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Pilot Knob
4.8 ★★★★★ 146 Google reviews · Running trail in Clay City, Kentucky · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- 1.5 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Pilot Knob's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hiking area offering a challenging trail with sweeping views.
What runners say about Pilot Knob
“Pilot Knob is always a great place to take a hike to a beautiful view.”
“Path is well marked and someone has done a good job keeping it clear and maintained.”
Great fall day for a hike. 1.2 miles each way with about a 700 foot elevation gain according to the Apple watch. Small parking area. Easy to find. Great views, windy at the top today. Will definitely be going back. Listed as strenuous and I would agree. Plenty of places to stop along the trail and rest if needed.
great hike, moderate to hard. 1,150ft of elevation gain within the first 30 minutes. There are a couple extra loops that you can take aside from the main trail to the knob. Ticks where found, use plenty of insect repellent.
Beautiful hike. Not too hard, but definitely expect a nice workout and wear appropriate shoes.
Love this hike! Trail isn't too easy or too difficult. It feels like you're getting a good workout in. Once you make it to the top, the views are breathtaking, especially during sunset. You can get to the top in 40-60 min depending on your pace. Highly recommend!
Trail conditions & character
“Once you make it to the top, the views are breathtaking, especially during sunset.”
“2 miles each way with about a 700 foot elevation gain according to the Apple watch.”
“Although it was no problem as I was alone, parking is limited.”
“Path is well marked and someone has done a good job keeping it clear and maintained.”
Plan your run at Pilot Knob
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- Distance1.5 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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