Trip Suggestions

IndianaHiker · 07-16-2011, 11:53 PM

Thought I would throw this out to you all and see what suggestions come back. Looking at my recent check stub I realized that I have 10 day so vacation that I have to use or loose by Thanksgiving. Thinking that I need to do a backpacking trip. Looking to do this in Sept. or Oct. after the weather cools a bit.

What I am asking you all is for suggestion on where to go. Would like to keep within a days drive 8 to 10 hours of Southern Indiana. Thinking of doing a section of the AT but opening for suggestion for what sections or other ideas. As it stands now local hiking buddies are looking like a no go so this maybe a solo trip. However after chatting with many of you here wondering of any of you would like to meet up and head out for a few days. Not sure if the AT is the best place but was thinking of it as I kind of like the idea of being able to hit a town to resupply instead of packing a weeks worth of food. After all this is a vacation not work.

So any ideas or anyone interested in going. Might be fun to get out with some of the people here that chat together all the time.

Refrigerator · 07-17-2011, 05:44 AM

Mt Rogers Virginia the week of July 22 through the 24Th......Views and plenty of freedom atop of 5000 ft and above...Watching/reading your post I like your input and experience.

Judy Ann · 07-17-2011, 07:28 AM

I think he wants to do something in Sept/Oct. Indiana, check out Fridge's Trekexpeditions.com site for planned trips. Dolly Sods in October might be fun for you!

eyebp · 07-18-2011, 07:46 PM

Hey brother from another mother. Let me know if you head to the AT, North Ga or anywhere south of you and I may tag along if you are still looking for another body to share a trail. You also may shoot Cgap a msg. He knows the Smokies as well as anyone and that dude is soooooo easy to persuade into a trip. I've seen him call in sick to sleep in a tent more than once. Me and him have tore up North Ga, being roughly our halfway point, if you need any ideas about the area.
The Cohuttas would be BEAUTIFUL that time of year.
Oh, just remembered this. The SEC is Doing Halloween on the Bayou for (I think) the third year in a row. I can vouch for all those people. Very good and fun people. Look in the southern forum on BP.com for updates. We have a big thing here on All Hallows Eve at home so I have yet and probably won't be able to make it to one of those.
Me....in the same situation....would head my arse down to the Cohuttas and do the Jacks River Trail. Then I would Head to The Sipsey in Alabama and do the river trail. After that I would head to Halloween on the Bayou. Or reverse all that. (Holla at LostSheep if you go to The Sipsey. That's his backyard and you could probably talk him into going fairly easily)

eyebp · 07-18-2011, 08:00 PM

I want to add to what I said. Personally I wouldn't do The Jacks River Trail Solo. You have to cross the river a ton of times and it can be challenging/tough at places. Just my opinion. Sipsey? I might would solo it. If you do the river trail you don't cross the Sipsey Fork, only a small inlet once. But you are right on the river for almost the entire trail and you never know what could happen. Especially if you are like me and sipping on Jim Beam whenever you are in the woods.
And.....if you do part of the AT try to hook up with Tdale. That is kinda-sorta his neck of the woods. Actually,if you do the other trails I mentioned shout at him too... he is an avid fisherman and when asked is more than ready to share tips and tricks about river fishing.
Damn I'm long winded.

IndianaHiker · 07-18-2011, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eyebp

I want to add to what I said. Personally I wouldn't do The Jacks River Trail Solo. You have to cross the river a ton of times and it can be challenging/tough at places. Just my opinion. Sipsey? I might would solo it. If you do the river trail you don't cross the Sipsey Fork, only a small inlet once. But you are right on the river for almost the entire trail and you never know what could happen. Especially if you are like me and sipping on Jim Beam whenever you are in the woods.
And.....if you do part of the AT try to hook up with Tdale. That is kinda-sorta his neck of the woods. Actually,if you do the other trails I mentioned shout at him too... he is an avid fisherman and when asked is more than ready to share tips and tricks about river fishing.
Damn I'm long winded.

Sent you a PM.

DragonAge · 07-19-2011, 01:47 PM

You could go to Hocking Hills. It wouldn't be that far of a drive and there are a ton of trails there that you could enjoy. Plus, there are some really good deals around that time of year on cabins and other rentals.

Ilovelife · 07-19-2011, 05:43 PM

Heading south that time of year might be your best bet. It is hard to predict the weather, but the further north you are the more chance you will have for early cold weather.

IndianaHiker · 07-20-2011, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DragonAge

You could go to Hocking Hills. It wouldn't be that far of a drive and there are a ton of trails there that you could enjoy. Plus, there are some really good deals around that time of year on cabins and other rentals.

Thanks for the suggestion. After looking at some maps of that area I do want to hike that area. Think some time in the future I will head that way for a weekend trip. How many miles of trails are in that State Park looking at the map seems like a bit short for a 7 to 10 day backpacking trip. As far as the cabins a lot of them look nice but here is what I plan on sleeping in.

White-Lightnin

IndianaHiker · 07-20-2011, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ilovelife

Heading south that time of year might be your best bet. It is hard to predict the weather, but the further north you are the more chance you will have for early cold weather.

Cold for me isn't a problem as I am one of the basket cases that go year round. I often do trips when the temps reach single digits. However looks like I am going to be going south to meet a few friends that I have meet here and on another form. Starting to get excited hiking a new area and meeting some internet friends for the first time. Will post more info when I have some.

Thanks everyone for your input.