Midwest Hiking

“I'm just getting back into hiking after forgetting my true self for about 12 years (3 kids and 2 grad degrees later...).
Any recommendations for best weekend hikes in the Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Kentucky, Ohio region?
Does anyone on the board take their kids on trips?”

“Personally, I'd recommend Michigan and Kentucky. Tennessee has excellent hiking, too!

Yes, people take their kids. How many and how old are yours? I'm assuming that you live in Indiana. Is that true?”

“Hi Sunshine,
Yes, I'm in Indiana. I'm going to take the Low Gap (Morgan-Monroe) with a friend next week. It's a fairly quick 10 mile loop. Just looking forward to getting OUT THERE!
My kids are 10, 7, and 5. My 10 yr old has developmental delays and wouldn't be able to handle long hikes or rugged terrain. He would be a great base camper though. My younger two are excited to hit the trail, but I'll start them out with some very short loops to keep their interest sparked. :) I'm thinking of taking those two to Turkey Run next Friday.
Any specific trails you're thinking of in Michigan and KY?”

“Sounds like you got your priorities straight. I did everything with my kids except hike. I would change that. I'm in NW Wisconsin and just getting familiar with some of the area around here and, so, have nothing to offer about the states you mentioned. This summer I plan to hike the north shore of Lake Superior, northern half of Wisconsin and, hopefully, Isle Royal. Good luck to you.”

“Hi Indyhawk! The place that would be perfect for your ten year old is North Manitou Island. It's flat, beautiful, full of sandy white beaches and best of all you can camp anywhere so you don't have to walk a set mileage each day. We took out 3 year old there last summer, along with a bunch of other TTers and their children. Watch for another "All about the Kids" trip if you'd be interested in joining us this summer. Think it'll be the second weekend in August this year.

Other wonderful weekend hikes in MI include: Jordan River Pathway (pretty hilly, 18 milesI think, loop); Manistee River Trail (22 miles, hilly); Hoist Lakes (I think around fifteen miles,smooth trails, not too many big hills, with smaller loops possible); and the high country pathway, a 70 mile loop with smaller ones possible.

There's a great book called the "Trail Atlas of Michigan" by Richard Hansen. It shows almost every trail and nature path and Cross country ski trail in Michigan and is a great resorce.

Anyways, welcome to TT and if you have any questions feel free to email me, addy's in my profile, which is found by clicking on my name.”

“Oooooh, I definitely will be interested in hearing about the August Kids trip. Sounds like a great time. You all are so welcoming. Thanks, I'm glad to be here!
Are there other Hoosiers on the board?”

“If you want to base camp, there are tons of day hikes in Indiana Dunes--and it's not all sand and lake.

You need to beware of "Crazy Mike" who is the cult leader and if founder of his own club. Actually he knows A LOT about the area. I'm sure he will be posting here soon.”

“Hey Indy Hawk, where in Indiana are you? I live in Highland (up near Chicago)”

“Hola Indy Hawk,

I'm a Hoosier as well, up in NW Indiana (near Crazy Mike and Wounded Knee). I also have kids, 9 and 4. Good question!!! I plan to take them out more this summer and also go out on my own on trips.”

“Chicago Mark is right about the Dunes. Modern camping and some nice day hikes.

My schedule is cramed full of crap things to do every weekend until May. I was planning on taking my cousin down to Charles Deam Wilderness Area in the Hoosier National Forest on a weekend in May. I will let you know when we go. You wanna meet us, the more the merrier!”

“I'm west of Indianapolis.
Wounded Knee - let me know about Deam. I'd love to join you if it's a weekend I can arrange something for my kids. I have to be in Massachusetts toward the end of May, but other than that...
Vicsaw looks like I'll see you in Michigan with the kids!!!”

“Vic and I may be hiking next weekend in the Hoosier National Forest. I will keep you posted”

“Wounded Knee - I'll be driving my kids halfway to MA to meet their father for spring break. Dern. I'm sure I'll get to join up on a trip one of these days. Keep me posted!”