|
|
Post by mitsmit on Aug 12, 2016 5:33:11 GMT -8
How far are you from Michigan? As a first hike you might wanna look at doing a portion of the NCT in Michigan or the famous MRT-NCT Loop. Depends on where in Michigan, but for reference: it takes 2.5-3 hrs to get to Chicago from Indianapolis where I live so Michigan is definitely doable: probably like 4-6 hours depending on where. I have to drag my ass off to work no but am going to look at those two trails later tonight! Thanks for the info! Exactly the kind of stuff I need! |
|
|
|
Post by Coolkat on Aug 12, 2016 5:54:54 GMT -8
While doing the MRT-NCT loop, more than once I've run into a group from Indiana and I'll ask them what brings them all the way up here. The answer is... "this is best backpacking within a 6 hour drive". It would make an excellent 1 or 2 night 22 mile first time hiking trip. Lots of water (except for the west side) with great scenery.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 12, 2016 6:33:37 GMT -8
Hey there. I am planning to hike the Knobstone at the end of September or beginning of October. Everything I've read has said water sources can be a little unreliable. I will be parking my car at the southern terminus and having a shuttle service drop me off on the north end so I can hike back to my car and then just drive home. They charge $60.00 for the shuttle service.
For $10.00 a drop they will stash water for you at trailheads along the way. Here is their contact information. I spoke to them a couple days ago and they are very knowledgeable about the trail.
Go -Deep Adventures
8176 E. Lost College Rd. Pekin, IN 47165 USA.
(812)896-7671
salembsw@gmail.com
|
|
|
|
Post by mitsmit on Aug 12, 2016 18:35:24 GMT -8
Go -Deep Adventures 8176 E. Lost College Rd. Pekin, IN 47165 USA. (812)896-7671 salembsw@gmail.com Perfect!! Thanks! |
|
|
|
Post by mitsmit on Aug 12, 2016 19:15:49 GMT -8
Lots of water (except for the west side) with great scenery. So question: for the MRT-NCT Loop would you do the river trail first (east side) ant then back up the NCT on the west side or other way around or same either way? Sounds like you're from up there: when's the best time of year to go? Late Sept? |
|
|
|
Post by Coolkat on Aug 14, 2016 7:33:22 GMT -8
So question: for the MRT-NCT Loop would you do the river trail first (east side) ant then back up the NCT on the west side or other way around or same either way? Sounds like you're from up there: when's the best time of year to go? Late Sept? I almost always start at Red Bridge and hike north on the west side (no water) and then hike back south on the east side. Mainly because I like saving the best for last. If you're looking for a fall color hike wait until about the 2nd week of October. If you wanting cooler weather the last Sept is good. The west side is only about 9 miles or so and can easily be done on a liter of water and you can fill up at Eddington Creek at the north end. This might be a good 1st trip as it's a loop and doesn't require a shuttle or 2nd car. Also it's a popular trail and will see people if for some reason you think you're in trouble at some point. If you're seriously considering this you might wanna check out this discussion in the "midwest" area. MRT-NCT LooopHere are the pics from last fall's hike... 2015 MRT-NCT Loop |
|
|
|
Post by mitsmit on Aug 17, 2016 3:40:16 GMT -8
If you're seriously considering this you might wanna check out this discussion in the "midwest" area. MRT-NCT LooopTHANKS! |
|
|
|
Post by topshot on Sept 17, 2016 14:21:28 GMT -8
I assume you are near Indy if you visit the REI. I'm over in Terre Haute. For your first trip, I'd go to Shades State Park (only one with a "backpack" camp). It's short (2.5 miles in) and easy. There is water and pit toilet at camp. This gives you a chance to test your gear without having to worry about other things (though nothing says you can't filter your own water or properly poop in the woods there). Make your second trip in the Deam Wilderness SE of Bloomington. Gives you lots of options instead of an out and back or end to end. You don't have to stay on trail either though I would until you learn how to navigate. I've done several trips there with my sons and Scouts. You could easily stay out for several nights if you wanted. This won't answer all your questions, but it will help you on a gear list. |
|
|
|
Post by mitsmit on Sept 18, 2016 5:03:30 GMT -8
I assume you are near Indy if you visit the REI. I'm over in Terre Haute. For your first trip, I'd go to Shades State Park (only one with a "backpack" camp). It's short (2.5 miles in) and easy. There is water and pit toilet at camp. This gives you a chance to test your gear without having to worry about other things (though nothing says you can't filter your own water or properly poop in the woods there). Make your second trip in the Deam Wilderness SE of Bloomington. Gives you lots of options instead of an out and back or end to end. You don't have to stay on trail either though I would until you learn how to navigate. I've done several trips there with my sons and Scouts. You could easily stay out for several nights if you wanted. This won't answer all your questions, but it will help you on a gear list. Hey Thanks! I've been to Shades! and I have seen Deam on the map and read about it in a few places. Thank you thank you for the info! (The doc is AWESOME information too). Oh yea, I live DT indy--hence the need to GET OUT! haha |
|
|
|
Post by topshot on Sept 18, 2016 17:37:08 GMT -8
At least you're getting to the best time to get out in IN. Summer is pretty nasty with all the humidity. Given my choice, I'd only camp in IN Oct to May. I head to western mountains in summer.
|
|
