Midwest Hot spots

“A friend and I want to take a week and just rough it somewhere in the midwest. We want to be able to hike out and do a multi-day camp. Any suggestions on a good park/forest that will provide enough room to hike and camp. We would like as much back country as possible with limited car access.”

“Check out the North Country Trail, esp. in Wisconsin. Or the River to River Trail in Southern Illinois.”

“Where RU at?”

“My hubby and I have visited the Upper Peninsula in Michigan--

If you have time, I haven't hiked it, but I've visited the Porcupine Mountains-- it is in the Northwest part of the Upper Peninsula.

Absolutely gorgeous "virgin" forest... there is the Lake in the Clouds and it is just absolutely one of the most beautiful places I've ever visited.

We only had time to do a short day hike there, but I understand that there is a lot of backcountry camping to do!

Also, I've been told that Isle Royale National Park is really cool as well.... no car access at all there-- you have to take a 4 hour ferry from Copper Harbor, MI.... I've never been, but friends who have had absolutely loved it.

Mostly, my hubby and I have done car-camping, but these are 2 places that I'm sure would offer more than a a little bit of back country camping!

Good Luck!”

“What Silent J said.

If we know where you are at, we can better help with suggestions.”

“I'm located in central Iowa, but we are willing to go just about anywhere in the midwest. This trip will most likely be in mid-October. Thanks for the replies. This is an awesome website.”

“I second ChicagoMark's comment of the River to River Trail in southern IL. Its about 170 miles going from the Ohio River to the Mississippi River through the Shawnee National Forest.”

“Welcome aboard, both of you!

I was born in Des Moines but live just outside the Detroit Metro Area! Ties to both.

From Iowa how about the Black Hills?”

“It kind of bends the mind to look at the map from a different spot. You are about as close to Rocky Mountain National Park as I am to the NW end of my home state, Michigan.

So, if I were you, I'd head to the Rockies.

But I'd also suggest Teddy Roosevelt NP. It has Buffalo, Bighorn Sheep, wild horses and great western terrain in the Midwest, N. Dakota.

And no one will be there.

Follow the Lewis and Clark Trail to get there or head to the Black Hills/Badlands and then take US-85, one of the BEST drives in America.”

“Another good idea reformed.”

“but, if you want great times, come floating in Missouri and save the backpacking for later.”