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Backpacker Magazine – October 2001
Best Backpacking In Indiana
Our comprehensive guide to the best backpacking you can find in Indiana.
Knobstone Ridge Trail
Stop. Listen to the leaves of some of the oldest trees in the state chattering in the wind. You'll need distractions like that to keep your mind off the surprisingly steep climbs along this 58-mile trail following the 100-mile-long Knobstone Escarpment, one of the most rugged geologic formations in the Midwest. The trail, already the longest in the state, could get a significant boost if plans to extend it by 60 more miles succeed.
Contact: Indiana Department of Natural Resources, (317) 232-4070; www.in.gov/dnr/outdoor.
Hoosier National Forest
Shady hardwood forests above, caves, sinkholes, and springs below, this 197,000-acre playground is wild through and through. Good hiking abounds on trails like the 16-mile Two Lakes Loop, a national recreation trail with views of Celina and Indian Lakes and frequent sightings of wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, and quails.
Contact: Hoosier National Forest, (812) 275-5987; www.fs.fed.us/r9/hoosier.
Charles C. Deam Wilderness
Somewhere, Charles C. Deam is smiling. And he should be. A pioneer forest conservationist and the first state forester in Indiana, Deam is the namesake of this beautiful 13,000-acre wilderness, which offers nearly 36 miles of pleasantly forested trail (some open to horses).
Contact: Hoosier National Forest, (812) 275-5987; www.fs.fed.us/r9/hoosier.
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READERS COMMENTS
I recently hiked the loop around Indian Lake and I would not suggest this to anyone. The trail was an overgrown 4-wheeler trail that was rutted up and not scenic. This short day hike was miserable. The hike on the road back to my vehicle was more enjoyable.
The camping at the North Face site was wonderful and I will return to do it again but stay clear of the hiking.
Posted: Oct 20, 2011 Libby
I agree with Nick. There are over 25 state parks, 1 National Historic Park, 1 National Memorial and 1 of 4 National Lakeshores. That doesn't even include local county trails. I appreciate the effort, especially since the article is 10 years old but I'm thinking that an update is needed.
Posted: Aug 22, 2011 Eddie
This is your "comprehensive guide to the best backpacking you can find in Indiana." ? There are THREE trail suggestions and less info on these destinations than the introductions on wikipedia. Methinks you should revisit the meaning of the word "comprehensive". I think the term you're looking for is, "snapshot".
Posted: Mar 17, 2011 Nick Kamm
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