Knobstone Trail - Leota Trailhead

The Leota Trailhead is located east of the county road which goes north from Leota Road (paved) about 2 miles west of Leota; the trailhead is near a small power transmission line. The trail crosses several steep ridges as it heads south from the Leota Trailhead through the Clark backcountry area. It then drops into the lush North Branch Valley, one of the most scenic areas along the trail (abundant ferns, wildflowers and very large trees), before winding its way up a very steep slope. The trail then traverses rolling to rugged terrain again, past a few wildlife ponds, to the New Chapel Trailhead. The total length of this segment is approximately 9 miles.

To drive from the Leota Trailhead to the New Chapel Trailhead turn left (south) from the Leota Trailhead entrance road (gravel) onto a county road (unmarked) and proceed for 0.1 mile to Finley Knob (paved). Turn right (south) and continue for 1.7 miles to the first intersection (with New Salem Road (paved). Turn left (south) onto New Salem Road and proceed for 3.4 miles to the intersection with S.R.160 and continue for 1.8 miles to Liberty Knob (paved) to the left (north) - watch for “KT” post. Turn left (north) on this road and continue for 0.4 mile to the New Chapel Trailhead entrance road (gravel) to the right (east) - watch for “KT” post.