Trekking is a great outdoor activity because it is cheap and you can do it practically anywhere. Indiana is such an example and there is more than enough to wet the taste of any backpacker.
Backpackers and Indiana
While in the Midwest, you are never really far away from great hiking and climbing adventures. Trekking in Indiana can be especially rewarding, with a number of different sites available to suit any of your adventuring needs. Depending on your stamina, and whether you are traveling with children or inexperienced hikers, there are trails ranging from short walks in the Muscatatuk National Wildlife Refuge to the longest hiking trail in Indiana, Knobstone Trail.
Knobstone Trail starts at Deam Lake in the Southern Indiana Knobs area, and continues for 59 miles to Delaney Park in the north. There are several different legs of the trail that are mapped out for hiking, and any of these legs can be combined to create as long of a hike as you wish. The trail passes through Clark State Forest, Elk Creek Public Fishing Area, and Jackson-Washington State Forest. While using the Knobstone Trail, you'll be encountering an environment that many outdoors people compare to the Appalachian Trail (in fact, some people use the Knobstone Trail to train for the Appalachian Trail).
This trail runs across many different types of terrain because of its length and the areas it crosses through. As the Knobstone Trail runs along the Knobstone Escarpment, it contains many areas of elevation as well as sunken areas, so be prepared to do a bit of climbing. The trail also crosses some major roads at different points, so it is very important to be cautious when hiking these areas. Camping is allowed along the trail, but many other outdoor activities are prohibited because of erosion and other risks to the environment. The Knobstone Trail is a hiking-only trail, and no bikes or other modes of transportation are allowed.
If you remember to obey the rules of the land, hiking in Indiana can be an exciting adventure. Be sure to prepare yourself thoroughly for your trip on Knobstone Trail by packing all necessities and obtaining maps before setting out. Everything brought onto the trail (such as supplies) must be brought out again, and organic wastes should be buried. It is also recommended that you register at one of the offices within the State Parks or Forests if you plan to spend the night on the trail, for your own safety, though it is not required.
Rick Chapo is with Nomad Journals - makers of gifts for dad. Visit us to read more articles about backpacking.
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