America's Best Day Hikes: Midwest

Conkle's Hollow is part of Hocking Hills State Park. You might have trouble finding it without that info.

Just got back from Yellow River State Forest near Harpers Ferry, Iowa on a winter hike. Amazing time. Hills are much steeper than I had anticipated but it was worth it. We had the whole park to ourselves and the campsites were pretty nice. Saw a few deer and bald eagles and fell asleep to the sound of coyote howling. Highly recommend a trip to YRSF, only 3 hours from the Quad cities and far less crowded then other trails I've been on

A few more nice spots for shorter hikes would be Turkey Run/Shades SPs in IN and Whitewater SP in MN. Eagle Mountain trail in MN. One I really want to do in WI is Devil's Lake SP.

Please change your link for the Konza Prairie to one that works:
http://kpbs.konza.ksu.edu/konzatrails.html
Thanks.

I hiked the French Creek Trail and it was very much bushwacking. My girlfriend didn't tell me she only had tennis shoes and flip flops till we already started the hike. Very amazing place. Check out all the details at http://www.photocamping.com/frenchcreek.html

Just hiked the 9 mile loop at Itasca this weekend. The number of lakes in a small area is amazing! We broke for lunch along Lake Mary and saw some loons on the lake. I would recommend a LOT of mosquito repellent. The hike is great for beginners as well, with very little elevation change and well-maintained trails.

The Hawk Ridge trail is listed in the section of the article that's wildlife-focused, genius, not just for great hikes on the North Shore. And you see the raptors from the ridge, not along the trail. But if you know the area so well, you already know this. I've seen more raptors from here than anywhere else in the country.

Wow, no mention of the Ice Age Trail, NCT; and, of the great forests in northern MN, WI & MI, etc. There are so many great places to hike in the Midwest and none are mentioned here.

The listing for the Hawk Ridge trail in Duluth is very misleading and a poor choice. There is so much great hiking on the Minnesota North Shore of Lake Superior. This trail is two miles of trail and two miles of road. There are no spots on the trail where you'd see congregations of hawks. Next time, ask someone who actually knows the area for their recommendation.

I hiked part of the canyon today. There were several trees blown down over the road leading to the gate where you park to begin the hike. Also, several trees were blown down onto the trail that you will need to hike around. Ran into two water moccasins today (9-3-09). Beautiful place.