Backpacker Magazine – November 2012

Trail Mix: Great November Hikes in the Central U.S.

Your region's go-now guide: Perfect days in Indianapolis, Minneapolis, and Tulsa.

by: Nathan Pipenberg (Local Expert, Wolf Creek Falls) and Rachel Zurer

Tags:
• TrailMix
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• Texas
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• Wisconson
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• Indiana
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• Minnesota
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• Oklahoma
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• Michigan
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Perfect Days

Indianapolis, IN
Pine Hills Nature Preserve
Traverse a six-foot-wide ridge flanked by 100-foot dropoffs on this 3.6-mile out-and-back through a little-known preserve bordering Shades State Park. Then pick your treat for the way home: the donuts from Hilligoss Bakery (317-852-7451), or the gourmet chocolate at Donaldson’s (donaldsonschocolates.com). Trip ID 1231437

Minneapolis, MN
Wolf Creek Falls
This 7.8-mile loop stars the trail’s namesake 12-foot cascade, but also passes pink sandstone boulders and potholes. Before returning, get an early taste of Halloween at the Dead End Hayride in Wyoming, MN ($15; thedeadendhayrides.com). Trip ID 250708

Tulsa, OK
Robbers Cave State Park
Visit Jesse James’ hideout and wind through sandstone gorges on this 10-mile lollipop through the San Bois Mountains. On your way back to Tulsa, pull off at the Brooken Cove campground on Eufaula Lake to fish for blue catfish on this reservoir famous for its huge catches (bit.ly/eufaulalake). Trip ID 21248



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