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Pilot Knob Trail

Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 3.4 (7)
  1. Areas
  2. KY
  3. …Southeastern Kentucky
  4. Clay City
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“Daniel Boone saw the Bluegrass from a knob south of here, but he didn't know what he was missing. ”

Chris Chaney
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Map Key

1.1

Miles

1.8

KM

Point to Point

1,429' 436 m

High

804' 245 m

Low

625' 190 m

Up

108' 33 m

Down

12%

Avg Grade (7°)

40%

Max Grade (22°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This is a state nature preserve so certain restrictions apply.

Description

This climb is relentless. There are a few relatively flat sections offering meager reprieve but, for the most part, the climbing doesn't stop until you're only a few dozen yards from the overlook.

This area doesn't get a lot of traffic but is popular with hikers.

Best to tag the overlook summit and return via the Sage Point Loop trail.

Flora & Fauna

Lots of flora and fauna. Wildflowers abound along the trail and views are incredible.

Contacts

Land Manager: Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission

Shared By:

Chris Chaney
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  3.4 from 7 votes

#1

in Clay City

#24582

Overall
  3.4 from 7 votes
5 Star
14%
4 Star
43%
3 Star
29%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
14%
Trail Rankings

#1

in Clay City

#250

in Kentucky

#24,582

Overall
10 Views Last Month
1,585 Since Jul 5, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
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Photos

View from the top of Pilot Knob Trail - Overlooking the Bluegrass Region
Oct 30, 2018 near Clay City, KY
Friend along the trail.
Sep 30, 2019 near Clay City, KY

0 Comments

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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Check-Ins

Aug 23, 2020
Stephen Davis
Very rocky and root laden but the incline is not as challenging as the topographic map would indicate. Shaded the entire way. Gorgeous view. — 0h 45m
Mar 15, 2019
Rachel Crum
Bit muddy in spots, but a great view of the clouds rolling in. 2.4mi — 1h 12m
Apr 28, 2018
Kaitlin Clem
Pilot’s Knob + Overlook. 2.5mi
Apr 17, 2016
Eli Caudill
Mileage is total for out and back. Only saw two other hikers and this was a nice spring day. Great solitude, scenery, and views. 2.4mi — 2h 00m

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