Hiking Project Logo
Climb
MTB
Hike
Trailrun
Ski
Limited Time70% OffonX Backcountry

Pilot Knob Trail

Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 3.4 (7)
  1. Areas
  2. KY
  3. …Southeastern Kentucky
  4. Clay City
Explore in 3D
Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.
Previous Next

“Daniel Boone saw the Bluegrass from a knob south of here, but he didn't know what he was missing. ”

Chris Chaney
Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Google Map
Zoom in to see details
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

#24592

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

#251

in Kentucky

#24,592

Overall
10 Views Last Month
1,585 Since Jul 5, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
0%
0%
50%
25%
25%
0%
Add a Photo

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
Add Your Check-In

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

Nearby Recommended Routes

Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started