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Post by robert on Nov 25, 2017 10:19:08 GMT -8
I noted the question concerning day hikes in the Shawnee National Forest, but I am interested in some overnight backpacking trips. Is backcountry camping allowed in all or some of these areas mentioned in that post? I have heard of the River to river trail which I presume allows backcountry camping, but what about some of those other trails which are considered day hikes? I don't necessarily require a long hike in or a loop, just a place to backcountry camp. I recently purchased a guidebook on the area, but it focuses on day hikes. Thanks for your help.
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null
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Post by null on Nov 25, 2017 13:34:03 GMT -8
I don't know the answer but you might consider posting this to a horse group too as many of the offshoot trails from the River to River trail are used by equestrians.
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driftwoody
Trail Wise!
Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
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Post by driftwoody on Nov 26, 2017 19:17:12 GMT -8
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Post by ecocentric on Nov 28, 2017 20:15:25 GMT -8
This time of year it is easy to travel cross country to connect various different trails or just to leave other hikers behind. The rules about where you camp are pretty lax, so long as you aren't in the way of traffic or inside of a designated Recreation Area. There are a lot of places where you can hike a mile or three and find some nice overlooks or sheltering overhangs. I've done hundreds of hikes in the Shawnee, but very little backpacking in the last twenty years, having moved away, so check with the forest service for current rules. Explore this link for contact info, map ordering info, etc... www.fs.usda.gov/activity/shawnee/recreation/hiking/?recid=10669&actid=51Here is a map www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5421994.pdfUnless you are looking for a long hike, I wouldn't get too excited about more than parts of the River to River Trail. |
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driftwoody
Trail Wise!
Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
Posts: 14,983
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Post by driftwoody on Nov 29, 2017 7:15:47 GMT -8
I finished school at SIU in Carbondale 35 years ago and have returned to hike many times since, but always day hikes because the places I wanted to visit didn't require an overnighter. However, a good approach would be to do day hikes then select a spot where you can hike in a little ways to camp for the night. You'll have less of a load for most of your hiking and still have the back country camping experience.
That's pretty much what I do in Kentucky's Red River Gorge. There are a lot of good campsites in RRG less than half a mile off a road. If you plan properly you can hang out in the evening at a bluff or other scenic feature near the campsite.
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Hungry Jack
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Post by Hungry Jack on Jan 3, 2018 18:30:15 GMT -8
bpbasecamp.freeforums.net/thread/2057/hungrys-shawnee-list-great-spotsSorry to be late to the party. Plenty of options for short trips on the east side. The hike from Garden of the Gods west past One Horse Gap and through Lusk Creek is a good route. Or do some route finding to tour the scenic waterfalls west of Eddyville, starting with Double Branch, then Jackson Falls and onto Bell Smith Springs and then Jackson Hollow. My notes linked above give more detail
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driftwoody
Trail Wise!
Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
Posts: 14,983
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Post by driftwoody on Jan 4, 2018 15:57:25 GMT -8
Burden Falls is worth a visit, especially after a good rain. The canyon below the falls is fun.
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