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backpackbman 
Group: Members
Posts: 18
Joined: Oct. 2010
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Posted on: Sep. 30 2012, 7:33 pm |
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Looking to see if anyone has suggestions for the upcoming weekend Oct 5-8. Was planning on Porkies, but with the way the weather looks (cold and rain/snow), I think I'll put that off until late Spring.
Stipulations: within 8 hours of Chicago, good back country hiking, place to walk in and have a base camp--allowing for day hikes from a centralized point, great views & wildlife. Water sources are a must. Seclusion, if possible.
Big Fork? LBL? Red River Gorge? Haven't had the opportunity to visit these as of yet, looks like weather might be best out that way. Thoughts?
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| Post Number: 2
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OnDaRox
Group: Members
Posts: 27
Joined: Jan. 2009
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Posted on: Sep. 30 2012, 9:07 pm |
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Try the Charles C Deam Wilderness in Southern Indiana or Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois. Either should be around 6 hours from Chicago.
I hiked in the Deam late last October, it was awesome! Cool days, chilly nights, and there are streams and a lake in the area. Do an Internet search for "Patton Cave" for an unmarked adventure.
I've not hiked in Shawnee Nat'l Forest but I've found a lot of information about the area within these forums.
I believe Deer Season starts on Monday for bow, so keep that in mind and have some orange blaze on ya!
Tom
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| Post Number: 3
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Hungry Jack
Group: Members
Posts: 1292
Joined: Nov. 2002
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Posted on: Oct. 08 2012, 8:32 pm |
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No offense, but Deam is not worth the 5 hr drive from Chicago. Not even close.
Pictured Rocks would be a GREAT choice if there is a good weather window. A great base camp option would Chapel Beach for a few days, and then maybe a trip to Grand Island.
Big South Fork is another good option, though I'd peg the drive at 9 hours. You might be able score a night at Charit Creek Lodge. There are some nice loops nearby.
The Shawnee in southern IL will surprise you. Some good base camp options would Bell Smith Springs (NFS campground, so not quite secluded), Garden of the Gods (same, but likely pretty empty), Bay Lake (a long hike to Double-Branch Falls, Jackson Falls, and Peter Cave; shorter hike to Jackson Hollow) or the Lusk Creek Wildnerness (several loops)
You can also consider the Ozark Trail in Mo. The Taum Sauk section is quite scenic, and you can camp at Johnson Shut-ins to enjoy scenic walks on two different segments. I am also partial to the Middle Fork section.
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hikerJoe2
HikerJoe2
Group: Members
Posts: 112
Joined: Oct. 2010
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Posted on: Dec. 18 2012, 2:04 pm |
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I think the Red River Gorge might be about an hour over your time constraints, but it is well worth the drive. Beautiful views, plenty of water available, challenging hiking...what more can one ask? Where did you end up going?
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HikerJoe2
Plymouth, IN
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