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Post by desertsp on Jun 24, 2018 20:32:33 GMT -8
Hello other Midwestern backpackers! I've always wanted to see what the Driftless area is all about. All I know is that driving west from Madison quickly turns into nice rolling hills and wooded areas with the occasional stream or rocky outcropping. Lots of wildlife too. There must be some great hiking or (even better) bushwhacking and backpacking out there! But most land is private property or farms so off limits  Anyone have a favorite place to spend an afternoon in that part of the state? Any decent backpacking |
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Hungry Jack
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Post by Hungry Jack on Jun 26, 2018 19:13:33 GMT -8
I just did a road cycling ride there in mid June called the Horribly Hilly Hundred. It was hilly by Midwestern standards. The most prominent feature is Blue Mound, which rises up 800 ft above the surrounding terrain. It was a really fun place to ride.
Not so sure about hiking. But I know Governor Dodge SP has some backpack trails. Wildcat Mtn SP also has a lot of hiking.
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Post by desertsp on Jun 27, 2018 5:34:40 GMT -8
Thanks! I'll check those out. I swear I've been to Dodge but it's not looking familiar, so I must b mixing it up with another park.
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Post by ecocentric on Jul 1, 2018 19:01:43 GMT -8
There are a number of State Forests in NE Iowa. Yellow River SP is large enough for short backpack trips. Along the river are a series of state parks that overlook the Mississippi river in bluff country. Goat Prairies, algific talus slopes, and a number of streams make this an interesting destination. I've spent a little time around SE Minnesota, and there is a lot to do in this area. Rail trails and country roads make for good bicycling, Rivers like the Root, the Iowa and Wisconsin are good canoe streams, the fishing is good, and there is a lot of wildlife. There are a lot of places to car camp. Lots of varied day hikes, but not so many long trails or vast wildernesses, but some great midwestern scenery. Wisconsin Driftless Area Hiking TrailsIowa TrailsHIKE, TOTALLY: TAKE A WALK IN THE DRIFTLESS
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Hungry Jack
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Living and dying in 3/4 time...
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Post by Hungry Jack on Jul 1, 2019 13:31:49 GMT -8
Drift less. Hike more.
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driftwoody
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Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
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Post by driftwoody on Jul 2, 2019 13:16:35 GMT -8
No need to get personal. HYOH, dammit! Wyalusing State Park is worth a mention, with Pikes Peak across the river in Iowa. |
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chena
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Post by chena on Jul 2, 2019 14:48:31 GMT -8
Lots of places to go. Everything that was mentioned is worth hiking. If you really want to get away by Midwest standards, Yellow River State Forest is it unless you go north. I am 5 minutes from the forest and hike there often and go camping. As you venture up the Miss River, lots of state parks on the WI side, some have backpacking sites. The further you go north the better it gets with the North Country and Lake Superior Trails. Effigy Mounds National Monument is also great for day hiking. We go to Gov Dodge State Park at least twice a year. Great park with lots of trails and some primitive walk in camping sites as well.
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lorax
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Post by lorax on Jul 28, 2019 4:24:42 GMT -8
Check out the Kickapoo Valley Reserve. Tons of trails. Great views. Nice camping options
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driftwoody
Trail Wise!
Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
Posts: 14,976
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Post by driftwoody on Jul 28, 2019 6:28:00 GMT -8
Check out the Kickapoo Valley Reserve. Tons of trails. Great views. Nice camping options Sounds great, I'll have to check that out. |
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jjo
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Post by jjo on Dec 30, 2019 10:19:25 GMT -8
Wildcat Mountain worth a stop!!!
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