Solo Day Hike from Jackson Road Trailhead to Round Knob on the Knobstone Trail

This was a very short hike. I clocked 2.48mi (almost 4km) on this one. The severity of the terrain was more than I imagined and I neglected to bring my trekking poles, which I believe would have made a big difference. The ticks were fierce. I stopped counting after about 20. None of my gear or clothing had been treated. (#rookiemistake) Most of them were tiny, too. I don’t think it would have been as bad if I had stayed on the proper trail. I had purchased a beautiful map of the KT last year at the office at the Clark State Forest, but managed to forget that also. I had the hike pulled up on Gaia, but did not take the time to look at it in the most critical moment. This hike was monumental to me. This was something I’d had little hope of ever doing in years past. What, to many, would be inconsequential, was Herculean for me, psychologically. I am thoroughly excited to do it again with Seth, my son, and spend the night at the top of Round Knob.