Watts Creek and Knobby Rock Short Loop and Spur in Blanton Forest
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Sunset at Knobby Rock, Blanton Forest State Nature Preserve
Map of Watts Creek and Knobby Rock Short Loop and Spur, Blanton Forest State Nature Preserve
Elevation Profile of Watts Creek and Knobby Rock Loop and Spur
Overview. Beautiful creek, old growth forest, huge variety of mushrooms, and one of the most beautiful pieces of rock in Kentucky. Oh, and that view’s pretty good too;-) Blanton Forest State Nature Preserve is one of the few examples of old growth forest in the Commonwealth, and this hike takes full advantage of this natural treasure.
Route Type | Loop and Spur
Total Distance | 3.9 miles
Overall Difficulty | Strenuous
Map of Blanton Forest State Nature Preserve
GPS Waypoints
Trailhead | 36.858856, -83.381856
Single Track Trail | 36.861975, -83.379094
Intersection #1 | 36.862094, -83.374006
Intersection #2 | 36.862142, -83.373558
End of Watts Creek Trail | 36.865778, -83.366683
Knobby Rock | 36.868753, -83.371386
Trailhead. Ample parking is available for hikers at the trailhead that is short of the cabins and other buildings at Camp Blanton. Be sure NOT to go onto the private property there. [map]
Trail navigation. Begin from the trailhead moving out to the gravel road. Continue past a sharp bend in the road and look left to enter the forest on the marked trail. Follow this trail east past two intersections to explore Watts Creek until the trail ends at the property boundary. Retrace your steps and turn right (north) to make the climb to Knobby Rock. Note that the trail is marked with paint on the right side of the rock as you ascend. Take in the views here before continuing beyond Knobby Rock to find a trail intersection. Take a left to move west and begin your descent on the loop portion of this hike. Arrive at the intersection with Watts Creek Trail and turn right to move west and return to the trailhead.
No dogs, camping, fires, etc. Kentucky State Nature Preserves are designed for daytime human foot travel only - no dogs, camping, fires, or anything other than your footprints. Blanton Forest is pristine thanks to these rules and the old growth forest here is all the evidence one needs to understand the value of these rules. This is a very special place.
Make it an out and back. If you’re short on time or energy, take Intersection #2 to Knobby Rock and do this as an out and back. The trail underfoot is more tame than the trail up from Intersection #1.
Add Sand Cave and The Maze. I didn’t have time on this day, but you can extend this loop by going straight at the intersection north of Knobby Rock. This will form a larger loop.
CAUTION - Poisonous snakes. Timber rattlesnakes and copperheads can be found in the region. Stay alert on the trail, as snakes are commonly found taking in the warmth of the trail. Give them a wide berth or wait for them to move off the trail.
CAUTION - Bears. Black bears can be found throughout the Pine Mountain region. Be sure to follow bear aware practices. [Be Bear Aware by US Forest Service]
