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  1. #1
    Senior Member Ewker's Avatar
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    Southeast Missouri or Southern Illinois Backpacking

    Hamhocker and I are driving (from Nashville, Tn) up to see her family in St Louis, Mo over the Christimas Holidays. We are wanting to do an overnight backpacking trip on the way up. We would like to be able to do sometype of a loop trail if possible instead of having to backtrack. I am not that familiar with any trails in those areas so I am open to suggestions. Please post any links if you have them

    thanks
    'Classic.' A book which people praise and don't read.” ― Mark Twain

    Who cares about showers, gourmet food, using flush toilets. Just keep on walking and being away from it all.

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  2. #2
    Senior Member rngn's Avatar
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    Take a look at little grand canyon near murphysburrow IL only 4 or 5 miles but great hike

  3. #3
    Senior Member BullFrog's Avatar
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    If you drive up 55 through Missouri, the Whispering Pines trail at Hawn State Park is just off the highway, and is considered one of the best in the state. It's a 6 mile loop with a 10 mile option. Good water availability, nice views, and lots of wildlife (less so this time of year). No open fire allowed, though. That would be my choice. There are also a couple decent trails in Shawnee NF, but make sure camping is allowed in a particular area if you go that route; some areas are designated preserves and do not allow backpacking.

  4. #4
    Senior Member hairbear's Avatar
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    search ozark trail asociation,they have a contact number .they will send you anything that you ask for,very friendly,the mark twain national forest has trails everywhere.have a great hike.

  5. #5
    Senior Member Ewker's Avatar
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    thanks for all of the info so far. I am checking into the places mentioned
    'Classic.' A book which people praise and don't read.” ― Mark Twain

    Who cares about showers, gourmet food, using flush toilets. Just keep on walking and being away from it all.

    There are times that the only way you can do something is to do it alone.

  6. #6
    Senior Member Ewker's Avatar
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    bumping up for more suggestions

    hairbear, I did contact the Ozark Trail Association and they are sending me some info
    'Classic.' A book which people praise and don't read.” ― Mark Twain

    Who cares about showers, gourmet food, using flush toilets. Just keep on walking and being away from it all.

    There are times that the only way you can do something is to do it alone.

  7. #7
    Senior Member evilleotter's Avatar
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    LBL or GOG

    Land Between the Lakes has some good loop trails with great views of the lakes.
    Personally, I love to hike at Garden of the Gods near Shawnee Nat'l Forrest.
    It would be a little out of your way, but the trails and views are spectacular.
    Hope the weather cooperates for you. Have fun.

  8. #8
    Senior Member Disco's Avatar
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    We talked through PM, but for the sake of sharing with everyone....

    Depending on how many miles you want to do, these might be short for a two-nighter: Hawn is about an hour and 1/2 from St. Louis, there's also Meramec State Park's Wilderness trail that is about an hour from St. Louis out hwy 44. Also, we just went to Bell Mountain wilderness area near Potosi, MO. That's about 2 hours from STL, and is probably your best bet for a two-nighter because the Bell Mt. loop connects to the Ozark Trail, so you can turn it into a much bigger hike if you want...just the only part that is a loop is the Bell Mt. part which is about 12 miles worth. There's really neat stuff to see at all of these trails.
    Oh, and check out The Berryman Trail. I have not hiked it, but it says it's a 24 mile loop.
    With beauty all around you, may you walk.

  9. #9
    Senior Member Disco's Avatar
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    You could stop by Trail Of Tears State Park on your way up. There is the 10 mile PEEWAH TRAIL that might work out for you. I have not hiked this trail, but here is some info: http://mostateparks.com/trails/trail-tears-state-park
    With beauty all around you, may you walk.

  10. #10
    Senior Member BullFrog's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by CB4 View Post
    Oh, and check out The Berryman Trail. I have not hiked it, but it says it's a 24 mile loop.
    The Berryman Trail is a toughie. Seemingly endless switchbacks. When I did it, there were dozens of stream crossings, but it's been so dry recently I doubt that you would have that problem. It's a nice area, but if you do it, expect a workout.

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