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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2016 6:35:54 GMT -8
From Chicago and looking for a place we can go backpacking. I know Manistee River Trail loop but I think 20 miles is a little short for 3-4 days. We are also bringing our dog which I know does limit some of our spots. We do have about a 6 hour drive limit as well. Any ideas for some spots?
Thanks
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2016 7:41:03 GMT -8
Also looking into Hoosier National Forest if anyone has any experience there.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2016 12:06:02 GMT -8
Check out Shawnee NF. I've been there plenty of times and it is great! Here is a post from this forum detailing locations. bpbasecamp.freeforums.net/thread/2057/hungrys-shawnee-list-great-spotsI've heard good things about the Charles Deam Wilderness in Indiana which is a bit closer than Hoosier. (I haven't been to Deam or Hoosier, but did the MRT twice already) |
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Hungry Jack
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Post by Hungry Jack on Jun 28, 2016 13:10:26 GMT -8
My first thought is the 42 mile Shoreline trail at Puctured Rocks, but no dogs are allowed in the backcountry. This is true of any national park land.
The Shawnee is a good option, but will be hot and buggy. I posted a threa here with a list of Shawnee spots. For 3-4 days, I'd suggest Garden of the Gods through One Horse Gap, Lusk Creek, and finishing at Bell Smith Springs. The NF office has a very good trail map. Much, but not all, of the route uses the River to River Trail.
In Michigan, the High Country Pathway might be an option, but it's probably 7 hours.
You might consider combining Ludington State Zoark with Nordhouse Dunes wilderness, but it would be a leisurely pace or you run out of terrain.
There should be some Wisconsin options, such as Black River State Forest, but I don't know the area well.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2016 16:44:29 GMT -8
Currently Chicago is home as well. I just finished doing the Ice Age in Kettle Moraine North Unit as three ~20 mile out and back dayhikes. 31 miles of trail there with some side trail options possible. www.iceagetrail.org/backpacking/ |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2016 17:56:51 GMT -8
Sweet thanks for the tips everyone. My fiancee decided on the Nordhouse Dunes. Now to hope the weather holds up at the end of July.
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Hungry Jack
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Post by Hungry Jack on Jun 28, 2016 18:17:54 GMT -8
Sweet thanks for the tips everyone. My fiancee decided on the Nordhouse Dunes. Now to hope the weather holds up at the end of July. Good call for July. The lake will keep you cool. Consider entering Nordhouse from Ludington State Park using the trail system. You can bushwhack the dunes on thesouth end of Nordhouse and find your way to Lake Michigan. It's fun if you like route finding. |
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driftwoody
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Post by driftwoody on Jun 28, 2016 18:23:43 GMT -8
If you're willing to drive a little further, Red River Gorge in Kentucky is about 6.5 hours and Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in Upper Michigan is about 7.5. I live in the western suburbs, and those are my two favorite destinations within that range.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 29, 2016 2:35:51 GMT -8
Haven't gotten to Nordhouse yet, but having grown up in SI I would definitely go north over south in July and definitely enjoy the Superior shore in July-August.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 3, 2016 12:35:33 GMT -8
Just got back last night. Had a great time with 2 nights on the Manistee River and 3 nights at Nordhouse Dunes. My fiancee had a blast and wants to backpack more. Now just need to improve the food situation. Need to learn how to dehydrate our own meals.
The Manistee River portion we ended up at a hike in/Canoe in spot. It was very relaxing and the bugs were not that bad. We did hike up the river on an umarked trail until we couldn't go any further.
I would highly recommend Nordhouse Dunes if you love the beach. It was amazing to look out at the lake then turn around and see a huge forest. Every evening we were able to watch the sunset over Lake Michigan. We were there Saturday evening until Tuesday Morning. We definitely will be going again next year during the week. It felt like we had the beach all to ourselves Sunday and Monday.
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Post by Coolkat on Aug 3, 2016 12:53:30 GMT -8
Thanks for the report back. Although I'm in Michigan I haven't yet hiked Nordhouse. However, it will be done before summer gets too far gone. Although a bit crowded I think you'd like the 22mile MRT-NCT loop. Here are some pics.... MRT-NCT LoopDon't forget about North Manitou Island. Ferry costs about $36 + $10 park fee & $5/night/per person |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 4, 2016 3:36:35 GMT -8
Thanks for the report. Glad it went well for you. As pets are prohibited on North Manitou this option may be out for you, but the loop is still a nice option. Glad Coolkat had some pics of it that area (:edit: been there now, but day was very sunny, so glad) his turned out. I would also look into the NCT in general, there are some nice sections of it a little closer to Chicago. |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 4, 2016 9:13:26 GMT -8
Also don't forget: www.facebook.com/northcountrytrail/ And the fact that their HQ in Lowell, MI is really not that far from Chicago (near Grand Rapids,so also an excuse for a Founders side trip if you are a fan of beer).
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Hungry Jack
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Post by Hungry Jack on Aug 4, 2016 13:06:19 GMT -8
Gratifying to hear you had a good time at Nordhouse. I think it's a place that can be whatever you want (outside of a PCT-type experience). You can have a pleasant hike / camp along a long, sweeping beach, or disappear into the dunes and woods for a bit of route-finding and uncharted exploration without worrying about becoming the Donner Party.
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