Indiana Backpacking hang/trip. Mid-Late March.

So... I have all of march 19-26 free and I really want to get out and get a decent backpacking trip in. I've been wanting to get out on the knobstone trail for awhile now and thought now would be a good time to do it. It seems that this trail is a challenge and that is exactly what I'm looking for.

The trail is in southern Indiana and is 48mi long. This would be a 3-4 night trip. Plan on 12-15~mi days. Not a loop, will require shuttle or at least two cars.
Date of trip is flexible within the days of march 19-27.

If someone is deadset on a different trail, I'm flexibile and open to suggestion. I really just want to get out on a decent length trip.

I'm located in southeastern Indiana.

Thanks

The Hoosier Hang will be April 15th.

Trout and a few others have been kicking around ideas for a shakedown before then. Knobby might be a bit ambitious for that, but you might get some takers, or suggestions for something shorter. Make sure to post that thread, and we'd sure be glad to have you join the HH in April.

Myself and a few others hiked the knob last June. HAd a great time....if you start at the top and work down....unless your in very good shape good luck doing 12 -15 miles a day.....Knobstone trail designers were NOT hikers.....no switch backs at all....more like inline UP and down.....

We done 8 in the top per day, and went to 13 closer to the end....
Good time....

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jerry ( the Hiker )

Myself and a few others hiked the knob last June. HAd a great time....if you start at the top and work down....unless your in very good shape good luck doing 12 -15 miles a day.....Knobstone trail designers were NOT hikers.....no switch backs at all....more like inline UP and down.....

We done 8 in the top per day, and went to 13 closer to the end....
Good time....

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You're right, had a very interesting evening stuck on that trail with no switchbacks, little did we know.. was lookin' like we were sleepin' in the woods that night (were plannin' on a quick 2 hour hike) and I'd be missing work.. stroke of luck and hitching a ride with some hunters on a ATV and it saved the evening.

My shakedown is scheduled for the 1st weekend of April- probably one of the trails on the Deam for two nights.

can anyone recommend a good trail book or source for Southern Indiana. I may take my son for a quick trip over Memorial Day weekend.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jerry ( the Hiker )

Myself and a few others hiked the knob last June. HAd a great time....if you start at the top and work down....unless your in very good shape good luck doing 12 -15 miles a day.....Knobstone trail designers were NOT hikers.....no switch backs at all....more like inline UP and down.....

We done 8 in the top per day, and went to 13 closer to the end....
Good time....

---

Hey jerry...is the North half or the southern half tougher? I've sectioned it all but just curious as to your thoughts...

I believe the northern section is tougher....after Elkcreek, ( going South ) it is bigger hills, but not as steep....seems like the trail mellows out more....

Jerry

Oms - All the "books" I found showed that Indiana has mostly day hiking trails that are shorter than 3 miles. There are only a few trails (to my knowledge) that are backpacking trails. The best sources have been internet sites. backpacker.com and the southern indiana backpacking club - based out of Bloomington or Indianapollis.