Knobstone Thru-Hike (Southern Indiana)

[ConcordSage]

Hey y'all,

How is everyone? I may be shunned from the forum now that I have converted back to the ground. (One day when I can afford it, I'll get a hammock again and good gear for it.)

Anyway, I am planning a Knobstone thru-hike. I won't do the loops, i'll just start in Delaney area and head south. It will run Oct. 10-14th. I have the 13th and 14th off for 'midterm break'.

Has anyone completed the Knobstone? Any tips or tricks, hints or clues?

I plan to make a video of it as well. I've always liked making videos, and I think it will be a good addition to a YouTube channel. (Hopefully it will be at least half as entertaining as Shug's)

Oh, and don't be afraid to join me if you'd like! So far I'm planning it solo, my hiking buddy doesn't seem to want to.

[gmcttr]

No advice, but looking forward to the video.

[Rolloff]

We should start at opposite ends and meet in the middle! I'd go with you but I've kind of decided I want it solo.

Are you planning on using one of the shuttle's?

Probably should count on water caches. Several.

Take a cell and keep the two main shuttle/outfitters numbers handy. If someone steals or fouls a cache, they'll run you water for a fee or bail you out, if need be.

Very good map available to order or download. If you order a copy it will come on paper coated with a finish to resist turning to snot after a few hours of rain. I can provide you with a few other websites that will have compass headings, GPS, and physical description of most of the trail, if you haven't run across them already, just ask. Probably won't reflect any recent closures or re-routes.

Good luck and keep this thread running and I'll use it too, should I make the KT crossing.

[OneClick]

Here's a brochure w/ map - http://www.in.gov/dnr/outdoor/files/or-ktnorth.pdf

I was always interested in this trail, but my desire to hike this is close to zero after considering logistics, hiding water, shuttles, etc. That takes all the fun out of it for me...just the way I am. But maybe I'll try a section someday just to get a taste and possibly reconsider.

[ConcordSage]

We should start at opposite ends and meet in the middle! I'd go with you but I've kind of decided I want it solo.

Are you planning on using one of the shuttle's?

Probably should count on water caches. Several.

Take a cell and keep the two main shuttle/outfitters numbers handy. If someone steals or fouls a cache, they'll run you water for a fee or bail you out, if need be.

Very good map available to order or download. If you order a copy it will come on paper coated with a finish to resist turning to snot after a few hours of rain. I can provide you with a few other websites that will have compass headings, GPS, and physical description of most of the trail, if you haven't run across them already, just ask. Probably won't reflect any recent closures or re-routes.

Good luck and keep this thread running and I'll use it too, should I make the KT crossing.

I'll have to use a shuttle, unless I find someone else who wants to go. They stress having water caches, but a few hikers have told me that they found water quite often on the trail. I will probably set one anyway, better safe than sorry.

[Mountnman]

Good friend of mine just did the KT and he cached water, and used a shuttle. He said the driver that shuttled him scared him half to death From what he was telling me is that the trail is used quite a bit by backpackers preparing for the AT and that it is a pretty tough trail. He is a strong hiker and he was spent each night. Sounds like a goodin looking forward to your report

[Acer]

Take plenty of bug spray,,skeeters are thick as well as ticks too. Not sure how the weather will be then in Oct. tho.

[Silvertip47203]

Sounds like a great time! Please post the vid when you are done.

[Rolloff]

Water on the KT, is pretty much directly related to recent rainfall amounts. If it's been a wet month, then yes. If they've had recent showers, then yes. If not, plan to need a cache or two.

The drawback to plentiful water on this trail also means muddy trail. Especially around the lakes. That's just part of the KT experience and it can change pretty fast. If you're already having trouble dealing with the up and down, a quick shower, can make things slicker than snot. Nobo mile 10 seems to claim a lot of bodies. Big hills one after the other there.(Best part of the KT)

[Hoosierhammock]

I have never heard of the knobstone until now, but I am interested in doing it now. Need a proper training ground for Isle Royale and Glacier National Park that I have on the docket for next year.