Your thoughts? Trip ideas for a Midwest backpacking trip

[Gideon]

I would recommend you consider the Taum Sauk section of the Ozark trail. It's one of the best sections of trail in all of Missouri. It's 35 miles so maybe a bit long for your schedule but it's one of the best Missouri has to offer. You can hike through Johnson Shut-Ins state park and buy ice cream and see the shut-ins. Check out the hike on YouTube.
Gideon

[jdeering]

Thanks guys, we're going to Shawnee

[hawghangar]

Buffalo River Trail in North Arkansas is a great backpacking trip.

[Gideon]

Buffalo River Trail in North Arkansas is a great backpacking trip.

A bit of feedback about the BRT for anyone thinking of hiking it. I did it in April of 2016. Day one is mostly farmland where it appears they're trying to reclaim/build a trail. It's not bad but it's just a walk through farm land/woods for the most part. Day two is absolutely beautiful and a perfect day/overnight hike. Day 3 was through a lot of burned out areas. Not just controlled fires but serious fires that destroyed a lot of woods. That last day was still pretty in spots but it'll be years before that area looks nice again. Very unfortunate indeed! So it's still a nice three day hike but not the pristine or more "wild" exeprience some might be looking for. I would do it again but you'll want to manage your expectations.

Gideon