Beginner Trail Near Indianapolis

“I live about 1 hr east of Indianapolis, IN. I am looking for a good trail to take my 9 year old daughter on her first overnight trip. I am still relatively new to backbacking myself so a clearly marked trail is preferred. We would also prefer primitive camping. I had considered the Adventure Trail, but am concerned about hearing it is not clearly marked. Thanks!”

“I took my family to the Charles Deam Wilderness for there first hiking experiences. They love the Pinnicala trail to the lake. They also enjoy exploring patton cave. I've taken my niece who's 9, on many trips and that was her first backpacking trip ever. She was hooked. There is also the adena trace trail that's on Brookville lake. There are many others here on TT that can make recommendations as well.”

“Deam Wilderness would be tops for your purposes.”

“A 9 year old would be the right age to get hooked on hiking. Boundless energy. Make it a great big adventure.”

“If you interested in getting a small group together to do the deam with other TT's and kids let me know and I will see what I can do.”

“I was told by staff at Brookville, camping is not allowed off the Adena Trace Trail in Brookville, IN. Only camping in the electric hook up campground is allowed.”

“You are correct about Adena Trace. And we have never done any back country camping there have we Randall?!?!?
http://www.thebackpacker.com/trips/trip/1178.php
check out the last trip TT did.
last edited: 6/04/07 7:41:04 AM”

“Thanks for the info & pics from the TT trip. I will check out Deam & Adena.”

“Hey Hoosier Hiker,,,,

Well I am new to all this too, but me and my kids, as well as two buddies of mine and their kids are probably going to hike an overnighter on the Knobstone Trail sometime in june/July...all depends on schedules ect.ect..let me know if your interested and how your overnighter with your daughter goes. We live just outside Crawfordsville just as a little fyi on us..”