Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 12, 2016 20:21:56 GMT -8
Hi everyone! I live in Illinois and I'd like to do a 3- or 4-day backcountry backpacking trip not too far from me. In the past, I've found it very hard to find trails, as there seems to be no centralized and comprehensive trail database.
For all the backpackers out there, how do you go about finding and choosing the trails you'd like visit?
Thanks!
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frizz
Trail Wise!
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Post by frizz on Aug 14, 2016 17:13:17 GMT -8
Depending where u are. The Ozark trail offers multiple hikes. I'm planning on hitting taum Sauk mt- Johnson shut ins. Sometime late September, early
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Post by Coolkat on Aug 15, 2016 6:48:09 GMT -8
I can't advise on specific trails but I have car camped in the Shawnee National Forest and it was great. Surely there are some trails there. Also depending on how far "not too far from me." actually is, Michigan has options.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 19, 2016 8:17:47 GMT -8
I was specifically referring to references that I could use to plan a trip. Thanks!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 20, 2016 2:46:08 GMT -8
For all the backpackers out there, how do you go about finding and choosing the trails you'd like visit? 1) Find public land in your area or near to your area. Public land may be marked on a variety of maps. But look for such things as state parks, national parks, national forests, state forests, game preserves, etc. The entity that manages public land is called a "land manager." Land managers include, state or national park service, state or national forest service, bureau of land management, and so on. 2) Either a) look for a website for the land manager or by name of the public land, or b) find a detailed map of that public land. Websites often include maps, but paper maps can also be purchased elsewhere. Or, c) call or visit the public offices of the land manager and ask about hiking opportunities and hiking maps. 3) Purchase or download a detailed topographic map. Such maps often show trails, but the trail route may have been revised since the topo map was first published. Compare the topo map with any trail maps you are able to obtain from the land manager, or the land manager's website or office. 4) When you think you have found a trail or trails, do another web search by name of the trail. OR return to these forums and start a thread named by the trail name. Ask others what they know about it. |
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Hungry Jack
Trail Wise!
Living and dying in 3/4 time...
Posts: 3,809
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Post by Hungry Jack on Aug 20, 2016 13:25:57 GMT -8
The Ozark Trail Association has a great web site for trip planning. Ozarktrail.com
The North Country Trail Association has a good web site for finding segments in lower Michigan.
The Indiana DNR has a good list of backcountry trails.
The US Foresr Service has good info on Shawnee NF trails. If you look on this section, you will find my list of good Shawnee spots.
Google is your friend!
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Post by isawtman on Aug 21, 2016 5:38:43 GMT -8
what's not too far from you?
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driftwoody
Trail Wise!
Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
Posts: 14,999
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Post by driftwoody on Aug 24, 2016 19:09:31 GMT -8
Hi everyone! I live in Illinois and I'd like to do a 3- or 4-day backcountry backpacking trip not too far from me. In the past, I've found it very hard to find trails, as there seems to be no centralized and comprehensive trail database. For all the backpackers out there, how do you go about finding and choosing the trails you'd like visit? I found Red River Gorge and Natural Bridge State Park in Kentucky simply by looking at a road map of the state and focusing on the green areas indicating forests and parks. Once you find the place name you can find plenty of info with googling. Where in Illinois do you live, how many hours are you willing to drive, and what time of year are you planning this trip? My favorite 4 day backpacking loop in the upper Midwest is the "Grand Loop" in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, about a 7.5 hour drive from Chicago. The backpacking loop starts at Lake of the Clouds overlook and goes counter-clockwise via the following trails: Big Carp; Superior; Little Carp; North Mirror Lake; Government peak; Escarpment. Night 1 camp on Superior Trail between Big & Little Carp; night 2 at Mirror Lake; night 3 on the east end of the Escarpment. This is a spectacular hike I did the first weekend of October at peak fall color. If you have time drive to the waterfalls at the west end of the park. Below is a link to the pics from my 2008 trip: martysphotoalbums.shutterfly.com/451 |
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Post by Coolkat on Aug 24, 2016 19:15:31 GMT -8
Below is a link to the pics from my 2008 trip: Nice pics. I've never done the Porkies yet. Now it might be a toss up between this and the Kek/BRT next year. |
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