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Post by nm4272 on May 6, 2017 11:56:18 GMT -8
Hello everyone,
ive just decided to start getting into backpacking so I've definitely got lots of questions. I've grown up in the up in the outdoors doing quite a bit of camping, just never backpacking. My big idea is to backpack from where I live to Austin. What is everybody's take on backpacking along highways? Is it too risky with traffic? How quickly can you expect to travel 26-30 miles? Thanks in advance.
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desert dweller
Trail Wise!
Power to the Peaceful...Hate does not create.
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Post by desert dweller on May 6, 2017 12:19:01 GMT -8
Welcome from the desert southwest, nm4272.
Getting back into backpacking is a good idea. It's a great way to rediscover yourself and nature.
Tough question about hiking along major highways. I can understand why you may want to go that route, though. There's probably not a lot of publically accessible back country in east Texas. Certainly traffic and just drivers in particular, is a major concern. Mostly because drivers aren't expecting to see some one walking highways and may not be looking out for them. Of course, there is also having to breath in vehicle exhaust and the chance of having stuff thrown at you. Paved roads and the curbed paths are not comfortable for long distances no matter what kind of shoe/boot you may have. Plus, it would be difficult to find camping places along the way. It wouldn't be possible to just step off the road and pitch a tent.
A better idea would be to train and get in shape around town and find a place for short overnight hikes till you're ready and able to get to more remote places.
Good luck. Feel free to ask just about any question.
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Post by nm4272 on May 6, 2017 12:47:05 GMT -8
Thanks for the reply desert dweller. I definitely plan to build up to a big trip. When I make this trip I'm looking at about a 260 mile trek. I've already started finding places online and trying to avoid any super major highways but it definitely will be impossible for the whole trip. You are definitely correct that there really isn't any publicly accessible backcountry. Around here everything is contained to parks so really they are just loops, that's why I'll have to do it this way. I did not think about people throwing things at you as you walk along the road. I was planning to try and walk along the roads in the grass so as to avoid the punishment of the pavement. You definitely gave me some things to think about, thank you.
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desert dweller
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Post by desert dweller on May 6, 2017 13:40:34 GMT -8
Have you thought about urban hiking? It was a "thing" not long ago. There may even be a club or a meet-up event in Austin.
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Post by trinity on May 6, 2017 14:21:51 GMT -8
Welcome, from the central part of the state. Backpacking along roads sounds like hell to me, but like most backpackers, the whole draw for me is solitude, peace, an escape from civilization, and the beauty of nature. There are not a lot of great places in Texas, but there is a fair amount of National Forest land, the Big Thicket, and the Lone Star Trail. But from northeast Texas your best options are in Arkansas, the Ouachita Trail and the Ozark Highlands Trail. Also, here is an interesting sounding trail I read about a couple of years back: link |
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Hungry Jack
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Post by Hungry Jack on May 6, 2017 19:16:19 GMT -8
It sounds like you are pretty close to some nice terrain in Oklahoma in the Ouachita Mountains. I'd go there. The Ouachita Trail runs over 200 miles, I believe.
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Post by cuzimthedad on May 7, 2017 6:05:13 GMT -8
Welcome from Northern California.
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toejam
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Post by toejam on May 7, 2017 6:33:51 GMT -8
The Goodwater Trail around Lake Georgetown is ~ 28 miles. You could do it in a day, but it's better in 3 days working on your backcountry camping skills.
Hike on!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 7, 2017 6:39:52 GMT -8
Howdy from Ohm in Idaho where the freeway system is great for just passing through.  |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 8, 2017 8:59:24 GMT -8
welcome, also from central texas.
i agree with what trinity and hungry jack suggested.
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kevin
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Post by kevin on May 8, 2017 10:34:55 GMT -8
Howdy, I am in NE Texas as well. I avoid the Highways as a rule and stick to the back roads when I am not headed to a State Park or Oklahoma like others suggested. Happy hiking.
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