Published August 8, 2025 03:23PM
Midwesterners, Rejoice: These Are The 6 Best Multiday Backpacking Trips In The Heartland
These multiday trails offer scenic nature in a convenient package.
(Photo: Arkansas Tourism, Casey Crocker)
While completing a thru-hike like the Pacific Crest or Appalachian Trail is the dream, for most of us, devoting that much time to a trail is sadly a logistical impossibility. And for those of us living in the Midwest, traveling to the coasts to hike is a major financial and time commitment. Luckily, hikers in the Heartland have plenty of options when it comes to multiday trails that can conveniently and easily scratch that itch to escape into the backcountry. Find our favorite 30- to 70-mile-long trails in the Midwest below.
Buffalo River Trail, Arkansas
- Distance: 36 miles
- Elevation Gain: 6,775 feet
The Buffalo River is one of the last undammed national rivers in the United States, and has long been popular with outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes, from anglers to climbers to paddleboarders. This mighty river will be your constant companion on the Buffalo River Trail (BRT), which runs from Boxley to Pruitt in Arkansas. Hikers will walk along precipitous bluffs above the river that provide particularly impressive views of leaves changing during the fall. The trail has multiple campsites, allowing hikers to customize their itinerary to their mileage preferences. Hikers tired of the rat race that comes with getting permits on Recreation.gov for popular trails will rejoice that no permits or reservations are required for the BRT.
Find more information here.
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Lakeshore Trail, Michigan
- Distance: 42 miles
- Elevation Gain: 6,273 feet
If you’re looking for a good choice for your first solo backpacking trip, the Lakeshore Trail in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a great candidate. You’re never too far from civilization and a main road, but you’re far enough away that you can relax and unwind. The 42-mile trail runs along Lake Superior in Pictured Rock’s National Lakeshore. Signage is ample, the trail is flat, and water access is plentiful. Mile after mile is full of impressive rock formations, thundering waterfalls, and crystal blue water. Be warned that visiting from May to August might mean overlapping with black fly season; these pesky bugs have a painful bite. Permits and campsite reservations are required, but they’re relatively easy to secure.
Find more information here.
Illinois and Michigan Canal State Trail, Illinois
- Miles: 62 miles
- Elevation Gain: 597 feet
Backpackers who like a dose of history with their time in nature should check out the Illinois and Michigan Canal State Trail, a route that guides hikers past historical sites important to the industrial development of the Midwest. The trail follows the Des Plaines and Illinois rivers along the Illinois and Michigan Canal, which was the first water route to connect the East Coast to the Gulf of Mexico. Backpackers will also get to experience some of the region’s best state parks, including Channahon, Gebhard Woods, and Buffalo Rock. Permits are required for camping from respective state park offices.
Find more information here.
Lake Superior Trail to Little Carp River Trail to North Mirror Lake Trail, Michigan
- Miles: 37.3 miles
- Elevation Gain: 3,238 feet
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park offers a choose-your-own adventure backcountry experience, with 90 miles of trails in a rugged landscape on the shore of Lake Superior. Our best bet for an itinerary that covers the best the park has to offer is as follows: Lake Superior Trail to Little Carp River Trail to North Mirror Lake Trail, a loop that takes you past waterfalls, lakes, and historic sites. The Porcupine Mountains, also affectionately known as the Porkies, offer enough elevation change to achieve scenic views without making you worry about your knees. There are multiple backcountry camping sites across the park, so it’s easy to design your ideal route. Permits are required for overnight stays and can be obtained here.
Find more information here.
Centennial Trail, South Dakota
- Distance: 118 miles
- Elevation Gain: 12,307 feet
If completing the whole Centennial Trail isn’t in the cards, try hiking its most iconic section instead. The 35 miles in the Black Hills’ Black Elk Wilderness and Custer State Park take hikers past stunning rock formations, creeks, lakes, and Black Elk Peak, the highest natural peak in the Midwest. Start at the Big Pine Trailhead and hike to the Highland Creek Trailhead for a multi-day trip that will have you questioning why you haven’t visited South Dakota before. If you’ve got time, hike another 6.2 miles to the Norbeck Trailhead to experience Wind Cave National Park, home to one of only four free-roaming bison herds in North America. Multiple government bodies along the trail issue required permits.
Find more information here.
Border Route Trail, Minnesota
- Distance: 64 miles
- Elevation Gain: 10,624 feet
Any Midwestener knows that most of the region is unbearably hot and humid in the summer, making it hard to get outside and enjoy nature. Northern Minnesota is a welcome escape during this season, with temps in the mid-60s, easy access to lakes and streams, and miles and miles of trails to explore. The Border Route is a remote, rugged backcountry trail that follows the Canadian-American border. It crosses some of the state’s most beautiful natural areas, including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Permits are required for certain sections of the trail.
Find more information here.