Pilot Knob - Daniel Boone's Overlook

Map of Hike to Pilot Knob

Elevation Profile of Pilot Knob Hike

Overview. According to legend, Pilot Knob is where Daniel Boone took in his first views of Central Kentucky’s rolling hills. Whether or not this is true doesn’t matter much today, but you can still expect a beautiful view without breaking into too much of a sweat.

This hike had been on my list for a couple years, and I finally had just enough time to squeeze it in. There are two other trails on the Nature Preserve property that I would’ve like to have hiked, but time was limited so I opted for the short and sweet version straight to the top.

Route Type | Out and Back
Total Distance | 2.25 miles
Overall Difficulty | Moderate
Pilot Knob Trail Map

Trailhead. Locating the trailhead is relatively easy - especially now that I’ve added it to Google Maps. You’ll come off KY-15 heading east on Brush Creek Road. Follow it to the end where you’ll see a turnaround. Please make note of and respect the sign posted that the lot serves as a turnaround for school buses from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. on school days. [map]

Trail navigation. The trail is pretty straightforward although it has been rerouted recently due to excessive erosion. Leaving the parking lot, follow the Oscar Geralds Jr. trail that will be signed once you reach the sign-in box pictured below. From there, it’s a good, steady climb that will take you past the knob from below, then circle back to Pilot Knob from the backside.

On the day I was there, someone had setup an illegal camp on the furthest section of trail. I don’t know if a better view is available there, as I thought it best to simply leave them be while I took in some limited views to the south. Note that camping is forbidden in all Kentucky State Nature Preserves, and that this is a day use only facility.