Overlook Trail at Knob Creek

View of the Knob Creek Valley from atop of the Overlook Trail

NPS

A popular activity here at the Kentucky Boyhood Home Unit is to hike to the one and a half miles overlook trail where you will see a spectacular view of the valley that the old Louisville and Nashville Turnpike once occupied. As you walk the Overlook Trail, you will pass several points of interest along the way. Please allow between two and three hours to complete this strenuous three-mile round-trip hike. As with any National Park Service trail, we ask that you take only memories and pictures, leave only footprints. Trail map and guide are available at the Visitor Center. Before your visit, view the Kentucky Boyhood Home Unit Visitor Center hours.


Basic Information:

Duration: 2 1/2 - 3 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous
Length: 1 1/2 miles (2.4 km)
Trail Type: In and Out

 

Photographer: Kai Ratliff

Points of Interest Along the Trail

Don't miss these exciting highlights!

The Field – you are passing through the field that was once farmed by the Lincoln family

Knob Creek– on your right is Knob Creek, water source for the farm. This is also the creek where Austin Gollaher, reportedly rescued young Abraham when he fell in the creek.

The Spur Climb – as you walk out of the field, you will begin to climb a very steep incline to the top of the ridge above the farm – use caution the trail is slippery, uneven, and rocky here – try to imagine the flash floods that occasionally washed away the Lincoln’s crops.

The Metal Sheets – once you’re on top of the ridge you will notice several pieces of sheet metal; this is a NPS study on wildlife in this area – do not disturb.

The Pond – as you pass the pond on the way to the overlook, you will notice a wide variety of amphibian and bird species living in and near this water source.

The Overlook – you will see a great view of the valley that Abraham Lincoln once lived in; the road you see below is US 31E, which follows the old Louisville and Nashville Turnpike.

 

Photographer: Kai Ratliff

Safety Information

- Sturdy shoes or hiking boots are strongly recommended for this hike- Walking surfaces are rough, uneven, slippery, and steep – USE CAUTION!
- Take adequate drinking water for each person in your group
- Some of the inclines on this trail are very steep and persons with respiratory, heart, or other health conditions should consider limitations before starting trail.
- Venomous snakes snakes, and ticks are present. Avoid going near any snake.
- Collection of animals, plants, rocks, fossils, and artifacts of any kind is prohibited by law.
- Adults must accompany children at all times
- Use caution on creek banks and edge of ridges; the soil is unstable and may give way
- Severe thunderstorms may occur suddenly, there is no storm shelter on top of the hill.

 

Map of Overlook Trail at the Knob Creek Farm.

Map Key:

1. Knob Creek

2. The Spur Climb

3. The Metal Sheets

4. The Pond

5. The Overlook