Knobstone Trail
~4 days · 52.4 mi · hard · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Knobstone Trail is known for
Indiana's longest footpath, rolling relentlessly along the Knobstone Escarpment's steep wooded knobs — a favorite Midwest shakedown for Appalachian Trail hopefuls.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 604 ft to 1,027 ft over 52.4 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 11.2 mi · 21%
- Downhill 10.4 mi · 20%
- Flat 30.8 mi · 59%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Knobstone Trail?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Knobstone Trail scores 25/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Knobstone Trail take?
Most backpackers hike the Knobstone Trail in about 4 days (3 nights out) over its 52.4 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Knobstone Trail?
The Knobstone Trail climbs roughly 6,634 ft total — about 126 ft per mile, topping out near 1,043 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.