Last updated: July 17, 2022
Thing to Do
Overlook Trail at Knob Creek
Boyhood Home Overlook Trail at Knob Creek
Welcome to Lincoln’s Boyhood Home at Knob Creek. A popular activity here 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. Please click on trail image for trail map.
Points of interest along the trail
• The Field – you are passing through the field that was once farmed by the
Thomas 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 Thomas 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
Safety Information
· Check in at the Ranger Station and/or Visitor Center before and after your hike
· 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 another activity - this hike is very strenuous
· Ticks, mosquitoes, wasps, hornets, and chiggers are present here, use insect repellent
· Poisonous and non-poisonous snakes are present here – avoid going near any snake
· Collection of animals, plants, rocks, fossils, and artifacts of any kind is prohibited
· Adults must accompany children at all times
· Use caution on creek banks; the soil is unstable and may give way
· Use caution on the edge of ridges
· Severe thunderstorms may occur suddenly, there is no storm shelter on top of the hill
Trail map and guide are available at the Ranger Station and/or VisitorCenter.
Trailhead Location: Parking lot at Boyhood Home Unit at Knob Creek
Duration: 2 1/2 - 3 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous
Length: 1 1/2 miles (2.4 km)
Trail Type: In and Out
The Boyhood Home Unit at Knob Creek grounds are open daily dawn to dusk. The buildings are closed for the winter.
Welcome to Lincoln’s Boyhood Home at Knob Creek. A popular activity here 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. Please click on trail image for trail map.
Points of interest along the trail
• The Field – you are passing through the field that was once farmed by the
Thomas 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 Thomas 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
Safety Information
· Check in at the Ranger Station and/or Visitor Center before and after your hike
· 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 another activity - this hike is very strenuous
· Ticks, mosquitoes, wasps, hornets, and chiggers are present here, use insect repellent
· Poisonous and non-poisonous snakes are present here – avoid going near any snake
· Collection of animals, plants, rocks, fossils, and artifacts of any kind is prohibited
· Adults must accompany children at all times
· Use caution on creek banks; the soil is unstable and may give way
· Use caution on the edge of ridges
· Severe thunderstorms may occur suddenly, there is no storm shelter on top of the hill
Trail map and guide are available at the Ranger Station and/or VisitorCenter.
Trailhead Location: Parking lot at Boyhood Home Unit at Knob Creek
Duration: 2 1/2 - 3 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous
Length: 1 1/2 miles (2.4 km)
Trail Type: In and Out
The Boyhood Home Unit at Knob Creek grounds are open daily dawn to dusk. The buildings are closed for the winter.
Details
Duration
2-3 Hours
Activity
Hiking
Pets Allowed
Yes
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Reservations
No
Accessibility Information
Traill is not accessible as walking surfaces are rough, uneven, slippery, and steep – USE CAUTION! The trail is dirt with a few wooden steps and a wooden bridge that links to a strenous trail.