Northern IN Hiking Trails ?

[Hunter55]

Anyone from the northern part of the Hoosier State that backpacks and hangs? I've done a lot of research and it appears most of the decent backpacking trails are in central and southern parts of the state. New to Backpacking and Hanging I want to do some personal testing as well a gear testing before I venture off on one of the bigger treks. I've found Glenwood Dunes trail within an hour NE of me. It's only 6 to 7 miles but does have a campground on the east end. No trail camping allowed. This would probably work for a short hike and an overnighter then back to the truck the next day. Just curious if any Northern Hoosiers have any other suggestions north of Indy.

[mountainhanger]

Blood root trail. Pretty nice campsite #2 If I recall. Shades state park is about 2 hrs sou th of hammond Gary had a backpacking camp about 2 miles I n but the rest of the park has some nice hikes

[david14]

Mostly state park in north east In. Chain o' lakes,Potato creek, & Pokagon state parks all have trails and
campgrounds. But no packin camping.

[Thistle]

I was on the Bloodroot trail 1 week ago. It is a 13 mile trail that loops. Campsite #2 is bigger than site #1. Site #2 has a picnic table and fire ring, although the table is about to collapse. I let the park folks at the interpretive center know that it needed replaced last fall- but I guess it's either not a priority, or not in the budget. I was at Shades about 2 weeks ago. I hiked in to the backpack campsites. I think there were about 8 of them. There is an pit toilet and potable water at the camp. It's not a bad place- but next time I will just set up at one of the campsites in the regular primitive campground and hike several of the other trails that have better views and cool rock formations and waterfalls.

[OneClick]

Northern IN is pretty much a bust, but at least there are some nice spots 3-4hours north or south.

[Hunter55]

Thanks for the info. I have looked at both Shades and the Bloodroot. Seems to be the closest options. With Memorial weekend coming up and a annual vaca to see the daughter in FL. I'll be looking to do my "first ever" hang soon after, probably at one of these two places. I believe I have enough kit to get me by for a couple days. The only question is night temps, as my only insulation is a PLUQ & window sunscreen with a Marmot Mummy. Did a few backyard hangs and didn't like using a pad. The PLUQ & WS did fine in the mid to upper forties, slept great once I got things adjusted. More problems with the noise of a couple state highways nearby than the DIY system. Man them UQ are pricey!