in the south.
The new trailhead will act as the “southern gate” to the KT, according to Deam Lake SRA assistant property manager Derek Spanton.
“Improved signage makes the trailhead easier to locate,” Spanton said. “Hikers will also appreciate the paved parking area that will be monitored by security.”
The new location will also make it easier for hikers to explore the rest of Deam Lake SRA. In addition to the trail, the property offers camping, a swimming beach, row-boat rental, boating access, fishing, and access to many other hiking and horse trails.
Many people and several organizations, including the Knobstone Hiking Trail Association, volunteered labor to help build the trailhead and maintain the trail.
“We’d like to extend our gratitude to everyone who offered their time and talent to make this new trailhead possible,” Spanton said.
Knobstone Trail maps are available for purchase at Deam Lake SRA, Clark State Forest, Jackson-Washington State Forest, Starve Hollow SRA and at Delaney Park. Maps can also be purchased at the DNR customer service center by calling (317) 232-4200.
For Knobstone Trail updates and other useful information, visit dnr.IN.gov/forestry/4224.htm.