Location: The terminal points of the trail are in Jackson-Washington State Forest and Deam Lake State Recreation Area. To reach the northern, Jackson-Washington Trailhead at Spurgeon Hollow, take US 50 west from the junction with SR 250 in Brownstown. In less than a mile, take SR 135 south13.1 miles to the gravel road entering the backcountry area to the left. Follow this road, keeping to the right, for 1.8 miles and turn right at the unmarked intersection, then take the first gravel road to the left to an intersection with a paved road; take this road south half a mile to a gravel road on the left marked with the "KT" sign; turn left and follow this road to the trailhead. To reach the southern trailhead in the Deam Lake Area, take SR 60 west from I-65 seven and a half miles to Carr Road; turn north here. Just Before the Deam Lake Gatehouse, take Broom Hill Road to the right to reach the trailhead.
Description: This is Indiana's Appalachian Trail, at a length of 50 miles; it crosses some of the state's most scenic areas, including the large stone outcroppings after which it is named, the closest thing to mountains we have here. It can be quite rugged; it ain't the Grand Tetons, but you'd better have your hiking shoes on. It passes through the more-or-less isolated backcountry areas of Jackson-Washington and Clark State Forest, and also recreation areas where you are likely to meet numbers of day-hikers or others. If you hump it you can do the trail in three days; five is a better guess, why not take your time? There are hollows, ponds, creeks and caves to be explored along the way, if you bring your topo map and check it carefully. The trail is well-marked with the "KT" sign, but best to have those maps anyway. The trail crosses several busy roads, so don't go to sleep when strolling along. I await hikers' descriptions of their favorite spots along the trail. You want a clearer description of the trail and points of interest along the way? Get "Nature Walks in Southern Indiana" by Alan McPherson.
Cautions: Rugged, like I said; no reliable sources of water, take your own or a filter. There are one or two shelters along the route, but better bring a tent or bivy to be on the safe side; this is Indiana, it is liable to precipitate at any time.
Facilities: Some shelters on the trail; regular campgrounds at several points.